Former CM of Bihar Karpoori Thakur is to be Awarded Bharat Ratna Posthumously

The Central Government has announced that the Former CM of Bihar Karpoori Thakur will be awarded Bharat Ratna, Highest Civilian Award, posthumously.

• Karpoori Thakur served twice as CM of Bihar and once as Deputy CM of Bihar.
• He was selected by the Government of India for his work towards equality, helping the downtrodden and empowerment.

About Karpoori Thakur

• Thakur served twice as the chief minister of Bihar and he was known for his advocacy for the backward classes.
• During his tenure, he implemented several pro-poor initiatives, such as land reforms and policies aimed at empowering the underprivileged. 
• He earned immense respect and was popularly known as Jan Nayak (the people's hero) for his integrity and dedication to the welfare of the common people. 
• Thakur was associated with multiple political parties during his career, starting with the Praja Socialist Party and later aligning himself with the Janata Party. 
• He later became affiliated with the Janata Dal. He passed away in February of 1988.

About Bharat Ratna

• The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India and was instituted in 1954. It is awarded to any person regardless of his race, occupation, position or sex. 
• The award is given in recognition of exceptional service or performance in any field of human endeavour. 
• The Prime Minister himself recommends the recipients of the Bharat Ratna to the President and no formal recommendations are necessary. 
• The recipient is presented with a sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.
• The award does not carry any monetary grant and as per Article 18(1) of the Constitution, it cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to the recipient's name. 

Previous Bharat Ratna recipients are mentioned below in the list: