Guv Returns Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill for Clarification

Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sent back the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, to the state government, seeking clarifications.

- Arun Dev

BENGALURU: Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sent back the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, to the state government, seeking clarifications. The legislation, which was recently passed in the state assembly, aims to restructure the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) by creating up to seven independent municipal corporations within Greater Bengaluru.

Law and parliamentary affairs minister HK Patil confirmed the governor's request, stating that the government would submit the bill again.

"Along with a note on clarifications, the bill would be dispatched to Raj Bhavan again seeking the assent of the governor," Patil said.

The bill is based on recommendations from a joint legislative review committee, led by Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad. It sets criteria for the proposed corporations, requiring each to have a minimum population of 1 million and a density of at least 5,000 people per square kilometer.

Patil also provided an update on legislative activity, revealing that since August 2023, the Karnataka assembly has passed 119 bills, with 83 already enacted into law. Four bills remain under the governor's review, while he has sought additional clarifications on seven others. Additionally, five bills have been forwarded to the President for approval.

The governor, in his note, asked the state government to review and resubmit the bill in light of concerns raised by citizens and protests from opposition leaders.