The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has urged banks to trace and return over Rs 67,000 crore in unclaimed deposits. These include dormant savings and current accounts, matured term deposits, uncollected dividends, interest warrants, and insurance proceeds. This initiative aims to protect depositors and increase financial inclusion.
From October to December, banks will run a special outreach in rural and semi-urban areas. Localised publicity in multiple languages will be used via print and electronic media. This effort will help account holders identify their dormant deposits quickly.
Savings and current accounts inactive for ten years, or term deposits unclaimed after maturity, are classified as unclaimed. Banks transfer these funds to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) fund. Moreover, State Level Bank Committees (SLBCs) will examine deposit data to locate owners efficiently and settle deposits.
The RBI’s UDGAM portal allows people to check unclaimed deposits across multiple banks. Insurance companies must send unclaimed policy amounts over ten years to the Senior Citizens’ Welfare Fund (SCWF). Even after transfer, policyholders can claim funds for up to 25 years. Consequently, the scheme supports senior citizens and strengthens rural financial access.
