Unclaimed bank deposits near Rs 1 lakh crore, RBI portal helps trace money

Nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in unclaimed bank deposits has been transferred to the RBI's Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund, news.abplive.com reports citing finance ministry data. As of January 31, 2026, Rs 98,073 crore was in the fund, up from Rs 90,545 crore on June 30, 2025. The money includes savings and current accounts that saw no customer transaction for 10 years.

The RBI's UDGAM portal allows users to search for forgotten deposits across participating banks. Claimants who find money must approach the bank directly for repayment, as the portal only provides a search facility, the report states. Banks have been directed to conduct special drives and contact customers quarterly via email or SMS.

Between October and December 2025, a nationwide 'Your Money, Your Right' campaign held camps in 748 districts. By February 28, 2026, financial assets worth Rs 5,777 crore linked to 22.95 lakh claims were returned to rightful owners, covering deposits, insurance, mutual funds, shares, and dividends.