Sitharaman Flags ₹1.84 Lakh Crore in Unclaimed Assets

RR Team

2 months ago

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday highlighted that financial assets worth ₹1.84 lakh crore remain unclaimed across banks and regulatory institutions. Launching the three-month nationwide campaign, “Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar” (Your Money, Your Right), in Gandhinagar, she urged officials to ensure these funds reach their rightful owners.

Awareness, Access, and Action

FM Sitharaman emphasized the campaign’s three guiding principles — Awareness, Access, and Action. Awareness aims to inform citizens about tracing unclaimed assets. Access focuses on providing simplified digital tools and district-level outreach. Action ensures time-bound, transparent claim settlements so citizens can reclaim their savings with ease and dignity.

Secure Funds Across Institutions

Explaining the nature of unclaimed assets, Sitharaman said funds are transferred between institutions depending on the asset type — from banks to the RBI for deposits, and from SEBI to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) for shares and other investments. She assured the public that the ₹1.84 lakh crore is safe and accessible with proper documentation.

Importance of Citizen Savings

“Unclaimed deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, mutual fund balances, and pensions are not mere entries on paper,” she stated. “They represent hard-earned savings that can support education, healthcare, and financial security for families.” The campaign encourages citizens to reclaim every rupee that rightfully belongs to them or their families.

Prime Minister’s Support and Local Initiatives

FM Sitharaman noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally endorsed the initiative, instructing the ministry to bridge the gap between citizens and institutions. She also praised Gujarat Gramin Bank for committing to visit every village in the state to trace rightful owners of unclaimed deposits.

The campaign leverages platforms like the RBI’s UDGAM portal to facilitate instant claims. Citizens can check, verify, and receive their funds promptly, making financial inclusion and citizen empowerment central to this initiative.