CM chairs first GBA meeting, directs focus on civic amenities

CM asked to identify locations for offices for five municipal corporations

- NT Correspondent

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah chaired the inaugural meeting of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), and directed the authorities to provide necessary basic facilities to the residents of the city, that include proper garbage disposal, reducing traffic congestion, and maintaining roads and sewage systems.

He has also instructed to take steps to keep the city clean, enhance its beauty, and increase the revenue of all five municipal corporations under the GBA.

The newly formed umbrella agency —the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)—will act as a coordinator, while the city will be administered by five corporations.

The GBA, chaired by the chief minister, includes 75 members, including MLAs, MPs, and MLCs.

However, BJP members boycotted Friday's meeting, and accused the Congress government of "dividing" the city founded by Nada Prabhu Kempegowda, and violating the 74th Amendment of the Constitution, which empowers urban local bodies to legislate and execute laws on municipal matters.

They also cited procedural lapses, including delay in sending the meeting agenda, as reason for the boycott.