1. GNH: Concept and Operationalization:
Presented to the Consultative workshop on Measuring Progress in Post-2015 Development Framework : Environmental Performance Indicators and Environmental Welfare Indicators
December 2013, Incheon, Republic of Korea

2. Outline GNH – An Introduction GNH – Index/survey findings and its1
GNH – An Introduction 2
GNH – Index/survey findings and its
Application 3
GNH Policy Screening Tool – Its
Application & GECDP Mainstreaming 4
Conclusion - Questions
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

3. What is Gross National Happiness (GNH)?
GNH is a “development approach that seeks to achieve a harmonious balance between material well-being and the spiritual, emotional and cultural needs of our society.” GNH is based on the belief that since happiness is the ultimate desire of every citizen, it must be the purpose of development to create the enabling conditions for happiness GNH based on four pillars: 1. Sustainable and Equitable Socio-Economic Development, 2.Enivronmental Conservation, 3.Preservation and Promotion of Culture and 4. Good Governance The Four Pillars are Specified by Nine Dimensions
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

4. How is GNH Operationalized?
“Bhutan’s journey with GNH began more than four decades ago and more elaborate and precise metrics to measure GNH has been underway since 2008”
Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) created to mainstream GNH
GNH indicators and Policy Screening Tools developed
GNH Survey carried out every three years to assess our journey towards GNH
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

5. What is GNH Index?
“A composite statistic to measure Bhutan’s progress in enhancing the happiness of the people based on a holistic framework made up of 9 domains and 33 indicators”
The GNH Index, its domains and indicators will be used to guide Bhutan’s development :
draw attention to areas that need to be addressed, basis for resource allocation etc.
mainstream GNH into new policies & plans by screening the policies and projects using the GNH Policy and Project Screening Tools (PST)
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

6. GNH PWB Life satisfaction Positive emotions Negative emotions
Spirituality
Living Standard
Assets
Housing
Household per capita income
Health
Mental health
Self reported health status
Healthy days
Disability
GNH
Eco Diversity
Ecological Issues
Responsibility towards environment
Wildlife damage (Rural)
Urbanization issues
Time Use
Work
Sleep
Comm Vitality
Donations (time & money)
Community relationship
Family
Safety
Education
Literacy
Schooling
Knowledge
Value
Nine Domains: Conventional domains & other softer domains.GNH Outlook ( PWB, TU, Culture, CV)
GNH framework is a more holistic approach to development by having incorporated the innovative domains PWB, CV, TU, CD&R otherwise undermined in the policy making frameworks ( Not on the policy making framework of many govts based on the assumption that govt. action or inaction are neutral to these aspects). Thus GNH framework is a realistic measure of progress that ensures a consistent alignment between what an individual aspires from development and what the government does in the name of development.
PWB- Happiness is just a state of mind. Development interventions mostly cater to the physical side but a sound mental/emotional health is indeed a primary condition for happiness, therefore, just like the physical side our spiritual/emotional also needs nurturing and nourishment. Meditation, prayers, Spending time with your loved ones some powerful ways to boost this.
CD&R-Strong correlation between well being and strong sense of self = strong sense of identity. Culture is the source for this Strong sense of identity. Mask dances- avenue of imparting values.
CV-(Donations, Community Relationship, Family, Safety) : We are social animals. We derive happiness from relating/Interaction to other human beings. Modern metropolitan cities face problems of loneliness (paradoxical situation). Building block of community is family
Time use-( work, Leisure, sleep) : Time is life according to the GNH paradigm and not money: most precious and the truest zero sum wealth.
Culture
Speak native Language
Cultural Participation
Artistic Skills
Driglam Namzha GG
Gov’t performance
Fundamental rights
Services
Political Participation
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

7. %People enjoying sufficiency in each indicator as per 2010 GNH Survey
Sufficiency in indicators
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

8. Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

9. Some Key Findings (GNH 2010 Survey)
Of the nine domains, Bhutanese have the most sufficiency in health, followed by ecology, and psychological wellbeing but lacks in GG and Education
Urban areas do better in health, living standards and education, but lacks sufficiency in GG and community vitality. conversely Rural areas do better in community vitality, cultural resilience, and good governance but lacks sufficiency mainly in education and living standards
Happiness is higher among people with a primary education or above than among those with no formal education, but higher education does not affect GNH very much
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

10. Key Findings contd.
Unmarried people and young people are among the happiest
The ranking of Dzongkhags by GNH differs significantly from their ranking by income and multidimensional poverty. Zhemgang for example, do far better in GNH than in income.
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

