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India's central state of Madhya Pradesh sets up Happiness Ministry

Xinhua, July 16, 2016 Adjust font size:

The central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh has become the first in the country to set up a Ministry of Happiness, taking inspiration from neighboring Bhutan.

State Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said the Ministry will work to infuse "happiness in the lives of common people" like in Bhutan that has Happiness index to measure people's delight.

"The Cabinet has decided to constitute Happiness Department in the state," Chouhan, who will be in charge of the new Ministry, told the media in state capital Bhopal on Friday.

"Besides the basic necessities of Roti, Kapda aur Makaan (food, cloth and shelter), people need something more to be happy in their lives."

Stating that happiness is measured with economic growth rate, which is not entirely correct, the Chief Minister said "There is something more which can bring happiness in the lives of people." Endit