GBA Eyes ELCITA’s Revenue Amid Bengaluru Expansion Plans, But Officials Push Back

In a move likely to stir debate, speculation is rising that the proposed Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) could bring autonomous industrial zones like the Electronics City Industrial Township Authority (ELCITA) under its ambit. The aim: expand the city’s tax base to fund Bengaluru’s broader development goals.

According to legislators working closely with the GBA framework, there are informal discussions on gaining control over revenue from high-performing zones like ELCITA. “Including newer regions under GBA will depend on the cost of developing those areas. A self-reliant hub like ELCITA, which generates surplus, cannot be overlooked,” a city legislator stated.

However, ELCITA officials dismiss concerns over their finances being overly emphasized. “We generate around ₹29–30 crore annually — negligible for a metropolis like Bengaluru that needs billions,” an official clarified.

ELCITA Chairperson V Veerappan said the authority remains protected by law and has received no formal notice regarding any merger into GBA. “We are a government-notified and legally safeguarded body. No official communication about such inclusion has been made,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda emphasized that it’s too early to speculate on specific areas being added to GBA. “The act is yet to be fully operational. No decisions have been made, and any such move will require consultation with city ministers and MLAs,” he said.

Interestingly, draft policies to formalize more ELCITA-like autonomous townships — intended to cut state expenditure — still await government clearance.

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