The Lok Sabha is set for heated discussions on Friday as members engage in a debate on the ‘White Paper’ presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The paper draws a comparison between the economic management during the 10-year tenure of the Congress-led UPA government and the 10 years of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled dispensation.
The nearly 60-page White Paper highlights various aspects, including the banking sector, defense, economic management, and the health sector. It contends that the UPA government abandoned reforms after coming to power in 2004, failing to build on the foundation laid by the previous BJP-led NDA government. The document points out that the banking crisis was one of the significant legacies of the UPA government.
In terms of defense, the White Paper asserts that scandals compromised defense preparedness during the UPA government, leading to delays in the acquisition of essential weaponry. Economic and fiscal mismanagement during the UPA era is cited as having hollowed India’s growth potential by the end of its term.
The paper also delves into the health sector, noting that health expenditure remained a burden for Indian households under the UPA government. Out-of-pocket expenditure comprised a substantial portion of the total health expenditure, impacting the financial well-being of the Indian population.
The extended session, initially scheduled to conclude on February 9, will now continue until February 10. President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of the two Houses marked the beginning of the session on January 31. The White Paper discussion is expected to contribute to the ongoing debate on economic policies and governance in India.
