Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman defended the government's handling of non-performing assets (NPAs) during a Rajya Sabha discussion, emphasizing India's status as the world's fastest-growing economy. She linked the NPA crisis to the 10 years of UPA rule, citing "Phone Banking" practices where loans were granted without due diligence. Sitharaman outlined the government's efforts, collaborating with the RBI and implementing reforms to address the twin balance-sheet problem. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh inquired about wilful defaulters and highlighted actions taken, such as legal suits, SARFAESI cases, FIRs, and recoveries. Sitharaman stated that over Rs 15,000 crore was returned to banks, and assets worth Rs 15,186.64 crore were confiscated by the ED as of December 1. She emphasized the government's commitment to resolving NPAs and the Indian economy's remarkable growth, registering a 7.6% GDP growth rate in the last quarter.