Karpoori Thakur formula
Topic: Recent Developments in Indian Politics: Coalitions, Mandal and a New Consensus · NCERT: Class 12, Ch 5 "Challenges to and Restoration of the Congress System"; Class 12, Ch 8 "Recent Developments in Indian Politics"
Meaning
The Karpoori Thakur formula was a reservation policy brought in by Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur in 1978. Reservation means setting aside a share of government jobs for particular groups. The formula divided the OBC quota into sub-groups, so that the most backward castes got a separate share. It also added quotas for women and for the poor. It was an early model of OBC reservation in north India, where such quotas had been missing.
Example
In 1978 Bihar set aside 26% of jobs in all:
- 12% for the most backward classes
- 8% for other backward classes
- 3% for women
- 3% for the poor
Karpoori Thakur received the Bharat Ratna after his death, in 2024.
Don't confuse with
- Mandal Commission: this was a national commission. It reported in 1980 and recommended a single 27% OBC quota for central jobs and education. The Thakur formula was a state policy in Bihar that split the OBC quota into sub-groups.