In News:

The Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has launched Phase II of its flagship financial literacy initiative,Niveshak Didi, in Hyderabad. The program targets rural communities, with a special emphasis on women’s financial empowerment.

Objective and Significance

• Aim: To deepen financial awareness and enable women to make informed financial decisions, safeguard savings, and actively participate in the financial ecosystem.
• Approach: Based on the principle of “women for women”, recognizing that rural women are more comfortable discussing financial matters with female educators.
• Significance: Acts as a catalyst for bridging knowledge gaps, building confidence, and promoting financial resilience in rural communities.

Launch Highlights

Key points from the launch:

• Financial literacy sessions were conducted in Telugu to facilitate understanding.
• Emphasis on fraud prevention, safe investments, and digital financial literacy.
• IPPB’s extensive rural network ensures last-mile delivery of financial education and services.

Key Features of Phase II

• Expanded outreach to more villages and rural areas.
• Interactive training modules to improve engagement.
• Collaboration with grassroots organizations for maximum impact.
• Focus on savings, investment safety, fraud prevention, and digital transactions.

About IEPFA

• Established: 2016 under the Companies Act, 2013
• Functions:
  • Manage the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF)
  • Facilitate refunds of unclaimed dividends, shares, matured deposits, and debentures
  • Promote financial literacy and investor protection
• Major Initiatives:Niveshak Didi, Niveshak Panchayat, NiveshakShivir