Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Launches Nationwide Financial Awareness Campaign “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” in Gandhinagar

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today launched the nationwide financial awareness campaign “आपकी पूँजी, आपका अधिकार” (“Your Capital, Your Right”) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The initiative aims to help citizens trace and reclaim their unclaimed financial assets such as deposits, dividends, insurance proceeds, mutual fund balances, and pensions.

Speaking at the launch, the Finance Minister emphasized that unclaimed deposits are not mere records but represent the hard-earned savings of ordinary families. “These savings can support education, healthcare, and financial security. Every rupee saved by citizens must return to them or their families,” she said.

Sitharaman outlined the “3A Strategy” — Awareness, Accessibility, and Action — as the guiding principles of the campaign. She said that creating awareness among citizens, improving accessibility through digital tools and district-level outreach, and ensuring prompt, transparent claim settlements are central to the initiative.

Highlighting the contribution of regional rural banks and other financial institutions, particularly Gujarat Gramin Bank, the Minister noted that recent KYC and re-KYC drives have strengthened the link between citizens and the formal financial system. She urged all institutions to continue this commitment in ensuring that no citizen remains separated from their rightful money.

During the event, Sitharaman also handed over certificates to beneficiaries who successfully reclaimed their unclaimed deposits.

Gujarat’s Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai said it was a matter of pride for the state to host the national launch. “Unclaimed deposits can play a vital role in supporting education, empowerment, and other financial needs of beneficiaries,” he said.

In a message, Union Home Minister Amit Shah lauded the initiative as a step towards strengthening public trust, dignity, and empowerment, encouraging citizens to participate actively.

Secretary, Department of Financial Services (DFS), M. Nagaraju, shared that as of August 2025, over ₹75,000 crore in unclaimed deposits have been transferred to the RBI’s Depositor Education and Awareness Fund, while unclaimed insurance proceeds exceed ₹13,800 crore, mutual fund balances ₹3,000 crore, and unpaid dividends over ₹9,000 crore. “Claims must be processed quickly and fairly, so that citizens walk away with clarity and confidence,” he said.

The campaign, coordinated by the DFS under the Ministry of Finance, brings together the RBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, and IEPFA along with banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, and pension institutions.

Covering all States and Union Territories from October to December 2025, the campaign will feature digital demonstrations and helpdesks to assist citizens in tracing and claiming unclaimed assets — reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparency, inclusion, and citizen-centric governance.