(a) whether the fund for 2005-06 under Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) to be utilized through Investors Association, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been disbursed till now;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the manner by which NGOs to complete the utilisation before March, 2006; and
(d) the steps taken by the Government to protect the interest of small investors?
MINISTER OF COMPANY AFFAIRS (SHRI PREM CHAND GUPTA)
(a) & (b) An amount of Rs.2.50 crores was provided under BE 2005-2006 for IEPF which has been increased to Rs.3.00 crores in RE 2005-2006 for carrying out various activities under IEPF. During the year, an amount of Rs.2,16,98,525/- has been sanctioned for various activities/schemes under IEPF, out of which an amount of Rs.66,02,179/- has been disbursed to various Investor Associations/ Non Government Organizations (NGOs)/ Institutions. Further an amount of Rs.1,50,96,346/- has been utilized for various other activities relating to investor`s education, awareness and protection.
(c) NGOs are required to utilize the grant for the purpose for which it has been sanctioned and disbursed by 31st March as per Rules and submit Utilisation Certificates duly audited.
(d) The following steps are being taken under IEPF relating to investor`s education, awareness and protection to protect the interests of small investors:
(i) Education programmes through Media (Electronic as well as print media);
(ii) Registration of voluntary associations or institution or other organizations engaged in Investor Education and Protection activities and providing financial assistance to them for projects for Investor`s Education and Protection including research activities;
(iii) Coordinating with other institutions/ organizations engaged in Investor education, awareness, and protection activities.