RBI’s ‘Your Money, Your Right’ Drive: Helping Citizens Reclaim Forgotten Bank Deposits

Updated: November 09, 2025 20:56

Image Source : The Economic Times

The Reserve Bank of India has launched a nationwide campaign to help citizens recover unclaimed deposits from old or inactive bank accounts. Through the UDGAM portal, users can search across multiple banks and claim funds transferred to the DEA Fund. Special camps and awareness drives will run until December 2025.

In a major push for financial inclusion and consumer awareness, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has initiated a nationwide campaign to help citizens reclaim unclaimed deposits from old or inactive bank accounts. The initiative, part of the central bank’s Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund program, is being promoted under the banner “Your Money, Your Right.”

The campaign comes in response to growing concerns over dormant savings and term deposit accounts, many of which have remained untouched for over a decade. These funds, transferred to the DEA Fund by banks, continue to earn applicable interest and remain accessible to depositors or their legal heirs.

Key Highlights:
UDGAM Portal: The RBI’s Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to Access Information (UDGAM) portal allows users to search for unclaimed deposits across multiple banks using their name and other identifiers. It serves as a one-stop platform for tracking and initiating claims.

Eligibility Criteria: Deposits in savings or current accounts not operated for 10 years, or term deposits not claimed within 10 years of maturity, are classified as unclaimed. These can be reclaimed by visiting the respective bank branch with valid KYC documents.

Special Camps: RBI has announced awareness camps and outreach programs across cities and towns until December 2025 to assist citizens in navigating the claim process.

Digital Push: The initiative aligns with India’s broader digital governance goals, encouraging citizens to use online tools for financial recovery and record management.

Clarification On Misinformation: RBI has denied social media claims suggesting that unclaimed deposits are forfeited. It reiterated that such funds remain recoverable and continue to accrue interest.

Financial Literacy: The campaign also aims to educate citizens about maintaining active accounts, updating nominee details, and regularly reviewing financial holdings to avoid future dormancy.

With over ₹67,000 crore reportedly lying idle in unclaimed deposits nationwide, the RBI’s drive is a timely intervention to reconnect citizens with their forgotten funds and reinforce trust in the banking system.

Sources: Free Press Journal, Economic Times, Goodreturns, RBI UDGAM Portal, The420.in, Grip Invest.