- FM Nirmala Sitharaman launches “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” campaign; Govt steps up awareness, accessibility, and action for financial empowerment
- As of August 2025, unclaimed deposits worth ₹75,000 crore have been transferred to the RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness Fund: DFS Secretary Shri M. Nagaraju
- Between October and December 2025, visit district helpdesks or financial literacy camps for free assistance in tracing and claiming your funds
NE ECONOMIC BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, OCT 5
Your forgotten deposits, old insurance proceeds or unpaid dividends could soon find their way back to you — thanks to a new national initiative launched by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Gandhinagar on Saturday.
The nationwide financial awareness campaign, titled “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” (Your Money, Your Right), aims to help citizens trace and reclaim unclaimed financial assets lying in banks, insurance firms, mutual funds, pension accounts and other institutions. The drive will run across all States and Union Territories from October to December 2025, featuring digital demonstrations, helpdesks, and outreach camps to assist citizens.
Unclaimed Deposits: Not Just Numbers, But People’s Savings
Launching the campaign, Smt. Sitharaman said unclaimed deposits are “not mere entries on paper; they represent the hard-earned savings of ordinary families — savings that can support education, healthcare and financial security.”
She underlined the “3As Strategy” — Awareness, Accessibility and Action — as the guiding pillars of the campaign.
- Awareness ensures citizens know how to trace unclaimed funds.
- Accessibility brings digital tools and local outreach closer to people.
- Action guarantees transparent and time-bound settlement of claims.
“Every rupee saved by our citizens must return to them or their families. This campaign bridges the gap between people and financial institutions, ensuring that money rightfully earned reaches its rightful owner,” the Finance Minister said.
Smt. Sitharaman also acknowledged the role of regional rural banks and financial institutions in recent KYC and re-KYC drives that strengthened citizens’ connection to the formal financial system. “Such initiatives lay a strong foundation for this nationwide campaign,” she noted, urging all institutions to show the same dedication in helping citizens reclaim their money.
Massive Outreach, Digital Tools for Citizens
The awareness drive is being coordinated by the Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance, bringing together the RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA and the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) — alongside banks, insurance companies, mutual funds and pension institutions — on one common platform.
According to DFS Secretary Shri M. Nagaraju, as of August 2025, unclaimed deposits worth ₹75,000 crore have been transferred to the RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness Fund. Unclaimed insurance proceeds stand at ₹13,800 crore, unclaimed mutual fund balances at ₹3,000 crore, and unpaid dividends at over ₹9,000 crore.
“Claims must be processed quickly and fairly so that citizens walk away with clarity and confidence,” Shri Nagaraju said, adding that the campaign aims at financial empowerment of every Indian.
Leaders Laud the Initiative
In a special message, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah lauded the campaign as a collective effort to strengthen public trust, dignity, and empowerment, urging citizens to actively participate.
Gujarat Finance Minister Shri Kanubhai Desai called the campaign launch from Gujarat a “matter of pride,” adding that unclaimed funds “can be life-changing resources for education, empowerment, and other financial needs.”
The event was attended by senior officials from the RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, and PFRDA, as well as representatives of major financial institutions and state government officials. Certificates were also handed over to beneficiaries who successfully reclaimed their unclaimed deposits.
Financial Inclusion with a Human Touch
The “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” campaign builds on India’s remarkable financial inclusion success stories — from Jan Dhan Yojana and UPI to Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) — by ensuring that citizens not only access financial services but also reclaim what rightfully belongs to them.
By combining technology with community outreach, the campaign aims to make every household financially aware, empowered, and connected — a true step towards the Government’s vision of “Ease of Living” for all.
🏦 How to Check If You Have Unclaimed Money — Step-by-Step Guide
(Under the “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” campaign)
Millions of citizens may have money sitting unclaimed in old bank accounts, insurance policies, mutual funds, or shares. Here’s how you can find and claim what’s rightfully yours:
💡 1. Identify Possible Sources
- Old or inactive bank accounts or FDs
- Insurance policies not claimed after maturity
- Mutual fund units/dividends never credited
- Unpaid dividends or shares in IEPF
- Pension/Provident Fund balances from earlier jobs
🌐 2. Visit Official Portals
- Banks & Deposits: https://udgam.rbi.org.in
- Mutual Funds: https://www.mfcentral.com
- Insurance: https://irdai.gov.in
- Shares & Dividends: https://www.iepf.gov.in
- Pension Funds: https://www.pfrda.org.in
📲 3. Search Using Aadhaar or PAN
Enter your Aadhaar, PAN, or name/date of birth to check for any unclaimed amount. Keep your registered mobile number handy for OTP verification.
🧾 4. File a Claim
If a match is found:
- File your claim online or visit your institution’s branch.
- Submit Aadhaar, PAN, and proof of ownership.
- Legal heirs can provide succession proof or legal heir certificate.
🧍♀️ 5. Visit Local Helpdesks
Between October and December 2025, visit district helpdesks or financial literacy camps for free assistance in tracing and claiming your funds.
💬 Remember
“Your money is your right — don’t let it go unclaimed. Reconnect with your savings, reclaim your security.”
— Ministry of Finance, Government of India
