In a major step toward investor empowerment and financial literacy, the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, joined hands with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) to launch the first-ever “Niveshak Shivir” in Pune. This event, held with great enthusiasm, aims to tackle one of the most pressing issues for investors – unclaimed shares and dividends.

What is Niveshak Shivir and Why Does It Matter for Investors?

The Niveshak Shivir initiative represents a proactive investor outreach campaign by IEPFA. Its main goal is to assist investors in resolving long-pending financial issues such as unclaimed dividends, forgotten shares, KYC updates, and nomination corrections – all under one centralized platform.

Considering that millions of rupees remain unclaimed in dividends and shares across India, this move becomes crucial. With Niveshak Shivir, authorities aim to educate and empower investors, guiding them step-by-step in reclaiming their unclaimed investments through the official IEPF portal.

Massive Turnout in Pune Shows Investor Interest

Over 450 claimants and investors from Pune and nearby regions enthusiastically participated in the first edition of Niveshak Shivir. Moreover, the event created a buzzing atmosphere with dedicated service desks helping investors:

• Claim unclaimed dividends and shares held for over 6–7 years
• Update KYC and nomination details on-the-spot
• Resolve claim-related issues with the help of trained officials

This high level of participation clearly shows the urgent need for such investor-friendly initiatives.

Key Highlights: A Hassle-Free Claim Process

To ensure the process remained smooth and transparent, authorities set up nineteen kiosks staffed by experts from Depositories, RTAs, DPs, and MIIs, who guided investors every step of the way. Notably, a Search Facility helped participants quickly check whether they or their family members had any unclaimed shares or dividends.

After verification, trained officials assisted attendees in filling out the IEPF-5 form, which investors must submit to reclaim funds through the IEPF portal. This kind of on-ground assistance significantly boosts investor confidence.

Investor Guide Brochure: A Must-Have Resource

During the event, a special investor guide titled “Investor Guide to Claiming Unclaimed Shares and Dividends”, developed by NSDL, was launched by Smt. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA, and Shri Ananth Narayan, Whole-time Member of SEBI.

This brochure simplifies:

• The online claim submission process on the IEPF website
• The list of required documents like PAN, Aadhaar, and Entitlement Letters
• Common mistakes to avoid during claim submissions

Consequently, this guide will reduce claim rejections and help investors take control of their finances more confidently.

More Niveshak Shivirs Coming Soon: Stay Updated!

The Pune event was just the beginning. IEPFA plans to organize more Niveshak Shivir events across major Indian cities, especially where there is a high volume of unclaimed investor funds. Authorities will roll out a city-wise calendar based on feedback from this pilot event.

Therefore, investors should keep an eye on these events, as they offer a unique opportunity for in-person support and faster grievance redressal.

About IEPFA: Driving Financial Awareness and Transparency

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), established by the Government of India under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, plays a vital role in:

• Promoting investor awareness
• Protecting investor interests
• Facilitating the recovery of unclaimed investments through the official IEPF portal (www.iepf.gov.in)

With initiatives like Niveshak Shivir, IEPFA continues to work toward creating an inclusive and financially literate investor base in India.

A Welcome Move for Every Indian Investor

The launch of Niveshak Shivir in Pune marks a timely and welcome step toward solving long-standing investor issues. If you’ve ever wondered how to claim unclaimed dividends or retrieve forgotten shares, now is the time to act.

Keep visiting www.iepf.gov.in for updates, upcoming events, and useful resources. Your unclaimed investments might just be a few steps away from being recovered!

Stay tuned to our blog for more updates on Niveshak Shivir events, IEPFA guidelines, and SEBI initiatives.

Don’t forget to share this post with someone who might have unclaimed dividends or shares!