Question : INVESTOR EDUCATION PROGRAMME

(a) whether the Government has launched/proposes to launch “Investor Awareness Programme” to enable the investors to know about their rights and responsibilities during investment;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has sector-wise segregation in percentage terms of expenditure incurred by business world under the concept of corporate social responsibility for the promotion of equitable economic development of the country and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to introduce Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in the industrial sector in the country; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (SMT. NIRMALA SITHARAMAN) IN THE MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS

(a)&(b): The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) organizes Investor Awareness Programmes (IAPs) with the objectives of creating awareness amongst the investors about fraudulent schemes and the need for informed investment decision. The IAPs are organized in association with the three Professional Institutes, namely, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Institute of Company Secretaries of India and Institute of Cost Accountants of India. So far, 6871 such programmes have been organized during the period 2011-12 to 2013-14. Besides, 100 programmes were also organized in rural areas during 2012-13 and 2013-14 through Common Service Centres (CSCs) set up under Department of Electronics and Information Technology. In addition, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also conducts similar programmes through Resource Persons, Investor Associations, Exchanges, Depositories and various trade bodies. SEBI also carries out highly visible campaigns on the electronic media particularly with a view to educate public about financial schemes offering abnormally high rates of interest.

(c): Sector-wise segregation of expenditure to be incurred by companies under the Corporate Social Responsibility is not envisaged under the Companies Act, 2013.

(d)&(e): There is no proposal to introduce Eco Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) in the country with the Ministry.