Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launched the nationwide awareness campaign “Aapki Punji, Aapka Adhikaar (Your Money, Your Right) in Gandhinagar today.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Sitharaman highlighted that the campaign carries a simple but powerful message that every rupee saved by citizens must return to them or their families.
“Unclaimed deposits, insurance proceeds, dividends, mutual fund balances, and pensions are not mere entries on paper; they represent the hard-earned savings of ordinary families — savings that can support education, healthcare, and financial security,” she added.
She underlined the importance of the “3 A’s” — Awareness, Accessibility and Action — as the guiding principles of this campaign. Awareness aims to ensure that every citizen and community is informed about how to trace unclaimed assets. Accessibility focuses on providing simplified digital tools and district-level outreach. Action emphasizes time-bound and transparent claim settlements.
“Together, these three pillars will help bridge the gap between citizens and financial institutions, promoting community awareness and ensuring that every individual can reclaim their rightful savings with dignity and ease,” Mrs Sitharaman said.
The Finance Minister also acknowledged the proactive role of regional rural banks, particularly Gujarat Gramin Bank, and other financial institutions, in the recent KYC and re-KYC campaigns, noting that these efforts have strengthened the link between citizens and the formal financial system. “Undertaken across villages and towns, such initiatives have ensured that beneficiaries remain connected to their savings and entitlements, laying a strong foundation for the success of the current campaign,” the Union Minister said.
She urged all institutions to carry forward the same dedication and outreach in this nationwide initiative on unclaimed financial assets, so that no citizen remains separated from their rightful money.
She also handed over certificates to beneficiaries who successfully reclaimed their unclaimed deposits from various institutions.
Speaking on the occasion, Gujarat Finance Minister Kanubhai Desai stated that the launch of this nationwide campaign from Gujarat is a matter of pride for the state and assured full support for its successful execution through active participation and outreach.