Bhopal: Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan discussed the proposed structure, activities and mandate of proposed Ministry of Happiness at Mantralaya here on Tuesday. He directed the officials to present a detail note to the Cabinet for final decision. It may be noted here that Chouhan had made an announcement for setting up Ministry of Happiness. Madhya Pradesh will become the first state in the country to have set up Ministry of Happiness. Chouhan said all government departments function to bring about happiness into the lives of citizens. Therefore the proposed Ministry of Happiness will be working in close coordination with other departments. Its structure must suit its mandate he added.
Chouhan said that online suggestions from people will be invited about the proposed structure and activities. He said that he will also write to renowned personalities working in this area seeking their guidance. The meeting was informed that in many parts of the world, governments are creating such bodies to measure the levels of happiness as it is supposed to be an indicator of good governance. Wellness Institute is working in US while Bhutan and UAE have already set up such institutions. The Chief Minister observed that value-based development simply means that the percentage of happiness must increase among citizens.
The meeting also discussed the parameters to assess happiness level. It was informed that the per capita income, health, social assistance, mutual trust, freedom of decision-making are some of the indicators being used. Bhutan is using inner happiness, health, education, utilization of time use, cultural diversity, good governance and community support as indicators. He agreed in principle to send a team of concerning officials to Bhutan for studying the systems.
It was also discussed to make suitable policy amendments after the Ministry of Happiness comes into being. It has been initially proposed that the Ministry will be governed by a Society headed by the Chief Minister while renowned personalities will act as member.