Overview

• The BBMP rolled out the user fee on April 1 as part of its 2025-26 budget, applying six slabs based on built-up area with a 5% annual hike.
• BJP figures argue that combining the cess and user fee could collect over ₹500 crore, far above the ₹147 crore tender value for garbage services.
• In a May 29 representation to BBMP administrator Tushar Giri Nath, Leader of Opposition R Ashoka and other BJP leaders accused the Congress government of mismanaging the city.
• The party alleges that proceeds are diverted to fund the Congress’s ‘five guarantees’ schemes, while no major infrastructure work has followed the fee’s rollout.
• A similar garbage levy introduced in 2020 was withdrawn after public outcry, underscoring residents’ resistance to the new charge.