Reforms in civic governance is like a mirage for Bengaluru
The Hindu
B. S. Patil, Chairman of the reconstituted BBMP Restructuring Committee, albeit with a larger mandate, said they are working on a Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, updating it for today’s needs.
Karnataka government has set a two-month deadline for ward delimitation in Bengaluru (number of wards has already been reduced to 225 from the 243 fixed by the previous BJP government), and senior Ministers are mulling over holding civic polls in December this year. However, given the lack of clarity over restructuring the city’s governance structure, dividing the civic body into multiple corporations being one of several proposals, it is now feared that governance reforms may be pushed to the background, this time because of civic polls.
It can be recalled that BBMP Restructuring Committee, now reconstituted, submitted its report in 2015, but its recommendations were not implemented as the court mandated immediate civic polls. In June this year, the Karnataka High Court had set a 12-week deadline for ward delimitation.
The term of the previous council ended in September 2020. A new council is yet to be elected.
The former BJP government brought in a Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act, 2020, which the Congress has termed ‘a missed opportunity’, and reconstituted the committee to bring in governance reforms.
B. S. Patil, Chairman of the reconstituted committee, albeit with a larger mandate, said they are working on the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, updating it for today’s needs.
“All our recommendations will help to come up with an updated Bill, which could be passed in both the Houses of the legislature to implement governance reforms. The government hasn’t asked us to submit the draft of the Bill yet,” he said.
The committee was assigned an office in Vikasa Soudha a few days ago, and will start functioning from next week, he said. “But we have been meeting regularly and working towards preparing our recommendations and the draft Bill,” Mr. Patil said.
CCB arrests three drug peddlers in Mangaluru, seizing ₹2.5 lakh worth of MDMA and other valuables.
TVK's 28 candidates in Puducherry include former BJP MLAs, a sitting Independent, and a retired police IG.
BRS submits notice on private member bill to Speaker
CPI-M accepts DMK's five-seat offer for Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, prioritizing INDIA bloc unity over seat demands.
Ricky Rai, son of former underworld operative Muthappa Rai, on Monday appeared before the Bengaluru Traffic Police for questioning in connection with a case involving a Lamborghini performing dangerous stunts at Anil Kumble Circle on March 21.
The Dispur election heats up as 'CongBJP' defections shape a high-stakes contest between veteran candidates from BJP and Congress.
Bengaluru's M. Chinnaswamy Stadium conducts readiness drill ahead of IPL 2026, ensuring upgrades and technical preparations are complete.
First-level randomisation of EVMs completed in Nagapattinam for upcoming elections, ensuring transparency and security.
A district-level committee in Krishnagiri has been formed to assess and verify seizure claims of goods and cash.
Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy pledges government support for local fishermen and farmers facing challenges in Andhra Pradesh.
MP M. Sribharat urges collective efforts to revive Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, highlighting key reforms for crucial recovery and growth.
141 candidates have filed nominations for Kozhikode's Assembly elections, with scrutiny on March 24 and campaigning intensifying.
BJP's Vijayendra accuses Congress of using money to influence Bagalkot bypolls, urging voters to reject their tactics.