11. GNH Index by Dzongkhag
This is essentially to highlight the importance of the innovative dimensions and the subjective indicators captured by the GNH outlook
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

12. Thresholds . Sufficiency Threshold Happiness Threshold
Shows how much is needed to enjoy sufficiency in each of the 33 indicators
Happiness Threshold
50%, 66%, 77%
Unhappy, narrowly happy, extensively happy, and deeply happy
41% of the population under 66% .
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

13. According to 2010 GNH Survey results
Case Example – Accordingly GNH Survey Thimphu and other urban areas are behind in CV as compared to the rural areas
According to 2010 GNH Survey results
RURAL PLACES
URBAN PLACES
COMMUNITY VITALITY
Policy and program response from the Government:
Establishment of recreation centers, children’s parks, Mani Dungkhors etc
Eg: centenary park at Changlimithang, Chanjiji etc
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

14. Knowledge of Tsechu and Masked Dances
Possible policy and program responses by the Government:
more culture content in education
national and local holidays to promote attendance at these festivals
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

15. The GNH Policy Screening Tool
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

16. WHAT IS GNH POLICY SCREENING TOOLS?
What is it?
What is it not?
What does it provide?
The GNH policy screening tools is an application to assess/review all draft policies through a GNH Lens
Specific recommendations and feedback to review the policy within nine GNH domains
NOT- the determining factor for approving/endorsing a policy

17. Linkage Between Variables and GNH Indicators
Equity
Economic Security
Material wellbeing
Engagement in productive activities
Decision-making opportunity
Anti Corruption
Legal Recourse
Rights
Gender
Transparency
Skills and Learning
Public Health
Water and Air Pollution
Land degradation
Bio-Diversity Health
Social support
Family Interaction
Leisure
Culture
Values
Spiritual pursuits
Stress
9 GNH Domains
Living standard
Good Governance
Education
Health
Ecology
Community vitality
Time use and balance
Culture
Psychological wellbeing
151 variables (2010 survey)

18. Rationale and Mitigation/Alternatives
Calculation 1 2 3 4
Negative
Uncertain
Neutral/Not Applicable
Positive
Rationale and Mitigation/Alternatives
Rationale
Rationale

19. A heterogeneous group comprising of people with skills/qualifications in various areas is formed.
Effort are made to ensure NCWC,RUB, and NEC are present for all screening exercises. Rest of the group dependent on the draft policy being discussed.
Transparent: No limitations who can participate.
Try to have a minimum of 15 participants.
Representatives of the proponent sector presents the draft policy to the screening group.
Screening conducted during a joint sitting in the past, however shifted to individual screenings.
Results submitted to RED, Consolidated and Presented to the GNH Commission.
Screening Process

20. Results: 19 against joining WTO – 5 for
1. Experiences from Field Testing – GNH Policy Screening Tools
Bhutan’s Accession to WTO
Voting based on discussions among 24 GNHCS officers
Results: 19 for joining WTO – 5 against
GNH Policy Screening Tools used by the same 24 GNHCS officers
Results: 19 against joining WTO – 5 for
Conclusion: Policy is Not GNH Favorable 20

21. Policies screened using PPST
Approved Policies
NHRD Policy 2010
Tertiary Education Policy 2010
National Irrigation Policy 2011
National Health Policy 2011
National Youth Policy 2011
RNR Research Policy 2011
CSMI Policy 2012
Thromde Finance Policy 2012
Draft Policies
Mineral Development Policy
MSME Policy
National Education Policy
National OHS Policy
National Population Policy
FNS Policy
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB 21

22. Policy Screening Tool:Application
An Example: The Mineral Development Policy
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

23. Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

24. Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

25. Rationale and Alternatives Example:Gender
Rationales
No specific provision
Mining activities may favor men over women
Women may suffer indirectly (separation)
Alternatives/Mitigation Measure
May need specific provisions on the advancement of gender equality (preference could be given to women for specific jobs)
Promote female participation in HRD
Awareness on health and sexual issues
To conclude, GNH is a holistic approach to development that ensures alignment between what an individual wants from life and what a government does in the name of development
Due to its comprehensiveness, it can provide a better measure of progress and thus ensure that development means more than just economic growth or attainment of targets like MDGs. The GNH paradigm concludes that “economic growth is not an end in itself but rather a means to achieve more important ends”….perhaps happiness.
Consequently, this index and tools influence development priorities, resource allocation, policies and programs
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

