Context:
Karpoori Thakur, a prominent Gandhian socialist leader and former Bihar chief minister will be awarded the ‘Bharat Ratna’ posthumously.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
About Bharat Ratna:
- Highest Civilian Award: Bharat Ratna, instituted in 1954, stands as the highest civilian award in India.
Eligibility:
- Inclusive Criteria: The award is open to any individual without distinction of race, occupation, position, or gender. While predominantly awarded to India-born citizens, exceptions include the naturalized citizen Mother Teresa and non-Indians such as Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan and Nelson Mandela.
Special Considerations:
- Posthumous Awards: Originally, posthumous awards were not permitted, but the statutes were amended in 1955 to allow them. Lal Bahadur Shastri became the first posthumous recipient.
Recognition Criteria:
- Exceptional Service: Conferred in recognition of exceptional service or performance of the highest order across any field of human endeavor.
Nomination Process:
- Prime Minister’s Recommendation: The Prime Minister recommends the awardees to the President, and no formal recommendations are required.
Limitations:
- Annual Cap: The number of awards is capped at a maximum of three per year.
Award Components:
- Recognition: Recipients receive a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion. However, the award does not carry any monetary grant.
