New Delhi: The corporate affairs ministry (MCA) on Saturday said it is planning to simplify the documentation process to expedite low-value transfer of old shares and dividends to investors.

Shares, dividends and matured debentures that are not claimed for seven years by investors are transferred by companies to the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) under the ministry. The IEPFA had set up a panel, with representation from the government, regulators and industry, to review existing procedures and recommend reforms for simplifying documentation in low-value claim cases. The panel has now submitted the report, the ministry said.

The panel's suggestions on simplification, once adopted, would be applicable to claims valued up to ₹5 lakh in case of physical securities and ₹15 lakh for dematerialised securities, and up to ₹10,000 for dividends.

"This initiative was expected to significantly reduce timelines, improve transparency, and provide hassle-free services to investors," the ministry said in a statement.

The panel comprised representatives the corporate affairs ministry, the IEPFA, Sebi, ICAI, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and industry bodies such as CII, Ficci, PHDCCI and the Registrar Association of India.