India’s Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, has launched a nationwide initiative focused on assisting citizens in tracing and reclaiming their unclaimed financial assets. The minister highlighted that an estimated ₹ 1.84 lakh crore remains unclaimed across various banks and regulatory authorities.
The program aims to address the issue of assets being transferred between entities after remaining unclaimed for extended periods. Key elements of the initiative include public awareness campaigns providing information on how to trace assets, supported by digital demonstrations and dedicated helpdesks. According to a government press release, these measures reflect a commitment to citizen-centric governance and enhancing the ease of living.
Minister Sitharaman urged all institutions to apply dedication and outreach in this effort to ensure individuals are reunited with their rightful funds. As of August 2025, over ₹ 75,000 crore in unclaimed deposits have been transferred to the Reserve Bank of India’s Depositor Education and Awareness Fund, illustrating the volume of these dormant funds.
Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/nirmala-sitharaman-launches-drive-to-help-people-claim-their-unclaimed-assets-101759592994739.html