NSE and NSDL under the aegis of SEBI lead investor protection drive in Guwahati to tackle investment frauds in northeast

NSDL and NSE under the aegis of The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), organized an investor awareness program titled 'Mega RISA' in Guwahati, aiming to educate participants on stock market investments and financial security.

The event saw active participation from over 500 stock market investors across Assam and the Northeast, along with students from various educational institutions. Ms. Aradhana Verma, General Manager, SEBI along with senior officials of NSE, NSDL and dignitaries addressed pressing concerns related to fraudulent investment schemes and misleading online platforms.

With an increasing number of fake investment platforms and deceptive online apps emerging in Assam and the Northeast, SEBI has intensified its investor awareness initiatives across the region.

The Guwahati Medical College auditorium hosted the first session of this drive on Wednesday, February 5 focusing on investor protection, financial literacy, and safeguarding investments from potential scams.

Assam has witnessed a significant rise in investor participation, with over 24.6 lakh registered investors, positioning the state as a growing force in India's investment landscape. Notably, 29.8 per cent of these investors are women, ranking Assam fifth in female participation across all states. Investor growth in the state has surged from 0.7 per cent in 2019 to 2.3 per cent in 2024, reflecting increasing financial awareness and market confidence.

In a bid to support this momentum, SEBI organized the Mega RISA event, providing a comprehensive overview of investor rights, market trends, and financial security. Key discussions focused on fraud prevention in the digital age, financial literacy, and strategic investment practices.

The event featured expert panel discussions on "The Future of the Securities Market – Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities" and "Let’s Deep Dive into DEMAT," where specialists from SEBI and financial institutions highlighted key concerns such as cyber threats, demat-related issues, and risks associated with unregulated investments.

Attendees were educated on identifying red flags in Ponzi schemes, unauthorized advisors, and digital scams, reinforcing the importance of secure investing. The program also included a financial quiz and a Nukkad Natak to make financial education more engaging and accessible.

With strong participation from investors, financial professionals, students, and industry experts, the event reaffirmed Assam’s growing interest in the securities market. Through interactive discussions and expert insights, it empowered participants to make informed financial decisions and navigate the investment landscape with greater confidence.