Manohar Parrikar's happiness index claims questioned by Goa Congress

Panaji: Congress in Goa today said Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar’s statement on “Happiness index” was aimed at masking “failures” of the BJP-led government in the poll-bound state. Parrikar, addressing BJP’s Vijay Sankalp rally in Bicholim last evening, had said if his party was voted back to power in Goa, it would work towards increasing ‘Happiness index’ of the state. [caption id=“attachment_3094222” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. PTI[/caption] Reacting to the statement, Congress Goa spokesman Sunil Kawathankar said, “Before speaking on increasing Happiness index, let Manohar Parrikar define what is Happiness index and the methodology to measure it.” “We know Parrikar is an IITian, but he cannot always use terminologies which will mask their (BJP-led) government’s failures,” he added. At the rally, Parrikar had said, “We (BJP) performed well in social sector and also built infrastructure in the state, but the ultimate target is to increase Happiness index of the state.” The former Goa Chief Minister said, “Money (alone) does not give you satisfaction. Happiness index is now being discussed worldwide. To do this, I require your support (in election). “Last time (2012 Goa polls), 21 BJP legislators were elected and this time we want at least 25-26 BJP legislators,” he said. Goa will got to polls early next year. The United Nations takes into account GDP per capita, life expectancy, social support and freedom to make life choices as indicators of Happiness index.