Bengaluru: The Karnataka Cabinet on Thursday approved significant amendments to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act (GBGA), paving the way for the inclusion of senior IAS officers as members of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA). The proposed changes will be tabled in the upcoming assembly session.
Three Senior IAS Officers to Join Greater Bengaluru Authority
As part of the amendments, the government has decided to include:
- The Chief Secretary,
- The Additional Chief Secretary (Urban Development), and
- The Additional Chief Secretary (Finance)
- as official members of the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
The GBA meets once every three months to deliberate and make decisions on critical policy, planning, and developmental issues concerning the city.
Read also: Karnataka: Siddaramaiah Govt Transfers 3 IAS Officers; Sivakumar K.B. Gets Additional Charge of BMTC
Amendments Aim to Resolve Confusion Over MP/MLA/MLC Appointments
The Cabinet has also approved an amendment aimed at resolving long-standing confusion regarding the appointment of MPs, MLAs, and MLCs to the Authority.
A new sub-clause will be added to the rulebook to provide clarity and streamline the process of nominating elected representatives.
UDD Additional Chief Secretary to Join GBA Executive Committee
In addition to becoming a GBA member, the Urban Development Department (UDD) Additional Chief Secretary will also serve as a member of the Executive Committee.
This committee is headed by the Bengaluru Development Minister, or alternatively, another minister designated by the Chief Minister.
The committee plays a crucial role in coordinating major city development initiatives and ensuring inter-departmental alignment.
Strengthening Governance Framework for Bengaluru
The amendments are part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen urban governance and streamline decision-making mechanisms in India’s tech capital. By integrating top bureaucrats directly into the GBA, the government aims to improve administrative coherence and ensure faster implementation of key urban projects.
