Sebi to hit cinema screens to spread investor awareness

To spread investor awareness and financial education, markets regulator Sebi plans to explore cinema advertising and digital platforms for its advertising campaigns, including on ponzi menace and dabba trading.

Besides, the regulator also plans to undertake financial market education and training programmes for specific target groups such as teachers and police officials.

As part of its mass media campaign, Sebi (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has so far carried one campaign on its Investor Grievance Redressal Mechanism and six on on unregistered collective investment schemes and ponzi menace.

Some new campaign relate to 'dabba trading' and to ASBA (Applications Supported by Blocked Amount) facility that allows money to remain in the investor's account till shares are actually allotted to him or her in public offers.

In the current financial year, Sebi would run campaigns on various media platforms, including on TV channels, radio and print, on these new topics as well as on ponzi schemes.

"Sebi also intend to explore other media such as cinema advertising, digital media etc so as to increase the reach of SEBI in spreading education and awareness," as per the regulator's Plan of Action for the current financial year.

This fiscal, Sebi also plans to increase the number of various education and awareness programs through Resource Persons workshops and through Investor Associations, by over 30 percent and 20 percent, respectively.

To meet this objective, Sebi would empanel new Resource Persons across the country, while its Regional Offices have been asked to ensure at least one Resource Person per district. Besides, refresher training of the eligible RPs is proposed to be undertaken under all the offices.

Sebi also plans to undertake development of new study material such as brochures and booklet, which would be distributed in various education and awareness programs conducted pan India.

The regulator would also participate in various fairs and exhibitions to promote education and awareness among investors.

Periodic follow up meetings would be conducted with the recognized Investors Associations and Resource Persons at Sebi's Headquarters in Mumbai and at regional level so as to synergize the efforts related to education and awareness.