National Council of Applied Economic Research
On 7th September 2024, the 8th Foundation Day of the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) was celebrated with an Annual Conference at the PPES Campus in Anupshahr, Uttar Pradesh. The conference, focused on the theme “Role of Financial Education in Promoting Investor Awareness and Protection,” was organized in collaboration with the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES), Anupshahr. The Annual conference addressed a gathering of over 500 girl students and teachers, aiming to highlight the importance of financial education as a means to empower investors and protect their interests, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
The event commenced with an inaugural ceremony featuring the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Mr. Krishna Kumar Sharma, Principal of PPES, extended his gratitude to the esteemed guests and participants. Mr. Lokender Pal Singh, President of PPES emphasized the significance of promoting financial literacy in rural regions, aligning with PPES’s mission to uplift the rural population, particularly women and girls, through education and empowerment.
Prominent speakers at the event included Ms. Samiksha Lamba, Deputy General Manager, IEPFA, Ministry of Corporate Affairs; Mr. R.P. Singh, Assistant General Manager, State Bank of India; CA Tushar Verma, Chartered Accountant, Verma Tushar & Co.; Dr. Rahul Kumar, Assistant Professor, Jaypee University; and Mr. Paras Gaur, Chartered Financial Analyst and Deputy Registrar, Jaypee University. Each speaker shared their valuable insights on the critical role that financial education plays in promoting investor awareness and protection, particularly in today’s increasingly complex financial environment.
The Keynote message by Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India commended the progress made by IEPFA in protecting investors through various initiatives, including refunding unclaimed dividends, debentures, and shares. She underscored the importance of financial education in ensuring that investors are not only aware of their rights but are also capable of making informed decisions. According to her, IEPFA’s investor awareness programmes have been instrumental in bridging the knowledge gap, especially in rural areas.
The session on “Role of Financial Education in Promoting Investor Awareness and Protection” was moderated by Dr. C. S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor at NCAER. Dr. Mohapatra discussed the critical role financial literacy plays in the modern economy, particularly in safeguarding investors from financial risks and fraud. He pointed out that an informed investor is a protected investor, and the collective efforts of stakeholders like IEPFA, NCAER, and PPES are pivotal in achieving widespread financial education.
Ms. Samiksha Lamba, Deputy General Manager of IEPFA, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to promoting financial literacy. She elaborated on various initiatives undertaken by IEPFA, including workshops and awareness programmes, that have significantly contributed to increasing financial inclusion across different strata of society.
Dr. Rahul Kumar, Assistant Professor of Faculty of Management & Commerce at Jaypee University, shared insights from his research on financial literacy and its correlation with investor behaviour. He stressed the need for tailored financial education programmes that cater to the needs of different demographic groups, particularly in rural areas where access to financial services remains limited.
Mr. Paras Gaur, Chartered Financial Analyst and Deputy Registrar at Jaypee University, discussed the technical aspects of financial education, focusing on investment strategies, risk management, and the importance of long-term financial planning. He highlighted the need for investors to be equipped with the right tools and knowledge to navigate the complex financial landscape.
Mr. R.P. Singh, Assistant General Manager of State Bank of India, shared the perspective of the banking sector, pointing out how financial literacy can lead to better utilization of banking services, thereby fostering economic growth. He also emphasized the importance of responsible borrowing and saving, which are key components of financial security.
CA Tushar Verma of Verma Tushar & Co. discussed the legal and regulatory frameworks that protect investors. He urged the participants to stay informed about the changing financial regulations and explained how a strong understanding of these frameworks could help in preventing financial fraud and ensuring compliance.
The Annual Conference was followed by the Annual Half Marathon “Niveshak Mashal” to promote Financial Literacy and Investor Awareness in collaboration with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) and Pardada Pardadi Educational Society (PPES). The marathon, held at the PPES Campus in Anupshahr, saw enthusiastic participation from over 4,500 individuals, including students from more than 45 schools and local community members.
The event, flagged off by Chief Guest Ms. Anita Shah Akella, CEO of IEPFA and Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, featured multiple race categories—Half Marathon, 10KM, and 5KM—creating an inclusive platform for people from all walks of life to unite in spreading the message of financial education. This initiative highlighted IEPFA’s ongoing commitment to reaching diverse communities and promoting financial literacy through innovative methods, fostering a culture of informed financial decision-making across India.
The other eminent guests of the Marathon were Dr. C.S. Mohapatra, IEPF Chair Professor and Ms. Sushma Singh, Athlete and Mr. Atul Kumar, Block Pramukh, Anupshahr. Dr C.S. Mohapatra motivated the gathering through his intervention and encouraged each participant to become the “Niveshak ki Mashal” and spread the message of financial literacy and importance of Investor Awareness further in a multiplier effect.
The Annual Conference cum Annual Half Marathon focused on the importance of financial education in rural and semi-urban areas, challenges in reaching underserved populations, and strategies to bolster financial literacy across the nation. The conference underscored the crucial role that financial literacy plays in building a more informed and secure investor base, ultimately contributing to investor protection and economic empowerment.
These initiatives, organised as part of the 8th Foundation Day celebrations of IEPFA, exemplify the unwavering commitment of IEPF Chair Unit at NCAER to spreading financial literacy and ensuring investor awareness at every level of society.