Karpoori Thakur

Karpoori Thakur

News: On January 23, the Indian government made a significant announcement, posthumously awarding the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, to Karpoori Thakur, the former chief minister of Bihar.

About:
• Karpoori Thakur (24 January 1924 – 17 February 1988) was an Indian politician who served two terms as the 11th Chief Minister of Bihar. He was popularly known as Jan Nayak, which translates to \'people’s hero\'.

Important decisions taken by him:
• He removed English as a compulsory subject for matriculation examinations, aiming to make education more accessible.
• He enforced a ban on alcohol consumption to address societal issues stemming from alcohol abuse.
• He introduced preferential treatment for unemployed engineers in government contracts, leading to employment for approximately 8,000 engineers.
• He implemented the ‘Karpoori Thakur Formula’ in June 1970, providing 26% reservation, including 12% for OBCs, 8% for economically backward OBCs, 3% for women, and 3% for economically disadvantaged individuals from upper castes.

About Bharat Ratna:
• The Bharat Ratna recognizes exceptional human endeavour and is a prestigious award that recognizes the contributions of individuals who have made India proud with their achievements and excellence.
• The award consists of a peepal leaf-shaped medallion, made of bronze, with an image of the Sun and the words “Bharat Ratna” inscribed in Devanagari script on the obverse, and the State Emblem of India and the motto “Satyameva Jayate” on the reverse. The award is worn around the neck by a white ribbon.
• The process for the Bharat Ratna is initiated by the Prime Minister of India, who makes the recommendations to the President of India, after seeking the approval of the Union Cabinet. The recommendations are based on the nominations received from various sources, such as state governments, central ministries, members of Parliament, and eminent persons.
• The President of India has the final authority to confer the award, which is usually announced on the eve of the Republic Day, 26 January, or on other special occasions.
•  The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year.