Former President A P J Abdul Kalam said on Wednesday the country's economic growth should always be guided by 'national prosperity index' that includes components like improvement of quality of life and adoption of a value system derived from our ancient civilisation besides GDP.
"The country's GDP is growing at nine per cent. But it is evident that economic growth is not fully reflected in the quality of life of people, especially of those in the rural areas and even in urban areas," he said at the inauguration of 'Odyssey 2007', a festival organised by Bhopal School of Social Sciences.
"All our efforts in improving economic performance should be guided by the national prosperity index of the nation."
"The NPI is a summation of GDP growth, improvement of quality of life of people living below the poverty line and adoption of value system derived from our civilisational heritage in every walk of life," he stated.
Apart from ensuring availability of housing, good water, nutrition, proper sanitation, quality education and healthcare and employment, thrust should be given to promote spirit of working together, leading a righteous life, removing social inequities and above all promoting a 'conflict-free harmonious society', the ex-President said.
"This will be indicated in peace in families and communities, reduction in court cases, elimination of violence against wome