Bangalore, Jan 26 (IANS): Karnataka Governor Hans Raj Bhardwaj Thursday urged people of the state to restore probity in public life by eliminating corruption in society.

"There is an urgent need to restore probity in public life due to lack of which there is a strong discontent in society. There is a growing demand for an environment free from corruption," Bhardwaj said in a brief address at the 63rd Republic Day celebrations after hoisting the tricolour at the Field Marshall Manekshaw ground in the heart of this tech hub.

Assuring the people that he would not allow dilution or weakening of the ombudsman (Lokayukta) in the state, the governor said the anti-graft institution would be given independence and powers to carry its investigation into various high-profile cases, including the multi-billion rupee mining and land scams that led to the fall of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) first government in south India in July 2011.

"There will be no dilution or weakening of the Lokayukta and independence of its investigating teams will be maintained to prosecute the guilty and bring justice to the affected people," the governor told about 10,000 people who gathered to witness the colourful event, which included ceremonial parade by the three services and security agencies.

Cautioning the authorities against any attempt to weaken the administrative structures and institutions, the former central law minister said that efforts should be made to build strong institutions and administrative structures for rendering high standards in serving the people.

Lauding the state's rich cultural heritage and the spirit of co-existence, Bhardwaj said nothing should be done to disturb the fine balance of the pluralistic traditions.

"We should maintain strict vigil on certain fringe elements working overtime to disturb peace and harmony in the state. We can defeat their evil designs with a collective resolve," the governor asserted.

Referring to the bottlenecks in implementing various government programmes, Bhardwaj said that an independent authority had been set up to evaluate all development programmes in an efficient, transparent and effective manner to ensure their benefits reach the intended people timely.

"Karnataka is the first state to establish an independent evaluation authority to ensure proper implementation of the government programmes," he added.

Earlier in the day, Bhardwaj took salute and inspected the guard of honour amid tight security in the presence of about 10,000 people who gathered for the occasion.

People stood in rapt attention when the national anthem was rendered followed by state anthem and patriotic songs that reverberated across the venue.

Contingents of the three services - army, navy and air force led the march past followed by battalions of the Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

National Cadet Corps (NCC) and boys and girls from Bharat Scouts & Guides also participated in the ceremonial parade.

State chief minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda, some of his cabinet colleagues and top officials were present on the occasion.

The two-hour function concluded on a peaceful note with about 1,500 boys and girls from city schools showcasing the state's rich cultural heritage through folk dances.

Para motor gliding by two IAF personnel onto the ground smoothly amid excitement and fanfare was one of the highlights of the colourful ceremony.

According to reports from across the state, the R-Day fete was celebrated at the respective district headquarters with flag-hoisting, ceremonial parades and cultural programmes.