NEWS – The draft of the Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill, 2024, reimagines ward committees by introducing proportional representation. This reform empowers all contestants in the civic polls to nominate one member for every 10% vote share they secure

KEY FEATURES

Proportional Representation

• New System: Proportional representation will be introduced in ward committees, a first in the country that traditionally follows the first-past-the-post system.
• Empowerment: This change will make ward committees more representative of the voters, with multiple parties’ representatives making committee meetings more democratic.
• Chairmanship: The councillor will chair the ward committee.

Composition of Ward Committees

• Total Members: Each ward committee will consist of 20 members.
• Proportional Representation:
  • 10 members nominated through proportional representation.
  • Contestants must name nominees (minimum of three, maximum of ten).
  • Vacant seats after proportional representation will be filled by the councillor’s nominees.
• Civil Society Nominees:
  • Three from local RWAs (Resident Welfare Associations).
  • Two from local NGOs.
  • Two from slum associations.
  • Two from professional groups/industry bodies.
  • One social worker.

Voting Rights

• Ward Committee Members: The 20 members will have voting rights.
• Ex-officio Members: Representatives from all parastatals will be ex-officio members without voting rights.
• Area Sabhas: Representatives can participate in meetings but cannot vote.

Financial Empowerment

• Share of Property Tax: Ward committees will receive up to 50% of the increase in property tax collection compared to the previous year.
• Approval for Land Use Plan: Ward committee approval is mandatory for changes in the land use plan within the ward.