Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA)
Why in news?
The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, recently collaborated with SEBI to organize the fourth "Niveshak Shivir" in Jaipur on December 6, 2025, facilitating on-the-spot resolution of unclaimed dividends, shares pending 6-7 years, KYC updates, and IEPFA claims.​
About IEPFA
- The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) is a statutory body established under Section 125(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, by the Central Government to administer the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).​
- IEPFA runs flagship programs like Niveshak Didi, Niveshak Panchayat, and Niveshak Shivir to boost financial literacy via collaborations with SEBI, stock exchanges, and others.
Establishment and Structure
- IEPFA was notified on September 7, 2016, under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and operates as a body corporate with perpetual succession.
- It consists of a chairperson, a chief executive officer, and up to seven other members appointed by the Central Government, with the CEO handling general management under the chairperson's supervision.
- The Authority maintains separate accounts audited by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.​
Key Functions
- IEPFA manages IEPF funds, which include unclaimed dividends, shares, matured deposits, and debentures transferred from companies after seven years.
- It facilitates refunds to rightful claimants and promotes investor awareness through education programs.
- Funds are used strictly for investor protection, corporate governance research, seminars, and awareness initiatives.​
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