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India Gazette
4 days ago
- Business
- India Gazette
IEPFA and SEBI launch first Niveshak Shivir in Pune to empower investors and resolve unclaimed dividends
New Delhi [India], June 1 (ANI): 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), successfully launched the pilot chapter of Niveshak Shivir in Pune on Sunday. The initiative is a part of IEPFA's continued mission to empower investors and strengthen financial literacy. The event marked a significant step in facilitating direct engagement with investors and addressing unresolved financial claims, according to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. In line with IEPFA's broader investor outreach initiatives, Niveshak Shivir was conceptualised to assist investors in resolving pending issues related to unclaimed dividends and shares, updating KYC and nomination details, and facilitating faster settlements of claims - all under one roof. Over 450 claimants participated enthusiastically in the event, which attracted investors and stakeholders from Pune and nearby regions. By bringing together representatives from MIIs (Market Infrastructure Institutions), Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs), Depositories and Depository participants, the event successfully created awareness of the processes, thereby ensuring a transparent and seamless awareness towards demat of physical shares, updating KYC and nomination and the processes of IEPF claim were demystified. Investors were guided through every step of the process by trained officials at nineteen dedicated kiosks. To further streamline the process, search facility was made available at the venue, enabling participants to quickly check whether they or their family members had held any unclaimed shares or dividends. Once verified, trained officials assisted claimants in accurately filling out the IEPF-5 form, ensuring a smooth and guided claim submission process. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, along with Ananth Narayan, whole time Member, SEBI, and other officials inaugurated a special investor guide brochure developed by NSDL titled 'Investor Guide to Claiming Unclaimed Shares and Dividends.' The brochure outlines, in simple language, the step-by-step process for reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares through the IEPF portal, key documents required (such as PAN, Aadhaar, and Entitlement Letter), and tips for avoiding common reasons for claim rejections. This initiative is expected to further empower investors with the knowledge needed to effectively navigate the claim process. The Shivir is the first in a planned series of Niveshak Shivir events to be held in major cities with significant volumes of unclaimed investor funds. This reflects IEPFA's deep commitment to investor-centric governance and transparency. Citywise calendar of events of Niveshak Shivir would be rolled out based on the learnings of this pilot. The Government of India established the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. Its mandate is to promote investor awareness, ensure effective grievance redressal, and facilitate the recovery of unclaimed investments through accessible and user-friendly platforms. (ANI)
India Gazette
11-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
SEBI, Corporate Affairs Ministry initiate 'Niveshak Shivir' to assist and educate investors
New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, convene a strategic preparatory meeting in Mumbai for Niveshak Shivir initiative. Niveshak Shivir - a nationwide investor assistance initiative aimed at enabling investors to reclaim unclaimed dividends and shares with greater ease, improving financial literacy and reducing reliance on intermediaries. The initiative will feature dedicated helpdesks, allowing investors to interact directly with company representatives and Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs) for end-to-end assistance. The 'Niveshak Shivir' initiative will commence later this month in Mumbai and Ahmedabad, with plans to expand to other cities with high volumes of unclaimed investor assets. The meeting was attended by Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, along with IEPFA officials; Ananth Narayan G., Whole-Time Member, SEBI; Shashi Kumar Valsakumar and Jeevan Sonparote, Executive Directors, SEBI; and other SEBI officials. Representatives from key financial market infrastructure institutions were also present, including the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL), Central Depository Services Limited (CDSL), and Registrars and Transfer Agents (RTAs) such as Link Intime and KFin Technologies. Several key action points were discussed during the meeting aimed at enhancing communication with shareholders whose shares are subject to transfer to IEPFA. Shareholders holding shares in dematerialised form that are due for transfer to the IEPFA are advised to contact the respective company directly for clarification and support. Those holding shares in physical form should check the status of their shares on the IEPFA website. If the shares have already been transferred, they can file a claim using Form IEPF-5. Alternatively, they may seek assistance from the company's Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA). The IEPFA also offers a search facility that enables shareholders to verify whether their shares have been transferred or are still held by the company. This feature helps claimants determine the current status of their shares, promoting timely action and minimising delays in the recovery process. (ANI)
