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 the first-ever “Niveshak Shivir” in Pune—a pioneering initiative to educate investors, resolve unclaimed dividends, and simplify the process of reclaiming lost shares.
The event, held as part of IEPFA’s nationwide investor awareness campaign, saw over 450 claimants participate, with dedicated help desks assisting them in retrieving unclaimed shares, updating KYC details, and filing claims seamlessly. A special investor guide brochure, titled “Investor Guide to Claiming Unclaimed Shares and Dividends”, was also unveiled to further empower investors.
What is Niveshak Shivir?
Niveshak Shivir is an investor outreach program designed to simplify the process of reclaiming unclaimed dividends and shares that have remained inactive for 7+ years. These funds are transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF), and the initiative aims to help rightful owners retrieve their dues efficiently.
Key Objectives of Niveshak Shivir:
✔ Assist investors in reclaiming unclaimed shares & dividends
✔ Provide on-the-spot KYC & nomination updates
✔ Educate investors on avoiding unclaimed investments
✔ Simplify the IEPF claim process (Form IEPF-5)
✔ Enhance financial literacy & investor awareness
How Did the Pune Niveshak Shivir Help Investors?
The event featured 19 dedicated kiosks where investors received personalized assistance from experts, including:
- Registrars & Transfer Agents (RTAs)
- Depository Participants (DPs)
- Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)
Services Provided at Niveshak Shivir:
🔹 Instant Search Facility – Investors could check if they had any unclaimed shares/dividends.
🔹 IEPF-5 Form Assistance – Officials helped fill out forms correctly to avoid rejections.
🔹 KYC & Nomination Updates – On-the-spot updates to prevent future unclaimed assets.
🔹 Claim Resolution Guidance – Step-by-step support for faster settlements.
Special Investor Guide Brochure Launched
A key highlight was the release of NSDL’s “Investor Guide to Claiming Unclaimed Shares and Dividends”, which simplifies:
✅ Steps to file an IEPF claim
✅ Documents required (PAN, Aadhaar, Entitlement Letter)
✅ Common reasons for claim rejection & how to avoid them
Why is Niveshak Shivir Important?
1. Billions in Unclaimed Shares & Dividends
As per IEPFA data, over ₹5,000+ crore in unclaimed dividends and 500+ crore shares are lying idle with the IEPF. Many investors are unaware of how to reclaim them.
2. Reducing Claim Rejections
Most rejections occur due to incorrect documentation or incomplete forms. Niveshak Shivir ensures proper guidance to minimize errors.
3. Financial Inclusion & Awareness
The initiative promotes investor education, ensuring individuals do not lose track of their investments.
4. Nationwide Expansion Planned
Following Pune’s success, more Niveshak Shivirs will be held across India, targeting cities with high volumes of unclaimed funds.
How Can Investors Claim Unclaimed Shares & Dividends?
Even if you missed the event, you can still reclaim your dues via the IEPF portal:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Check Unclaimed Amounts – Visit IEPF Website & search using PAN.
- File IEPF-5 Form – Submit details along with required documents.
- Verification – After approval, shares/dividends are credited to your Demat/bank account.
Pro Tip: Update nomination & KYC regularly to prevent investments from becoming unclaimed.
What’s Next? Nationwide Rollout of Niveshak Shivir
Based on Pune’s pilot success, IEPFA & SEBI will organize more Niveshak Shivirs in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. The goal is to reach lakhs of investors and ensure they reclaim what’s rightfully theirs.
Conclusion: A Major Step Towards Investor Empowerment
The Niveshak Shivir initiative marks a significant leap in investor protection, ensuring transparency, ease of claims, and financial literacy. With AI-driven tracking and on-ground assistance, IEPFA and SEBI are bridging the gap between investors and their unclaimed wealth.
Investors should stay updated on future Niveshak Shivir dates and proactively check for unclaimed assets to secure their financial future.
Official Resources:
- IEPFA Portal: https://www.iepf.gov.in
- SEBI Investor Helpline: https://scores.gov.in
- Ministry of Corporate Affairs: https://www.mca.gov.in
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