More wards, same workforce: GBA, corporations struggle to deliver on the ground

More wards, same workforce: GBA, corporations struggle to deliver on the ground The Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), established in September 2025 as part of a major administrative overhaul, continues to face challenges in delivering effective local governance despite the expansion of municipal boundaries. Five new corporations were created to replace the former Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), which had managed 198 wards. The new structure aimed to increase civic engagement by doubling the number of wards to 369, thereby bringing officials closer to residents. However, one year later, the promise of improved service delivery has not materialised. The city’s corporations remain largely operating with the staffing levels designed for the previous 198-ward system, resulting in a significant workforce gap. With approximately 40% of positions vacant, the intended benefits of decentralisation, such as enhanced responsiveness and efficiency, are proving elusive. The restructuring followed the replacement of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act, 2020, with the Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024, enacted in 2025. The new framework sought to empower local bodies by granting them greater autonomy over urban planning and infrastructure projects. Yet, the transition has exposed systemic inefficiencies. Citizens report difficulty in locating engineers responsible for their specific areas, leading to prolonged delays in resolving complaints. Many complainants must physically visit corporation offices for even minor requests, highlighting a disconnect between policy intent and operational capacity. Residents and activists have voiced concerns over the lack of clarity surrounding the new governance model. Sneha Nandihal, co-founder of I Change Indiranagar, noted that engineers assigned to multiple wards often evade direct responsibility, citing their limited jurisdiction. “They claim they are only accountable for specific tasks, which makes holding them accountable nearly impossible,” she explained. Pranith B., a resident of Koramangala, echoed similar frustrations, stating that regular visits by engineers and ward meetings, a hallmark of the previous system, have dwindled. As a result, follow-up on complaints has become sporadic, disproportionately affecting working-class and labor communities who rely heavily on timely access to public services. Experts warn that the current staffing shortages are undermining efforts to tackle critical urban issues. V. Ramprasad, a specialist in solid waste management, highlighted the need for ward-specific planning to effectively manage garbage collection and monitor high-risk zones. “Without enough personnel, we can’t implement sustainable strategies,” he said. The absence of dedicated engineers hampers both routine operations and long-term planning, leaving cities vulnerable to recurring environmental and infrastructural challenges. Internal assessments reveal that the scarcity of human resources has forced authorities to abandon ambitious initiatives in favor of immediate crisis management. A senior commissioner, speaking anonymously, acknowledged that each officer is tasked with responsibilities typically handled by multiple individuals. “This has led to burnout among staff and reduced opportunities for innovative problem-solving,” the official stated. Despite these constraints, some small successes have emerged, such as the reduction of congestion at the Kaggadasapura Railway Crossing, achieved through a localized traffic model. However, such instances remain rare, underscoring the broader limitations of the current approach. The state government has been developing Cadre and Recruitment (C&R) Rules tailored specifically for the GBA, aiming to streamline hiring and improve workforce stability. These guidelines, however, have yet to be officially notified more than a year after the authority’s formation. Without clear directives, municipalities continue to operate under outdated frameworks, further delaying progress toward equitable and efficient governance. As the city grapples with these ongoing challenges, the effectiveness of the new administrative structure will depend on whether the necessary resources and reforms are finally implemented.