FM Sitharaman Launches Drive to Return ₹1.84 Lakh Crore in Unclaimed Assets

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the ‘Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar’ (Your Money, Your Right) campaign in Gandhinagar, aimed at returning ₹1.84 lakh crore in unclaimed financial assets to their rightful owners.

These funds, currently held by banks and regulators, include unclaimed bank deposits, insurance proceeds, provident funds, and shares. The three-month-long campaign focuses on the principles of Awareness, Access, and Action, encouraging citizens to identify and reclaim their money through official channels.

Ensuring Awareness and Access

During the launch event, attended by Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai and senior banking officials, Sitharaman emphasised the importance of creating public awareness about these dormant assets. She urged officials and banking personnel to proactively reach out to citizens, educate them about their unclaimed funds, and guide them on the process of recovery.

“The first A is Awareness. Tell people that their money is safe and can be claimed easily with valid documents,” she said. The second A, Access, involves facilitating claimants through convenient mechanisms such as the RBI’s UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information) portal and help desks set up by banks across the country.

Action for Transparency and Efficiency

The third pillar, Action, calls for officials to take proactive measures in tracing rightful claimants and ensuring smooth fund transfers. Sitharaman reassured citizens that all unclaimed amounts are held securely by regulatory bodies such as the RBI, SEBI, and the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). “The government is merely the custodian of this money. Once verified, it will be handed over to the rightful owners,” she affirmed.

She also acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in motivating the ministry to take concrete steps to bridge the gap between citizens and their financial entitlements. Notably, the Gujarat Gramin Bank has pledged to send its officials to every village in the state to identify claimants and facilitate the recovery of dormant deposits.

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Conclusion

The ‘Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar’ campaign marks a major step toward financial inclusion and transparency, ensuring that citizens regain control of their unclaimed assets. By leveraging digital tools like the UDGAM portal, the government aims to simplify the process and strengthen trust in the financial ecosystem. This initiative not only empowers individuals but also highlights India’s commitment to responsible financial governance.

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