IEPFA Launches Saksham Niveshak Campaign
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs launched the Saksham Niveshak campaign in 2025. This 100-day national drive ran from 28th July to 6th November. It focused on empowering shareholders by raising awareness about unclaimed dividends and guiding them to update KYC and nomination details. The campaign aimed to help investors reclaim their dividends and prevent transfer of shares to the IEPFA.
Background and Purpose
The campaign was initiated to address the issue of unclaimed dividends held by companies. Many shareholders remain unaware of dividends owed to them due to outdated records or lack of communication. Saksham Niveshak sought to bridge this gap by encouraging companies to reach out proactively. It also urged shareholders to update their KYC and nomination information to ensure smooth dividend payouts.
Key Objectives
The campaign had three main goals:
- Resolve pending cases of unclaimed dividends with companies.
- Support shareholders in updating KYC and nomination details.
- Ensure direct dividend payments reach rightful investors without delay.
Role of IEPFA
IEPFA is a statutory body under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. It protects investor interests and promotes financial literacy. The authority manages unclaimed dividends and shares transferred after a specified period. Through initiatives like Niveshak Didi, Niveshak Panchayat, and Niveshak Shivir, IEPFA builds investor awareness and empowerment across India.
Collaborations and Wider Impact
Recently, the Department of Posts collaborated with the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) to simplify KYC verification for over 24 crore mutual fund investors. This partnership benefits all Asset Management Companies under AMFI by enabling seamless KYC compliance. The move supports the growing investor base, which added nearly 10 million new investors in FY25 alone, enhancing financial inclusion and operational efficiency.
Investor Actions and Benefits
Shareholders holding physical share certificates or outdated KYC were urged to act promptly. Updating KYC and dematerialising shares ensures dividend credits are received directly. Timely action prevents shares and dividends from being transferred to the IEPFA. This safeguards investor rights and improves dividend receipt continuity.
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