GBA Aims to Decentralize Governance, Expand to 500 Wards

New Civic Era for Bengaluru: ₹300 Crore Municipal Offices Set for November Launch 

Bengaluru, September 3 – In a significant move to decentralize and strengthen urban governance, the Karnataka government will commence construction on new municipal offices for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) on November 1, with a dedicated allocation of ₹300 crore, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Wednesday.

The ambitious initiative aims to bring civic administration closer to citizens, overhauling the existing structure by expanding wards and deploying dedicated teams of officers to address local issues directly from their respective jurisdictions.

A New Administrative Architecture for a Growing Metropolis

The foundation stone for the new civic offices will be laid on November 1, a project designed to serve as the physical backbone of the newly formed GBA. Unveiling the nameplate of the GBA’s new central office, Shivakumar outlined a comprehensive plan that includes establishing boundary towers to clearly demarcate each municipality’s limits.

To support the new administrative framework, the government has sanctioned ₹300 crore to cover initial expenses, including salaries and pensions. A major expansion of the ward system is also on the table, with proposals submitted to increase the number of wards from the current 198 to 500.

“The idea is to take governance to people’s doorsteps,” Shivakumar stated. “Municipalities will also identify and manage roads, drains, and other civic works within their jurisdiction.”

Citizen Design Input and Robust Staffing Plan

In a unique move to foster public participation, the Deputy CM invited citizens and architects to submit designs for the new municipal buildings. The government will select the top three to five designs, awarding each winner a cash prize of ₹5 lakh.

“People can share their ideas and designs. The best three to five designs will be selected, and the winners will receive a cash award of ₹5 lakh,” he said.

Each new municipality will be equipped with a robust administrative team, including two IAS officers, one KAS officer, two chief engineers, and supporting staff. To bolster technical expertise, approximately 500 engineers have already been approved for the authority. Maheshwar Rao has been appointed as the Chief Commissioner and Administrative Officer of the GBA until elections are formally held.

Media Updates: +91-93531 21474 [WhatsApp] | indianowme@gmail.com

High Expectations for Civic Commissioners

Emphasizing the weight of the responsibility, Shivakumar outlined high expectations for the appointed commissioners, noting that their role would require intense dedication to solving grassroots civic problems.

“Commissioners must work closely with citizens. They are expected to monitor works related to footpaths, water supply, and roads. Since this is a huge responsibility, they may have to work 17–18 hours a day. That’s why both senior and young officers have been appointed,” he explained.

Long-Term Vision and a Call for Public Cooperation

While the immediate focus is on establishing the new municipalities, Shivakumar clarified that merging other nearby local bodies into the GBA would only be considered after the inaugural elections. He also addressed the ongoing naming debate, stating he would seek suggestions and was open to a change if a better word than ‘GBA’ was found, affirming that the government was “not ignoring Kannada.”

Admitting that Bengaluru’s deep-rooted issues—from potholes and traffic to water supply—cannot be solved overnight, the Deputy CM expressed confidence in the long-term solutions the GBA would enable. He concluded with a call for public cooperation, essential for the new system’s success.

“People should honestly declare their properties and pay taxes. Only then can we achieve accountable administration,” Shivakumar urged.