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), has launched ‘Niveshak Shivir’, a pilot initiative aimed at helping investors reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares. The first camp is scheduled to take place on June 1, 2025, in Pune.
Objective & Key Features
The initiative serves as a one-stop solution for investors struggling with unclaimed financial assets, offering direct access to investor services. According to official estimates, over 1.1 billion unclaimed shares valued at ₹1 lakh crore and ₹6,000 crore in unclaimed dividends remain unresolved.
Investor Benefits & Process
- Facilitation of claims for dividends unclaimed for six to seven years.
- On-the-spot KYC and nomination updates.
- Immediate resolution of pending IEPFA claims.
- Dedicated service kiosks from stakeholder companies with high volumes of unclaimed dividend accounts.
Eliminating Intermediaries & Boosting Transparency
‘Niveshak Shivir’ aims to eliminate intermediaries, encouraging direct interaction between investors, companies, and Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs). The Pune camp is the first in a series of investor outreach programs planned across cities with high concentrations of unclaimed investments.
Future Plans & Digital Integration
IEPFA is set to roll out an integrated portal by August 2025, streamlining the claims process with real-time tracking, direct communication with companies, and instant data validation through interfaces with PAN, depositories, and banks.
With a commitment to financial literacy and investor protection, SEBI and IEPFA aim to build a transparent, secure, and investor-friendly financial ecosystem.
