Sitharaman Initiates Campaign to Recover ₹1.84 Trillion in Unclaimed Financial Assets

Sitharaman Initiates Campaign to Recover ₹1.84 Trillion in Unclaimed Financial Assets

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has initiated an ambitious three-month nationwide campaign named "Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar" ("Your Money, Your Right") aimed at assisting Indians in reclaiming unclaimed financial assets estimated at ₹1.84 trillion. These funds are held by banks, regulators, insurance companies, mutual funds, provident funds, and other institutions but have remained unclaimed due to a lack of awareness or administrative obstacles. This campaign, which will run from October to December 2025, intends to return these assets to their rightful owners and enhance financial inclusion throughout the country.

The Situation of Unclaimed Financial Assets in India

In India, a significant amount of money representing hard-earned savings, insurance claims, dividends, and deposits has gone unclaimed for years. As per the Department of Financial Services, this financial reservoir includes bank deposits, insurance payouts, mutual fund balances, unpaid dividends, and shares that have become dormant due to forgotten accounts, missing documentation, or lack of proper beneficiary updates. Finance Minister Sitharaman highlighted that these assets are not government property but are solely owned by individuals and families, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting citizens with their wealth.

Foundations of the "Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar" Campaign

The campaign is built on three essential pillars—Awareness, Accessibility, and Action. Firstly, it aims to educate citizens about the existence of these unclaimed funds and their entitlement to claim them. Secondly, the government has simplified the reclamation process by utilizing digital platforms such as the RBI’s UDGAM portal and the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) portal, making it easier to trace and claim these funds. Lastly, it encourages individuals to take definitive actions to reclaim their rightful money, with on-ground support available through helpdesks and bank branches nationwide.

Importance of Financial Literacy and Business Education

This initiative emphasizes not only the significance of empowering citizens but also acts as a practical illustration of financial governance and accountability. For finance students, business schools, and leading MBA finance institutions in India, the campaign showcases how economic policies and regulatory structures directly influence personal finances. It reinforces teachings on asset management, the function of financial institutions, and the real-world effects of government initiatives focused on transparency and citizen welfare.

How Citizens Can Reclaim Their Assets

Citizens of India can recover their unclaimed assets by adhering to a straightforward procedure: verifying their potential unclaimed deposits or shares through the RBI UDGAM portal or the IEPF website, collecting necessary documentation such as identity proofs and account information, and submitting claims either online or at local banks. The campaign features district-level outreach initiatives and digital demonstrations to encourage even rural inhabitants to engage actively. The objective is to guarantee a swift, transparent process where claims are handled efficiently without unnecessary obstacles.

Wider Impact on Financial Inclusion

This initiative aligns with India’s ongoing efforts towards financial inclusion—backing programs like Jan Dhan Yojana, UPI, and direct benefit transfers—by ensuring that citizens not only gain access to financial services but also maintain control over their assets. It exemplifies a citizen-focused governance model where the government, regulators, and financial institutions work together to safeguard and enhance public trust.

The "Apki Poonji, Apka Adhikar" initiative, spearheaded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, marks a significant milestone in the financial history of India. Through the promotion of awareness, accessibility, and proactive measures, the government is enabling millions to recover their inactive assets, thereby enhancing financial security and confidence nationwide. For business students, finance experts, and ordinary citizens alike, this campaign acts as a compelling reminder: every rupee saved is the property of the people, and the protection of these resources is a collective duty.

Encourage finance students to explore such government initiatives as opportunities to deepen practical knowledge and get inspired toward careers in financial management, policy making, or financial consulting.