Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has given his assent to the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2025, and the State government issued a gazette notification.
The legislation will allow for establishment of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) for coordinating and supervising the development of the greater Bengaluru area.
The Governor in March returned the Bill passed in both the Houses during the Budget session seeking clarification from the State, even as civic society collectives petitioned the Governor requesting not to approve the Bill. The activists in the petition argued that the formation of the GBA violates 74th amendment of the Constitution. After the Bill was returned, the State government sent it back to the Governor providing explanations.
Many activists were anticipating that the Governor would forward the Bill to the President citing its constitutional validity.
Prakash Belvawadi, actor and activist, talking to The Hindu, said: “The civic society will be meeting again to discuss further course of action in connection to the Act. We may possibly explore legal options as now the Bill was approved by the Governor.”
What the legislation means
With Governor’ assent, the Act will establish not more than seven city corporations in the greater Bengaluru area for effective, participatory and responsive governance.
The Act will empower ward committees to become basic units of urban governance and facilitate community participation.
The Act will integrate and streamline political accountability of all public authorities delivering services in the greater Bengaluru area. It aims at improving the quality of life of all citizens by instituting a decentralised, participative, efficient and equitable governance framework for Bengaluru. The Bill was passed during the Budget session of the legislature in March.
Agri varsity bill gets assent
In another development, the Governor has also given his assent to the Universities of Agricultural Sciences (Amendment) Bill, 2025, for the setting up of a new University of Agricultural Sciences in Mandya.
The university, to be located at V.C. Farm in Mandya, will cater to districts of Mandya, Hassan, Mysuru, Chamarajanagar, and Kodagu.
Published – April 24, 2025 10:25 pm IST
