Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under Ministry of Corporate Affairs convened a preparatory meeting with Nodal Officers of stakeholder companies to finalize operational aspects of “Niveshak Shivir” — a joint initiative with Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) aimed at simplifying the process of reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares.
About ‘Niveshak Shivir’ Initiative
Launched by: IEPFA & SEBI (joint initiative)
Objective:
- Simplify the process of reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares.
- Reduce investor dependence on intermediaries.
- Mitigate risks of fraud and misinformation.
- Promote financial literacy and direct investor engagement.
Key Features
- One-stop camps/kiosks to be organized in cities with large numbers of unclaimed dividend holders.
- First camps to be held in Mumbai and Ahmedabad (in May 2025).
- Kiosks will be set up by companies and Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs) to assist investors.
- Investors can:
- Update KYC and nomination details.
- Verify claim status of unclaimed assets.
- Receive guided assistance for reclaiming investments (whether assets are with the company or already transferred to IEPFA).
- Get real-time grievance redressal.
- QR-code-based Google Form will be used for pre-registration. Supported by regional offices of ICAI and SEBI.
- Target audience:
- Investors whose dividends have remained unclaimed for 6–7 years.
- Focus on cities with highest concentration of such investors.
- Selected companies with highest number of unclaimed dividend accounts will be invited to set up dedicated kiosks at the camps.
Significance
- Provides direct and transparent access to investor services.
- Minimizes investor reliance on third-party agents or intermediaries.
- Enhances investor awareness and financial empowerment.
- Aims to reduce bottlenecks in claim processes and support grievance redressal on-the-spot.
About Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)
Established: 2016 under Companies Act, 2013.
Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Purpose:
Manages the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF). Promotes investor education, awareness, and financial protection.
IEPF includes:
- Unpaid dividends unclaimed for 7 years.
- Application money due for refund.
- Matured deposits & debentures.
- Interest accrued on these funds.
- Government or institutional grants/donations.