The Ministry of Corporate Affairs through Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) is organising Investor Awareness Programmes (IAPs) across the country. The objectives and main features of these programmes are:

(i) Promoting financial literacy: Educating stakeholders on basic financial concepts, responsible financial behaviour, and safe usage of financial services.

(ii) Enhancing investor awareness: Spread knowledge about investor rights, investment risks, and informed decision-making.

(iii) Awareness about financial fraud and cybercrime: Create awareness about scams, phishing attempts, fraudulent investment schemes, and digital payment frauds.

(iv) Promoting safe digital financial practices: Encourage secure use of digital banking, mobile payments, and online platforms.

(v) Strengthening citizen protection: Empower individuals to identify, avoid, and report fraudulent financial activities.

These IAPs are organised across the country with a focus on rural and under-served regions. Rural areas for IAPs are selected based on specific criteria such as being underserved, remote including Tier-2 and Tier-3 towns and villages. About 75% of the programmes are conducted in these locations using the wide network of India Post Payments Bank (IPPB).

The details of funds utilized for this purpose by IEPFA during the last three financial years is Rs. 16.92 crores and Rs. 2.69 crore (till date) in the current financial year.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; and the Minister of State in the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Shri Harsh Malhotra in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.                               

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NB/ONP

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