IEPFA and SEBI Launch “Niveshak Shivir” to Empower Investors in Pune

In a major initiative to bolster financial literacy and investor protection, 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 first “Niveshak Shivir” in Pune on June 1, 2025. The pilot event is aimed at empowering investors by resolving issues related to unclaimed dividends and shares, updating KYC and nomination details, and facilitating faster settlement of claims.

Why in News?

The Niveshak Shivir was launched to address the large volume of unclaimed dividends and shares across India and provide a single-window grievance redressal system for investors. This is the first event in a planned nationwide series, signaling a significant step towards investor-friendly governance and transparency in the Indian capital markets.

Key Objectives of the Niveshak Shivir

• Empower investors with financial literacy and claim resolution.
• Assist in recovering unclaimed investments via IEPF.
• Provide a one-stop solution for all claim-related and KYC issues.

Highlights of the Pune Event

• Over 450 participants from Pune and surrounding regions.
• 19 service desks set up for personalized support.
• On-the-spot KYC updates, nomination additions, and assistance in claim form filling (IEPF-5).
• Trained officials guiding investors step-by-step.

Services Offered

• Search facility to identify unclaimed dividends/shares.
• Support in reclaiming shares held for 6–7+ years.
• Guidance on dematerializing physical shares.
• Awareness of claim rejection reasons and how to avoid them.

Launch of Investor Guide Brochure

• Released by NSDL titled “Investor Guide to Claiming Unclaimed Shares and Dividends”.

Provides,

• Step-by-step instructions for using the IEPF portal.
• List of required documents: PAN, Aadhaar, Entitlement Letter.
• Common errors that lead to claim rejection.

Background on IEPFA

• Established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Aims to promote investor awareness, resolve grievances, and recover unclaimed investments.
• Works through digital platforms and outreach activities.

Significance of the Initiative

• First large-scale on-ground engagement for investor claims.
• Reflects the government’s commitment to investor protection.
• Sets the tone for upcoming city-wise events across India based on pilot learnings.