India’s banking landscape has undergone significant transformation, evolving from traditional branch-based operations to a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Despite these advancements, a pressing issue persists: unclaimed deposits accumulating in public sector banks (PSBs). To combat this challenge and empower citizens, the government initiated a national awareness campaign titled “Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar — Your Money, Your Right” on October 4, 2025. This initiative aims to assist individuals in tracing, claiming, and recovering their unclaimed financial assets.
Before delving into the statistics, it's crucial to define unclaimed deposits. As per the statement presented in Parliament on December 2, 2025, unclaimed deposits consist of:
After this time frame elapses, these funds are transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, which is managed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The RBI, in collaboration with banks, has been actively conducting awareness campaigns through print, radio, and digital media to help rightful owners or their nominees reclaim these funds.
During a Parliamentary session, Rajya Sabha MP Phulo Devi Netam requested bank-wise data on unclaimed deposits. In response, Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance, provided insights regarding the DEA Fund Scheme, 2014, which governs unclaimed deposits.
According to RBI data presented in Parliament, the State Bank of India (SBI) holds the highest amount of unclaimed deposits transferred to the DEA Fund as of June 30, 2025. The following is a list of bank-wise unclaimed deposits:
This data highlights that SBI alone accounts for nearly one-third of the total unclaimed deposits among PSBs.
In total, unclaimed deposits amounting to ₹58,331 crore from 12 Public Sector Banks have been transferred to the DEA Fund.
Additionally, here are the figures for the next two PSBs:
Q1. What are unclaimed deposits in Indian banks?
Answer: Unclaimed deposits are funds in savings or current accounts that have been inactive for 10 years or term deposits not claimed within 10 years after maturity.
Q2. What is the purpose of the DEA Fund?
Answer: The Depositor Education and Awareness Fund aims to manage unclaimed deposits and support initiatives to educate the public about their financial rights.
Q3. How can individuals claim their unclaimed deposits?
Answer: Individuals can trace and claim unclaimed deposits through their respective banks, aided by government campaigns like "Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar."
Q4. Which bank has the highest unclaimed deposits?
Answer: As of June 30, 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI) has the highest unclaimed deposits, totaling ₹19,330 crore.
Q5. Why is awareness about unclaimed deposits important?
Answer: Raising awareness helps rightful owners reclaim their funds, thereby enhancing financial literacy and accountability within the banking system.
Question 1: What is the time frame for deposits to be considered unclaimed in India?
A) 5 years
B) 10 years
C) 15 years
D) 20 years
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which organization manages the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund in India?
A) Reserve Bank of India
B) Ministry of Finance
C) Securities and Exchange Board of India
D) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: What campaign was launched to help citizens claim unclaimed financial assets?
A) Financial Literacy Drive
B) Aapki Poonji, Aapka Adhikar
C) My Money, My Rights
D) Claim Your Funds Initiative
Correct Answer: B
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