CDSL Investor Protection Fund (CDSL IPF) and BSE Investor Protection Fund (BSE IPF), under the aegis of Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), jointly conducted a Mega Regional Investor Awareness Seminar (Mega RISA) in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, bringing together a diverse audience including police personnel, CRPF and SRPF officials, government employees, faculty members and students of MGM University, and general investor.
The seminar, themed “Shikshit Se Saksham,” focused on strengthening awareness of the securities market, available investment avenues, and cyber safety measures. The initiative aimed to reinforce informed and responsible financial decision-making amid a rapidly evolving financial ecosystem.
The programme was attended by Shri Sunil Kadam, Executive Director, SEBI; Shri Rahul Kelapure, AGM, SEBI; Shri Ranjeeth Patil, Additional Municipal Commissioner; Dr. Vinaykumar Rathod, Superintendent of Police (Rural); and Shri Ratnakar Navale, DCP (Crime), along with other dignitaries.
Smt. Meena Pednekar, Vice President – CDSL, delivered the Opening Address, connecting the seminar’s theme to the larger vision of building ‘Atmanirbhar Investor,’ consistent with the core mandate of CDSL IPF. She reiterated the collective commitment of SEBI, CDSL, BSE and all Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) towards enhancing investor education and protection across the country.
Shri Khushro Bulsara, Head – BSE Investor Protection Fund, delivered the Welcome Address, highlighting BSE IPF’s continued focus on safeguarding investor interests and strengthening the investor protection framework. He also spoke about the importance of AI awareness among investor in today’s technology-driven financial landscape.
The seminar saw participation from over 850 attendees representing police forces, CRPF, SRPF, municipal corporation officials, and faculty and students from MGM University. Sessions emphasised financial literacy, digital vigilance, long-term financial planning, investor rights, regulatory safeguards, grievance redressal mechanisms and risks linked to unregulated financial products.
Dr. Vinaykumar Rathod commended the initiative, stating that financial literacy and digital vigilance are crucial, particularly for law enforcement personnel. He noted that such knowledge enhances officers’ personal financial well-being and strengthens their ability to address financial fraud and cybercrime cases.
Shri Sunil Kadam underscored the need for investor awareness as financial markets become more accessible and participation broadens.
“SEBI remains firmly committed to building a financially aware and confident investor community across the country. Through initiatives such as the National Financial Literacy Quiz 2026 for undergraduates and postgraduate college students, conducted jointly with NISM, we are strengthening the foundations of informed investing. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj further enables us to reach rural and semi-urban communities, ensuring that financial literacy becomes accessible, inclusive, and impactful at the grassroot level”
A dedicated session on cyber fraud conducted by Shri Ratnakar Navale covered emerging digital threats, common fraud tactics and preventive safeguards. A capital market expert also addressed participants on financial planning and investment fundamentals.
In FY 2025–26, CDSL IPF conducted 3,151 Investor Awareness Programs across 33 states and union territories covering 499 districts and reaching over 1.74 lakh participants in multiple regional languages. BSE IPF conducted around 11,600 investor awareness programs during FY25–26, engaging over 6 lakh participants. BSE IPF has investor service centres in Bhubaneshwar, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Delhi, Guwahati, Kanpur, Lucknow, Patna, Rajkot, Ranchi, Shimla, Surat and Vadodara.
