As Diwan of Travancore
Ram Iyengar was appointed Diwan of Travancore by Maharaja Visakham Thirunal in 1880 on his retirement from the Madras Civil Service and served in the princely state for a period of seven years. During his tenure, Ram Iyengar introduced the Indian Penal Code in Travancore and re-organised the police force of the state. He also increased the power and jurisdiction of the Munsiff Corts in order to reduce the burden on the High Court. He reorganised the revenue system in Travancore by reducing the strength of the employees while increasing their salaries at the same time. Ram Iyengar's most important act is believed to be the revenue survey and settlement of Travancore.
Ram Iyengar also introduced intramural labour in jails and remitted several taxes which were a burden on the people. He encouraged indigenous sugar industries and paper and cotton mills and introduced a stamp act in the state. Ram Iyengar also took steps to improve the irrigation works of Travancore.
On the eve of Ram Iyengar's retirement, the Maharaja acknowledged Ram Iyengar's contributions in his speech : "He had, in fact, during the past six years, imparted an impetus to national prosperity, the full force of which remains to be felt"
Read more about this topic: V. Ramiengar