Guardianship or Governance? II

Gross Happiness Index: Mauritius Charts a 25 Year Compass of Wellbeing

By Dharamraj Deenoo

Mauritius stands at a pivotal moment. With the Prime Minister advocating for a 25-year development vision, our country must consider how we measure progress. For far too long, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has served as the only benchmark. However, GDP fails to account for the dignity, culture, happiness, and the non-financial contributions of Mauritian households that deserve recognition. These often overlooked contributions—such as caregiving, community service, and cultural stewardship—underpin our society and must be included in national planning.

It is time to adopt a new guiding principle: the Gross National Happiness Index (GNHI). Originally conceptualized in Bhutan, GNHI balances economic growth with human development. It not only evaluates living standards, health, and education but also encompasses psychological wellbeing, cultural resilience, ecological diversity, and community vitality. This holistic approach offers a comprehensive view of progress—one that values both material wealth and the intangible connections that bind a nation together.

In our context, GNHI acquires a distinctly Mauritian identity. The stewardship of places of worship, intergenerational rituals, and civic music exemplify the cultural diversity of our island. These practices enhance community vitality and fortify the social fabric. Ecological resilience aligns directly with our blue economy innovations, including the vision of Chagos as a solar-powered island. Good governance is further supported by workplace dignity, anti-bullying initiatives, and civic responsibility. Living standards are improved through commitments to productivity and service delivery reforms.

By incorporating these elements into the GNHI framework, Mauritius can ensure that its 25-year vision prioritizes not just infrastructure or GDP growth, but the wellbeing of every citizen.

Alongside GNHI, we propose the Civil Service Integrity Award. This award will recognize Ministries and Departments that meet five measurable standards:

1. A clean audit report, ensuring financial integrity and accountability;
2. Compliance with transparency guidelines, earning a transparency certificate;
3. A zero-defect service delivery standard, guaranteeing citizens receive services without errors, delays, or discrimination;
4. Fulfillment of a productivity pledge, committing to efficiency, innovation, and ongoing improvement;
5. Project implementation within budget and on schedule, ensuring responsible delivery while adhering to fiscal discipline.

Together, GNHI and the Integrity Award serve as dual compasses of national progress—ensuring that societal happiness is matched by integrity in governance. This dual framework highlights that wellbeing cannot thrive without trust in institutions, and that integrity in governance must yield tangible outcomes that citizens can rely on.

This proposal is not an isolated focus. It aligns with a larger national conversation already taking place in Mauritius. The Prime Minister’s 25-year vision has sparked discussions across media and civic platforms, including the recent analysis by Jane Lutchmaya, Lindsay Rivière, and Jérôme Boule in Au Cœur de l’Info. Their insights on governance, transparency, and project management complement our advocacy for happiness and integrity as dual guides for progress. Together, these perspectives affirm that Mauritius must evaluate success not only in economic terms but also in the wellbeing and trust of its people.

This reflection also connects Mauritius to the global dialogue on happiness. The World Happiness Report 2025 has once again ranked Finland as the happiest country in the world for eight consecutive years, thanks to strong social trust, equality, and effective public services. However, the paradox is notable: Bhutan, the country that first introduced the concept of the Gross National Happiness Index, now ranks significantly lower in global happiness indices. This contrast serves as a reminder that vision alone is insufficient—implementation, governance, and sustained cultural stewardship are vital for achieving genuine happiness. Mauritius must draw lessons from both Finland’s effective delivery and Bhutan’s pioneering vision.

We urge the Government to integrate GNHI into the 25-year vision, conducting pilot surveys across ministries, schools, and workplaces, with annual reporting in Cabinet dashboards. By doing so, Mauritius will measure not only economic growth but also the wellbeing of its citizens. The Civil Service Integrity Award should be introduced simultaneously, creating incentives for ministries to uphold transparency, productivity, project discipline, and service excellence.

This is not merely a technical endeavor; it is a ceremonial call to reimagine progress. It invites every Mauritian to see themselves reflected in the nation’s vision—not only as workers or consumers but as guardians of dignity, culture, and happiness.

As we navigate this new path, let us remember: “A nation is truly wealthy when its people live with dignity, sing in unity, and flourish in happiness.” Mauritius now moves forward with integrity in governance and happiness in society, charting a 25-year vision that honors every citizen and community.