Initiative Aims to Boost Investor Empowerment and Streamline Claim Resolution Process

In a significant move to enhance investor awareness and address unresolved financial claims, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, in collaboration with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), launched the inaugural edition of ‘Niveshak Shivir’ in Pune.

The event marked a strategic step toward improving financial literacy and providing a one-stop solution for investors seeking to reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares. As part of its outreach efforts, IEPFA designed the Shivir to assist investors with KYC and nomination updates and expedite claim settlements.

Strong Investor Participation and On-the-Spot Services

More than 450 investors and claimants from Pune and nearby regions participated in the event. Multiple service desks were set up to address key issues such as:

• Claiming dividends and shares unclaimed for over six to seven years
• On-the-spot KYC and nomination updates
• Immediate resolution of claim-related queries

Nineteen dedicated kiosks staffed with trained officials guided participants through each step of the claim process.

End-to-End Support and Awareness

A major highlight of the event was the collaborative presence of Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs), Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs), Depositories, and their participants. Their involvement helped demystify the dematerialisation of physical shares, KYC procedures, and the IEPF claim filing mechanism.

A search facility was also made available, enabling attendees to verify whether they or their family members had any unclaimed dividends or shares. Verified claimants received real-time assistance in filling out the IEPF-5 form accurately.

Launch of Investor Guide by NSDL

During the event, Smt. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, along with Shri Ananth Narayan, Whole-Time Member of SEBI, launched a dedicated investor brochure developed by NSDL. Titled “Investor Guide to Claiming Unclaimed Shares and Dividends,” the guide outlines the claim procedure, required documents like PAN, Aadhaar, and Entitlement Letters, and tips to avoid common errors.

Road Ahead

This pilot initiative in Pune is set to be the first in a series of ‘Niveshak Shivir’ events across Indian cities, especially those with high volumes of unclaimed investor funds. IEPFA plans to develop a city-wise calendar based on learnings from this launch.

About IEPFA

Established by the Government of India, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority operates under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Its mission is to enhance investor awareness, resolve grievances effectively, and facilitate easy recovery of unclaimed investments through user-friendly digital platforms.

REF: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2133165

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