Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)

Abstract

Whether you are a small time investor or an active one, it is very important to have thorough financial literacy, how to invest, where to invest, how much to invest etc. Being aware about investing helps the investors to fully appreciate opportunities and associated risks, take informed decisions, understand the intricacies of financial markets (means to understand the financial market in a very complicated or detailed form) and participate actively in the economic growth of the Country by converting savings into investments. Keeping all this in mind, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India established the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) under Section 205C of the Companies Act, (1956) with an aim to generate more awareness among the investors and thus protect them. IEPF is regulated under securities and exchange board of India (investor protection and education fund) regulation, 2009.Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) is for promotion of investors’ awareness and protection of the interests of investors. The IEPF accounts for unclaimed funds from dividends, matured deposits, matured debentures or share application money, which is transferred to the Government by companies if they are not claimed for seven years. The fund shall be utilized for the purpose of protection of investors and promotion of investor education and awareness. The IEPF is managed by a Committee that consists of the Secretary, Company Affairs, as well as members from RBI, SEBI and experts on investor protection. The committee shall consider investor education and protection activities keeping in view the purpose of utilization of fund. Meeting of the committee shall be convened at least once in 3 months by the convener to in his absence, by any member nominated by the convener, on his behalf. The board shall ensure maintenance of proper and separate accounts and other relevant records in relation to the fund.Investors Education and grievances aim is to create a stock market that is fairer, more free and above all, one that better serves the interest of investors. Educated & empowered investors always allow the market forces to play their role to shape a fairer and efficient competitive market. Therefore, it is the non-government organization to equip small investors with the necessary information and understanding about the intricacies of the functioning of the stock market so that they can ensure guaranteed and safe investment avenues.