An important step toward resolving the problem of unclaimed deposits with banks was taken with the announcement by the Reserve Bank of India of the development of a centralized web platform called UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits – Gateway to access Information). The RBI has created a web platform to make it easier for the people to find their unclaimed deposits from various banks in one location.
The RBI makes a significant advancement in financial inclusion with the incorporation of UDGAM, utilizing technological advancements to effectively provide banking services to its consumers. Every coin that has been languishing unclaimed with the banks is ensured to reach its proper owner thanks to this centralized web portal.
As part of the Statement on Developmental and Regulatory Policies dated April 6, the RBI had announced the creation of a centralized web portal for finding unclaimed deposits. The RBI has periodically launched public awareness initiatives to educate the public on this issue in light of the rise in unclaimed deposits. Additionally, the RBI has urged the public to locate and contact their local banks in order to recover unclaimed deposits through these measures.
According to Sanchit Garg, CEO and Co-Founder of GLC Wealth, “UDGAM portal launched by the RBI has provided a straightforward and user-friendly platform for accountholders and the general public to search for their old accounts that have been dormant or inactive for many years and that were transferred to the Depositor Education and Awareness Fund (DEAF) of the RBI. This is a follow-up to the “100 days, 100 pays” program, which was started earlier in May and instructed banks to identify the top 100 account holders in each district with unclaimed funds and help them recover their funds.
The web portal’s launch will make it easier for consumers to locate their unclaimed deposits and accounts, allowing them to either submit a claim for the deposit amount or activate their deposit accounts at their respective banks. The platform was created in partnership by participating banks, Indian Financial Technology & Allied Services (IFTAS), and Reserve Bank Information Technology Pvt Ltd (ReBIT).
Users might view information about their unclaimed deposits for seven banks that are now accessible on the platform. These financial institutions include the Central Bank of India, State Bank of India, DBS Bank India Limited, Dhanlaxmi Bank Limited, Punjab National Bank, and South Indian Bank Limited. By October 15, 2023, the search functionality for the remaining banks on the portal will be gradually made available.
What is an unclaimed deposit?
The term “Unclaimed Deposits” refers to funds in savings or current accounts that have not been used for 10 years or in term deposits that have not been repaid within 10 years of the maturity date.
How to check unclaimed deposit at UDGAM portal
Here’s how to use the portal to look for your unclaimed deposits.
Step 1: Visit website https://udgam.rbi.org.in/unclaimed-deposits/#/login
Step 2: Enter your phone number, password, captcha code. Enter the OTP received.
Step 3: In the next page, Name of Account Holder is mandatory field. Select the banks from the list.
Step 4: Enter minimum one input from the below search criteria.
· PAN
· Voter ID
· Driving License Number
· Passport number
· Date of Birth
Step 5: Click on the search option. It will display if there is any unclaimed deposit account.
The seven listed banks are:
1. State Bank of India
2. Punjab National Bank
3. Central Bank of India
4. Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd.
5. South Indian Bank Ltd.
6. DBS Bank India Ltd.
7. Citibank
It will help a lot of people who have opened numerous accounts over a long period of time and have either lost track of them or are ignorant that thousands of crores of money are stored there, according to Garg.
UDGAM helps create a transparent financial environment and goes beyond simply being a breakthrough in e-banking services. Serving as a dependable conduit for depositors to locate their unclaimed funds reduces the danger of neglected financial assets and increases public confidence in the banking system. Such initiatives demonstrate the RBI’s commitment to addressing user needs while advancing and modernizing India’s banking industry.