Section Article

The State and the Politics of Happiness: Measuring Well-Being as a Tool of Governance
Author(s): Dr Komal

Abstract
The concept of happiness has increasingly emerged as a significant concern in public policy and governance across the world. Traditional measures of development such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) have long been criticized for their inability to capture the overall quality of human life and social well-being. Consequently governments and international organizations have begun to explore alternative frameworks that emphasize happiness life satisfaction and well-being as indicators of societal progress. This shift reflects a growing recognition that economic prosperity alone cannot guarantee a fulfilled and meaningful life for citizens. The politics of happiness involves the use of well-being measurements to guide policy decisions allocate resources and evaluate governmental performance. This paper examines the relationship between the state and happiness governance exploring how well-being indicators have become tools of administration and public policy. It further analyzes the opportunities and challenges associated with measuring happiness and its implications for democratic governance and social development.