MP To Have Its Own Happiness Index By Year-End; Rajya Anand Sansthan Found Western Happiness Indices Inappropriate For State-Level Surveys

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): In a first, Madhya Pradesh is going to conduct a happiness survey to measure its citizens’ well-being and happiness levels by assessing various factors such as inner happiness, family bonding, and relationships.

After finding that Western happiness indices—drafted by the USA, United Nations, and even Bhutan—were not appropriate to map happiness in the state, Madhya Pradesh’s Anand Department has decided to develop its own happiness index focusing on inner happiness, family ties, and relationships with neighbours.

For the first time, such a survey will be carried out in the state to identify the practices that bring happiness to people

The questionnaire being prepared for the index is nearing its final stage.. The department aims to complete the statewide happiness survey by the end of the year.

“After the outcome of the happiness survey, the entire world will be able to understand the practices that bring happiness to individuals. The survey will also help in re-establishing core value systems,” said Satya Prakash Arya, Director (Programs) at Rajya Anand Sansthan.

Officials from the department noted that the World Happiness Report identifies six key parameters correlated with happiness: GDP, generosity, healthy life expectancy, social support, freedom to make life choices, and perception of corruption.

While mapping happiness, Bhutan focuses on nine domains including psychological well being, standard of living,  good governance, health, education, community vitality, cultural diversity and resilience, time use and ecological diversity.

An officer from Rajya Anand Sansthan stated that the Madhya Pradesh Happiness Index will instead focus on non-materialistic aspects like inner happiness, family bonding, and neighbourly relations.

The survey will cover people of all age groups and genders, and will be conducted region-wise—including Malwa, Bundelkhand, Baghelkhand, Chambal, and others.

Earlier, 20 districts were selected for a pilot project to map happiness levels. Now, the survey will be expanded to cover all districts of the state. IIT Kharagpur will be roped in to analyse the survey findings. Currently, the survey methodology is being finalized.