Greater Bengaluru Authority formed replacing BBMP

The Governor approved the Greater Bengaluru Administration Act, which came into effect replacing the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) with the Greater Bengaluru Authority. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced this change during a media interaction at the Vidhana Soudha. He stated that the new authority will govern the expanded Greater Bengaluru region, potentially comprising at least three municipal corporations. Siddaramaiah will serve as the Chairman of this authority, and further decisions regarding its functioning will be made soon.

Addressing questions on the recent rain-related disasters, the Chief Minister assured that relief measures are underway. He chaired a joint meeting of the Karnataka State Policy and Planning Commission and the Decentralisation and Development Committee, emphasising the importance of public participation in decentralisation efforts. He suggested that budget presentation should be preceded by committee discussions and that state policy commission members conduct regular visits. Officers were instructed to ensure timely selection and regular meetings of policy planning committees at district and taluk levels. Recommendations from local bodies must be considered in budget discussions.

Siddaramaiah also stressed proper implementation of reservations in rural and urban local bodies as per constitutional provisions. The Finance Commission Chairman, C. Narayanaswamy, presented a report on financial aid to local bodies, which will be acted upon. The government aims to complete responsibility mapping for all departments by August 15, 2025. Surveying and defining extended village police station boundaries have been ordered for better governance. These reforms mark a significant step in strengthening local administration in Karnataka.