Mangalore : The Dakshina Kannada district administration in association with Zilla Panchayat and backward classes welfare department observed 99th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister D Devaraj Urs at Zilla Panchayat auditorium on August 20, Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner A B Ibrahim said that the people who are given power through reservations must work for the development of downtrodden. They officials must also make the government facilities to reach the needy.

Devarj Urs was a successful administrator and focused to elevate the lives of people and hence he implemented the Land Reforms Act. It was his vision that reservation was necessary in political system. Hence, reservations were introduced right from Gram Panchayat level to the political party, DC said.

DC also urged the Mangalore City Corporation to name any road or Hall in Mangalore after Devaraj Urs for his tremendous contribution to the society.

Delivering a special lecture Prof Nagappa Gowda, Kannada department Associate Professor at University College said that Devaraj Urs supported for the service of people. He has the achievement of banning inhumane practices like manual scavenging and bonded labour in the State in his credit.

MLC Ivan D’Souza, Zilla Panchayat President Asha Thimmappa Gowda, Health Minister U T Khader and MCC Mayor Mahabala Marla also spoke on the occasion. MLA J R Lobo presided over the programme.

Floral tributes were offered to the portrait of Devaraj Urs.

Under the Devaraj Urs welfare scheme meritorious students were felicitated and autorickshaw keys were handed over to beneficiary drivers.