White Paper & Black Paper

• Context (IE | IE | TH): Recently, FM Nirmala Sitharaman presented a White Paper on the Indian economy in the Lok Sabha.
• It highlighted the “policy misadventures and scams” under the Congress-led UPA government’s 10-year tenure.
• In response to that, the Congress party has released a ‘Black Paper’. It highlighted the failures of the Modi government and alleged that the last 10 years have been a period of injustice.

What is White Paper?

• It provides comprehensive information, analysis, and proposals on a specific topic or issue.
• Stanford Law School says the public can access the document.
• It offers a detailed assessment of economic indicators, reforms, and their implications for various sectors.
• Governments, organisations, or experts often produce it to shape the policy.
• It serves as a crucial tool for informing policymakers, stakeholders, and the public about the government’s policies, initiatives, and their intended impact on the economy.
• There are no specific rules or guidelines regarding the issuance of White Papers in the Lok Sabha.
• The Opposition also has the right to demand a White Paper from the government on matters regarding which it is unclear.
• The state government can also present it in an assembly.
• Modi Govt. has presented 2 white papers in 10 years.
  • On the revenue model for the railways in August 2014
  • On the rationalisation of freight and fares. (Source: One India)

What is black paper?

• It presents a critical or dissenting viewpoint on a particular topic, issue, or policy.
• It uses analysis, evidence, and alternative proposals to address controversial subjects.