Sitharaman Launches “Aapki Punji, Aapka Adhikar” — A Nationwide Drive on Unclaimed Financial Assets
In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today kicked off a three-month nationwide awareness campaign titled “Aapki Punji, Aapka Adhikar” (Your Money, Your Right) aimed at helping citizens reclaim unclaimed financial assets. The initiative seeks to empower people to track down deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, shares and mutual fund payouts that have remained dormant or forgotten.
Speaking at the inauguration, Nirmala Sitharaman urged citizens to act, to become ambassadors of the campaign, and to assist others in registering and claiming what rightfully belongs to them. She emphasized that awareness, access and action — the three “A”s — are central pillars of this drive.
What the Campaign Targets
Unclaimed assets are not small in number. Over time funds get stranded due to account holders moving cities, forgetting to update details or heirs not filing claims. The campaign aims to bridge that gap by simplifying procedures, offering on-spot guidance and digital tools that walk claimants through steps in a clear and transparent manner.
Banks, insurance firms, mutual fund houses and pension funds are already involved. The Department of Financial Services under the Ministry of Finance coordinates with bodies like RBI, IRDAI, SEBI and the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority to facilitate the campaign.
At today’s event, Nirmala Sitharaman distributed claim orders and cheques to citizens who had successfully recovered their assets, making visible the campaign’s purpose.
Why Now?
Several factors make this campaign timely. First, many citizens remain unaware of assets lying unused in financial institutions. Second, regulatory and technological advances now make tracking and claiming easier than before. Third, the government sees this as part of deepening financial inclusion — ensuring that even small amounts do not remain locked away without claimants being able to reach them.
This drive also aligns with the broader vision of citizens having control over their finances, reducing leaks in the system and restoring trust in financial institutions.
Bringing It to the Ground
Over the next three months, the campaign will span every district in India. Mobile camps, local financial inclusion fairs and roadshows are planned. Officials will demonstrate how to use online portals, retrieve missed payouts, update KYC and complete claim submissions. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), FAQs and toolkits will help make the process user friendly.
In Gujarat itself, state officials said they would roll out supplementary outreach in rural areas where awareness is often low. Local banking units are gearing up for extended help desks and training staff to guide citizens.
Challenges Ahead
Reclaiming unclaimed assets is not without challenges. Some accounts may have incomplete or outdated information. Some claimants may not survive or heirs may not know about the money. Verifying identity across institutions and coordinating among multiple regulators can be complex.
Another challenge is trust. Some people may be apprehensive about sharing details or fear fraud. Ensuring that every step is transparent and secure will be vital for the campaign’s success.
A Matter of Right and Responsibility
By launching this campaign, the government is making a statement: your money is your right. The name itself underlines that citizens should view dormant funds not as forgotten liabilities but as assets waiting to be reclaimed. It also places a moral responsibility on institutions and regulators to proactively reach people and help them claim what is theirs.
For many individuals, reclaiming even modest sums can make a difference — whether it’s settling overdue payments, funding education or simply restoring financial dignity. The campaign may also boost confidence in the financial system, showing that the state is willing to walk steps to return resources to rightful owners.
Looking Ahead
If executed well, “Aapki Punji, Aapka Adhikar” could become a landmark campaign in citizen financial rights. Its success will depend on collaboration — from central agencies, state governments, banks, insurers and mutual fund houses — as well as active citizen participation, Nirmala Sitharaman.
As the campaign unfolds, thousands of citizens who may not even know they have unclaimed assets will get a chance to claim them. The next months will show whether the promise of turning forgotten funds into reclaimed rights is realized at scale. And in that journey, every rupee returned may become a symbol of a financial system that works more fairly for its people.
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