INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LATEST TECHNOLOGY IN ENGINEERING,
MANAGEMENT & APPLIED SCIENCE (IJLTEMAS)
ISSN 2278-2540 | DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS | Volume XIV, Issue XI, November 2025
"Towards GDP to GEP-Centric Model: A Proposed GEP Index
Framework and Its Application in Haryana"
Ms. Arti Kumari, Dr. Laita Dhingra, Dr. Nisha Singh
Assistant Professor, DAVCC Faridabad
Received: 18 November 2025; Accepted: 23 November 2025; Published: 29 November 2025
ABSTRACT:
In the coming years, India’s developmental narrative is poised for a fundamental shift— from a traditional Gross
Domestic Product (GDP)-driven model toward a more inclusive and empowerment-based framework of
progress. This emerging paradigm is increasingly reflected in national policy discourse and statements by the
Prime Minister, who emphasizes the need for a development approach centered on the Gross Empowerment of
People (GEP) rather than solely on economic output. The concept of GEP underscores a multidimensional
understanding of development that includes economic, social, political, digital, and cultural empowerment,
moving beyond conventional growth metrics to focus on the real capabilities, freedoms, and dignity of
individuals.
This research paper investigates the theoretical foundations and practical significance of the GEP model as a
guiding principle in India’s evolving development strategy. Recognizing the complexity of measuring
empowerment, the study proposes a comprehensive and context-sensitive GEP Index, designed to capture the
multidimensional nature of empowerment within India’s unique socio-political landscape.
The research applies this proposed GEP Index to a detailed case study of the state of Haryana. Haryana presents
a compelling case for analysis due to its paradoxical developmental profile: the state boasts one of the highest
per capita incomes and robust industrial growth rates nationally, yet it continues to grapple with persistent social
challenges, including gender disparities, high dropout rates in education, and significant rural-urban inequalities.
These contradictions make Haryana an ideal laboratory to test the efficacy of the GEP Index in revealing the
nuanced dimensions of empowerment that traditional economic indicators may obscure.
Using a composite methodology that integrates quantitative data from government reports, surveys, and indices,
alongside qualitative assessments of policy impacts, the study evaluates Haryana’s performance across five key
dimensions of the GEP Index—economic empowerment, social empowerment, political participation, digital
inclusion, and psychological and cultural empowerment. The findings highlight areas of strength, such as
economic and digital empowerment, alongside critical gaps in social and cultural dimensions, particularly related
to gender equality and educational access.
The study concludes by discussing the implications of adopting a GEP-centric development framework for
policymakers, emphasizing how such an approach can help bridge the gap between economic growth and
genuine human development. It argues that the GEP Index offers a more holistic and equitable alternative to
GDP, enabling governments to design targeted interventions that foster inclusive empowerment. Ultimately, this
research contributes to the growing global and Indian discourse on redefining progress by offering a practical,
measurable, and policy-relevant empowerment framework. It demonstrates that while Haryana exemplifies some
of India’s economic successes, true development must be measured by the extent to which its people are
empowered to participate fully in society and shape their own futures.
Key Words: Gross Empowerment of People (GEP), GEP Index, Multidimensional Empowerment, case study
of Haryana, Beyond GDP
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