In a proactive step toward investor protection and financial empowerment, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, jointly organized the third “Niveshak Shivir” in Amritsar, Punjab, on November 1, 2025.
This ongoing initiative reflects a nationwide effort to help shareholders reclaim unpaid dividends and unclaimed shares, while minimizing the growing pool of unclaimed investor assets in the financial system.
A Joint Effort for Investor Empowerment
The Niveshak Shivir is a collaborative investor outreach program designed to simplify and accelerate the process for investors to recover their dues. The event in Amritsar marked the third edition of this impactful initiative, following the success of previous Shivers conducted in other major cities.
The event was jointly organized by SEBI and IEPFA in close partnership with key Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)—BSE, NSE, CDSL, and NSDL—as well as major Registrar and Transfer Agents (RTAs) including KFin Technologies Ltd., MUFG Intime India Pvt. Ltd., and Bigshare Services Pvt. Ltd.
Strong Participation and On-the-Spot Support
The day-long event saw enthusiastic participation from over 223 investors and claimants from Amritsar and nearby regions. Seventeen dedicated service desks were set up under one roof to provide end-to-end assistance on a range of investor services, including:
- The process for reclaiming dividends and shares that have remained unclaimed for over six years;
- Instant KYC and nomination updates;
- Resolution of claim-related queries; and
- Assistance for pending IEPFA claims.
The initiative enabled on-the-spot facilitation of pending claims and provided a seamless experience for investors to interact directly with officials from SEBI, IEPFA, and RTAs—eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing procedural delays.
Distinguished Dignitaries and Key Highlights
The Amritsar Shivir was graced by several dignitaries, including Smt. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Shri Binod Sharma, General Manager, SEBI; and Lt. Col. Aditya Sinha, General Manager, IEPFA. Senior representatives from MIIs, RTAs, and other partner organizations were also present, highlighting the collective commitment of India’s financial ecosystem to empower investors.
As part of the event, SEBI and IEPFA, in collaboration with MIIs, launched an explainer video conceptualized by CDSL IPF titled “Understanding the Process of Claiming Unpaid Dividends through IEPFA.” This educational video aims to simplify claim procedures for investors nationwide, further promoting awareness and accessibility.
A Step Toward Reducing Unclaimed Assets
The Niveshak Shivir series has emerged as a strong model of financial inclusion and transparency. By bringing together regulators, depositories, RTAs, and investors on one platform, the initiative facilitates faster settlement of unclaimed dividends and shares while building trust and literacy among investors.
Encouraged by the positive response in Amritsar, SEBI and IEPFA plan to organize similar Shivers across other cities with significant volumes of unclaimed assets.
Conclusion
The third Niveshak Shivir at Amritsar marks another milestone in SEBI and IEPFA’s shared vision to protect investors’ interests and enhance financial awareness. Through collaborative efforts and investor-friendly initiatives like these, India continues to strengthen its foundation for a more transparent, efficient, and investor-centric financial ecosystem.