• About Us
  • Profile
  • Feedback

Karnataka.com

  • Home
  • Education
  • Real-Estate
  • Government
  • Tourism
  • Recipe And Food
  • Restaurants
  • Festivals
  • Industry
  • ಕನ್ನಡ

Home » Personalities » D. Devaraj Urs – The social Reformer

D. Devaraj Urs – The social Reformer

May 8, 2013 by madur

D. Devaraj Urs served two separate terms as Chief Minister for the state of Karnataka. His first term was between the 20th of March 1972 and the 31st of December 1977. His second term as Chief Minister was between the 28th of February 1978 and the 7th of January 1980. He was succeeded by R. Gundu Rao in the Chief Minister’s chair.

D. Devaraj Urs – The Public Figure

He was a politician with a cause. His popularity with the people was unquestionable. He won the elections consecutively for a span of 28 years. He was repeatedly elected to the Legislative Assembly from Hunsur constituency between 1952 and 1980. His term as Chief Minister is also one of the longest terms in the history of Karnataka.

Devaraj Urs, former Chief Minister of Karnataka

His tenure as Chief Minister was interrupted by the President’s rule and not due to falling out of favor with the people, reiterating his popularity with the people. Some of the revolutionary decisions that Devaraj Urs made during his tenure as Chief Minister led to his fame and goodwill amidst the people of Karnataka.

The Landmark Decisions of Devaraj Urs

D. Devaraj Urs is held famously as the greatest social reformers ever from Karnataka. He made several key changes that brought not only relief, but also restored a sense of dignity to the people of Karnataka. Several decisions made by Urs were met with disbelief and strong opposition from members of the society and members of his own party as well as the opposition party.

He is remembered as the man who gave a voice to the oppressed. For the first time perhaps the issues that were hitherto swept under the rug were addressed head on. He was the minority of leaders and politicians that addressed the pressing question of social justice.

A follower of the late Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Urs sought to implement the “elimination of poverty” agenda during his term as Chief Minister. He addressed several questions such as,

  • Education of the “backward” classes of society.
  • Establishment and maintenance of hostels for members of the backward classes and minorities.
  • Allocation of stipend funds for the 16,000 odd unemployed members of the minority sections of society.
  • Abolition of bonded labor, night soil carrying duties allocated solely to members of the Dalit caste.
  • Land reforms according to which the tiller or the farmer became the owner.
  • The Kali project for irrigation purposes.

Political and Social Reforms by Devaraj Urs

The land reforms were especially applauded as they were instrumental in erasing the Zamindar system. They afforded self-respect and a sense of dignity to the farmers who were hitherto treated as bonded labor. The question of social justice therefore saw the light of day due to the efforts and changes effected by Devaraj Urs.

Further, Devaraj Urs chose educated academics to be members of the state cabinet. This was a move that was new and received stiff opposition from party members.

Further his land reforms were the first step in equalizing land distribution throughout the state. Shelters for migrant workers, forgiveness for rural debt and electricity in every house across the state were some of the other reforms in the State.

The major change that Devaraj Urs effected is one that has changed the landscape of Bangalore. The initial plans for an electronic city were drawn up during his tenure. Although the plans were met with skepticism and blatant opposition, Devaraj Urs believed in the plans and approved them.

His terms as Chief Minister not surprisingly were riddled with opposition and disillusionment. Once a staunch follower of Mrs. Indira Gandhi, Urs fell out of favor and eventually set up his own political party. His party, however did not win the subsequent elections+. He joined forces with the Janata party after the loss at elections.

Today Devaraj Urs is remembered as the man who ushered in a revolution by closing the vast disparity between the landed gentry and the bonded labor.

Also See:

  • List of Karnataka Chief Ministers
  • Personalities of Karnataka

Filed Under: Personalities Tagged With: Bangalore, chief minister, Electronic City, politician

Social

Top Posts & Pages

  • Bangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
    Bangalore Metro – Routes and Fares
  • Online FIR Bangalore And E-lost Report App - Everything You Should Know
    Online FIR Bangalore And E-lost Report App - Everything You Should Know
  • Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
    Kotilingeshwara Temple, Kolar
  • Pay Your Bangalore Property Tax online
    Pay Your Bangalore Property Tax online
  • Bull Temple, Bangalore – An Architectural Wonder
    Bull Temple, Bangalore – An Architectural Wonder
  • Vittala Temple, Hampi – An Architectural Wonder
    Vittala Temple, Hampi – An Architectural Wonder
  • Bangalore Police Helpline Number
    Bangalore Police Helpline Number
  • Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Goravanahalli
    Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Goravanahalli
  • Best Schools In Bangalore (10+2) 2024 As Ranked By IIRF
    Best Schools In Bangalore (10+2) 2024 As Ranked By IIRF
  • E Khata Online Issuance System For Streamlining Property Documentation In Bangalore
    E Khata Online Issuance System For Streamlining Property Documentation In Bangalore

Recent Posts

  • Gruha Jyothi Scheme, Karnataka. Source UnsplashGruha Jyothi Scheme: How to avail the benefits if you change your house 
    May 15, 2025
    The Gruha Jyothi scheme is one of the five guarantee […]
  • Ice Apples in Bangalore. Source VD Photography, UnsplashCool But Costly: Ice Apples In Bangalore See A Price Hike!
    May 12, 2025
    Ice Apples, or Thaati Nungu, Bangalore’s summer […]
  • How to Register Marriages Online in Karnataka in Just One Day 
    May 10, 2025
    Marriage registration certificate is one of the […]
  • Chandramouleshwara temple, Hosanagara, Shimoga. Source Sri SamsthanaChandramouleshwara Temple, Hosanagara, Shimoga – A Unique Architectural Marvel
    May 8, 2025
    Chandramouleshwara temple, Hosanagara, Shimoga of the […]
  • Karnataka SSLC Result 2024Karnataka SSLC Result 2025
    May 2, 2025
    The Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board […]

Tags

Bangalore bangalore schools Chikmagalur Engineering Colleges Hampi sightseeing Mangalore Mysore personalities Resorts schools Shimoga temples Trekking VTU waterfalls
ImmigrationWorld | Airport Commute | NGO/Charity
Home | Media | Personalities | FAQ | About Us | Feedback
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Disclaimer | Sitemap
Copyright © 2025 karnataka.com.
 

Loading Comments...