26. Rationale and Alternatives Example:Gender
Rationales
Mining will never be 100% clean
No limit on number of mines
Increased mining activities will lead to increased green-house gas emissions, use of fossil fuels, water a
Alternatives/Mitigation Measure
Strategic Assessment of the mining master plan needed
May need to zone areas for mining operations
Need to review costing methods of mineral resources
To conclude, GNH is a holistic approach to development that ensures alignment between what an individual wants from life and what a government does in the name of development
Due to its comprehensiveness, it can provide a better measure of progress and thus ensure that development means more than just economic growth or attainment of targets like MDGs. The GNH paradigm concludes that “economic growth is not an end in itself but rather a means to achieve more important ends”….perhaps happiness.
Consequently, this index and tools influence development priorities, resource allocation, policies and programs
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

27. GECDP Mainstreaming Based on the Following Rationales:
Mainstreaming has to take place throughout the policy and planning process from formulation to implementation for reasons of sustainability, effectiveness, and efficiency (assuming the process itself is fairly good)
Need to take a holistic view
Need to be Proactive
Everyone is responsible
The ‘Stage or Level’ within the process determines what action should be taken and associated indicators
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

28. GECDP Mainstreaming Rationales Contd.:
Based on the Following Rationales:
The actions taken are ‘interconnected’ and ‘inter-dependent’
Individual actions may contribute towards GECDP Goals, but it would not be ‘sufficient’
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

29. GECDP Mainstreaming Rationales Contd.:
Based on the Following Rationales:
The actions taken are ‘interconnected’ and ‘inter-dependent’
Individual actions may contribute towards GECDP Goals, but it would not be ‘sufficient’
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

30. Programmatic approach to GECDP Mainstreaming
Preparatory
Phase
Finding the entry points and making the case
Finding champions at the institutional level – policy & planning agencies, human settlement &construction sector, Industries, finance, local government, training providers, etc.
Phase 1
Integrating GECDP into national development processes
Influencing policy processes
Planning processes (both national and LG levels)
Phase 2
Sensitization & building implementation capacity
Develop GECDP indicators and integrate with existing monitoring systems;
Engage in budgeting process
Capacity building strategy 30

31. GECDP Mainstreaming Current Activities:
Creating awareness across all levels of government
Assessment of the Policy and Planning Process and Identification of windows of opportunity
Influencing Planning Guidelines and Key Result Areas to integrate GECDP and other cross cutting concerns
Identification of GECDP and Other Cross Cutting Concerns within the central sectors and local governments and recommending interventions
Comments on draft 11th FYP & Mainstreaming frameworks for Sectors & LGs)
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

32. GECDP Mainstreaming Current Activities:
Review of policies for integration of GECDP and other cross cutting concerns
Providing support and inputs into the Introduction of GECDP modules in the curriculum of tertiary institutes: RIM, CST & Sherubtse College
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB

33. National Key Result Areas
Gross National Happiness
GNH Pillars
Pill 1: Sustainable and equitable socio-eco. Dev.
Pill. 2: Presv. and promotion of culture
Pillar 3 : Conservation and Sustainable Environment Mgnt.
Pillar 4: Good Governance 8
Carbon neutral/ Green & climate resilient development
Sustainable Mgt & utilization of natural resources
Integrated water utilization & Mgt
Imp. disaster resilience & Mgt mainstreamed 1
Sustained economic growth
Poverty + Reduced/MDG + Achieved
Food Secure & sustainable
Full Employment
Needs of Vulnerable Group addressed 6 12
Improved public service delivery, motivated public servants GPMS
Democracy and Governance strengthened
Gender friendly environment for Women’s participation
Corruption reduced
Historical, cultural property and Bhutanese identity promoted and preserved.
Indigenous wisdom, arts and crafts promoted for sustainable rural livelihood
National
Key
Result
Areas
(NKRAs) 2 9 13 3 7 14 10 4 5 15 11
15 NKRAs identified based on four pillars of GNH.
Health, Education
Delivered by
Transport,Communications,Human Settlement, Construction
Tourism, Private Sector, Trade & Investment, Agriculture, Energy
Culture, Governments (Central ministries/Agencies/Local Government)

34. Plz. see and Thromdes /municipalities
Does the dzongkhag include the 4 Class A Thromdes?
and Thromdes /municipalities
Plz. see

35. For Further clarification, please visit
THANK YOU
For Further clarification, please visit
Gross National Happiness Commission, RGoB