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
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
I. Introduction
The conventional understanding of development has long been dominated by economic indicators, particularly Gross Domestic
Product (GDP), which measures the monetary value of goods and services produced within a country. While GDP growth often
correlates with improved living standards, it fails to capture the multidimensional realities of human well- being and empowerment.
Increasingly, policymakers and scholars argue that true progress must be evaluated through a broader lens—one that includes not
just income but also access to opportunities, social inclusion, political participation, digital connectivity, and cultural dignity. This
shift is reflected in the evolving development discourse globally and prominently within India’s policy framework.
India, with its vast socio-economic diversity and development challenges, exemplifies the limitations of relying solely on GDP as
an indicator of progress. Despite impressive economic growth in recent decades, issues such as gender inequality, educational
disparities, rural-urban divides, and social exclusion persist. Recognizing these complexities, Indian leaders, including the Prime
Minister, have articulated a vision of development centered on the Gross Empowerment of People (GEP)—a concept emphasizing
the expansion of individual and collective freedoms, agency, and participation as the true markers of progress. This paper seeks to
contribute to this emerging paradigm by proposing a comprehensive GEP Index tailored to India’s unique socio-political context.
The index aims to integrate key dimensions of empowerment—economic, social, political, digital, and psychological— offering a
more holistic measure of human development. To illustrate the practical application and relevance of this framework, the study
undertakes a detailed case study of the state of Haryana.
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