Ramakrishna Hegde’s centenary celebrations on August 29
One of Hegde’s most significant contributions was the introduction of a three-tier Panchayat Raj system, which devolved financial and administrative powers to local bodies
Bengaluru will witness the birth centenary celebrations of former Karnataka Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde on August 29. Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan will be the chief guest, while Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot will preside over the function held at Vidhana Soudha's Banquet Hall. Hegde's daughter Mamta and Samta, along with long-time associates, are organizing the event.
Hegde, who was born on August 29, 1926, in Siddapura, Uttara Kannada, became Karnataka’s first non-Congress Chief Minister after the Janata Party won the 1983 Assembly elections. Notably, he championed decentralization, institutional reforms, and value-based politics. Among his significant contributions were the introduction of a three-tier Panchayat Raj system, establishing the Karnataka Lokayukta, and presenting the State Budget 13 times as Finance Minister and Chief Minister.
Hegde also advocated for reservation for women in local bodies, the Antyodaya scheme for poor families, and greater public access to the Vidhana Soudha. After leaving Karnataka's politics, Hegde served as an MLA, MLC, and Rajya Sabha member, and held the position of Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission and Union Minister for Commerce and Industry.
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