In a significant move to return unclaimed financial assets to their rightful owners, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched a three-month nationwide campaign titled "Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar" (Your Money, Your Right). The initiative aims to raise awareness and facilitate the return of ₹1.84 lakh crore currently lying unclaimed with banks, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), insurance firms, mutual funds, provident fund accounts, and other institutions.
Speaking at the launch event in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Sitharaman emphasized that these unclaimed amounts rightfully belong to individuals and families, not the government. She assured citizens that the funds are safe and urged them to come forward with proper documentation to reclaim their money. The campaign seeks to address the issue of unclaimed assets, which often remain untouched due to a lack of awareness or outdated account details.
The Finance Minister highlighted the need for officials to take proactive measures to reunite these funds with their rightful owners. She urged all institutions to dedicate themselves to this initiative, ensuring that no citizen remains separated from their rightful money. Sitharaman also handed over certificates to beneficiaries who successfully reclaimed their unclaimed deposits from various institutions.
M. Nagaraju, Secretary of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), noted that as of August 2025, over ₹75,000 crore of unclaimed deposits have been transferred to the RBI's Depositor Education and Awareness Fund. He also stated that unclaimed insurance proceeds exceed ₹13,800 crore, unclaimed balances in mutual funds amount to about ₹3,000 crore, and unpaid dividends are worth more than ₹9,000 crore. Nagaraju stressed the importance of processing claims quickly and fairly, without unnecessary hurdles, to ensure citizens have a positive experience.
The "Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar" campaign will focus on three key aspects: awareness, access, and action. The RBI's UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits Gateway To Access Information) portal will play a crucial role in assisting claimants. Sitharaman explained that the UDGAM portal helps individuals track their deposits, even as they move between different unclaimed areas.
The campaign carries a powerful message: every rupee saved by citizens must return to them or their families. Sitharaman reiterated that the government acts as a custodian for these funds, ensuring their safety until the rightful owners come forward. She noted that unclaimed money from bank deposits is transferred to the RBI, while unclaimed funds from stocks and similar assets move from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). Nearly 172 crore shares have been transferred to the IEPF so far.
