Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)

Investor education is very necessary for promoting a healthy Capital market. The Central Government has established an 'Investor Education and Protection Fund', under section 205C of the Companies Act 1956. It was notified on 31st October 2001. The Fund shall be utilized for promotion of investors’ awareness and protection of the interests of investors.

The following amounts shall be credited to the Fund:

• amounts in the unpaid dividend accounts of companies (Remaining unpaid for more than 7 years)
• the application moneys received by companies for allotment of any securities and due for refund
• matured deposits with companies
• matured debentures with companies
• the interest accrued on the amounts referred to in clauses (a) to (d)
• grants and donations given to the Fund by the Central Government, State Governments, companies or any other institutions
• interest or other income received out of the investments made from the Fund.

Major activities undertaken by IEPF are:
1. Education programme through Media
2. Organizing Seminars and Symposia
3. Proposals for registration of Voluntary Associations or Institution or other organizations engaged in Investor Education and Protection activities
4. Proposals for projects for Investors’ Education and Protection including research activities and proposals for financing such projects
5. Coordinating with institutions engaged in Investor Education, awareness and protection activities.

Any voluntary organisation or association engaged in investor education and protection activities may register itself under IEPF. For more information on IEPF log on to the website: http://www.iepf.gov.in/