Economy📖 3 min read

Government Launches UDGAM Portal for Unclaimed Financial Assets

The Indian government has introduced a new portal to help people find their unclaimed money across various financial institutions.

Source: GNews Govt Launch
Summary of News

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched the UDGAM portal, a centralized web portal for searching unclaimed deposits and accounts. UDGAM stands for Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information. This portal allows users to search for unclaimed deposits across multiple banks and financial institutions in one place. The initiative aims to make it easier for the public to identify and claim their unclaimed funds. Currently, the portal covers seven major banks, including SBI, PNB, Central Bank of India, Dhanlaxmi Bank, South Indian Bank, DBS Bank India, and Citibank. The RBI plans to include more banks by October 2023. This move addresses the growing issue of unclaimed funds in the financial system, providing a unified platform for citizens.

Why It Matters

This portal is important for aspirants studying Economy and Government Schemes for UPSC, SSC, and Banking exams. It highlights the RBI's role in financial regulation and consumer protection. Questions may arise on the portal's name, its purpose, and the institutions it covers. It also links to broader topics like financial literacy and banking reforms, relevant for General Awareness sections.

Key Points for Exam
  • The UDGAM portal was launched by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • UDGAM stands for Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information.
  • The portal helps users find unclaimed deposits across various banks.
  • Initially, seven major banks are covered, including SBI and PNB.
  • More banks are expected to be included on the portal by October 2023.
Important Keywords Explained
UDGAM Portalscheme

UDGAM (Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information) is a centralized web portal launched by the RBI. Its purpose is to help the public search for their unclaimed deposits and accounts across multiple banks and financial institutions from a single platform. This simplifies the process of identifying and claiming dormant funds.

Unclaimed Depositsconcept

Unclaimed deposits refer to funds in bank accounts that have not been operated for a specified period, typically 10 years or more. These funds are then transferred by banks to the Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund maintained by the RBI. The UDGAM portal aims to facilitate the return of these funds to their rightful owners.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI)organization

The RBI is India's central bank, established on April 1, 1935, under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. Its headquarters are in Mumbai. The RBI regulates the country's monetary policy, issues currency, supervises financial institutions, and manages foreign exchange. It plays a crucial role in maintaining financial stability.

Additional Facts & Context
1As of February 2023, unclaimed deposits in public sector banks amounted to over Rs 35,000 crore.
2The Depositor Education and Awareness (DEA) Fund was established by the RBI in 2014.
3Banks are required to transfer unclaimed deposits that are 10 years old or more to the DEA Fund.
4The UDGAM portal was developed by ReBIT (RBI's IT arm), IFTAS, and participating banks.
Examiner's Tip

Exams often test the full form of acronyms, the launching body of government initiatives, and the primary objective of new portals. Be prepared for questions on the RBI's role in consumer protection and financial inclusion.

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Memory Trick

UDGAM helps you 'dig up' your 'unclaimed deposits' from the 'gateway' of information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of the UDGAM portal launched by RBI?

The UDGAM portal's main purpose is to provide a centralized platform for individuals to search for their unclaimed deposits and accounts across various banks. This simplifies the process of identifying and claiming dormant funds that have been transferred to the RBI's DEA Fund.

Which banks are currently covered under the UDGAM portal?

Currently, the UDGAM portal covers seven major banks. These include State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB), Central Bank of India, Dhanlaxmi Bank, South Indian Bank, DBS Bank India, and Citibank. The RBI plans to expand coverage to more banks soon.

What does UDGAM stand for?

UDGAM stands for Unclaimed Deposits Gateway to Access Information. This acronym clearly defines the portal's function as a gateway for accessing information related to unclaimed financial assets held by various banking institutions in India.

Connected Concepts / Topics
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