(a) whether the Government has complete data of the money invested in share markets and scrips of blue chip companies;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any system to check, monitor and curb any malpractices and illegal transactions by companies in share markets;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to protect the interests of the people involved in share markets and related business?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL)
(a) and (b): Yes Madam. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has informed that as per the information available with the Depositories, as on 30th November, 2016, the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) had 1,51,91,977 investor accounts with a demat custody value of Rs. 1,31,13,387 crores while the Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) had 1,16,92,031 investor accounts with a demat custody value of Rs. 1,58,50,980 crores. In aggregate, the total number of investor accounts was 2,68,84,008 with a demat custody value of Rs 2,89,64,367 crores (a single investor may open multiple demat accounts).
Nifty Index is a major stock index introduced by the National Stock Exchange (NSE) consisting of the top 50 companies listed on the NSE, while the Sensex Index, introduced by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), consists of the top 30 companies listed on BSE. SEBI has stated that as per the information furnished by NSE and BSE, the total market capitalisation (the market value of a company, which is calculated by multiplying its current share price or market price by the number of shares) of the companies constituting the Nifty Index and Sensex as on 30th November, 2016 was Rs. 57,36,183 crores and Rs. 24,35,650 crores respectively. The total turnover (transactions) in these companies constituting the Nifty and Sensex Indices for the FY 2016-17 (upto 30th November 2016) was Rs. 14,57,409 crores and Rs. 1,02,909 crores respectively.
(c), (d) and (e): Yes Madam. SEBI as well as the stock exchanges have put in place surveillance mechanisms to monitor the trading in stock exchanges. SEBI maintains constant vigil in the market and in case of any abnormality, takes appropriate action against the concerned entities. The systems and practices instituted like, advanced risk management mechanisms, various limits on positions, margin requirements, circuit filters, etc. promote a safe, transparent and efficient market and protects market integrity. Further, the systems and practices are reviewed continuously and modified to meet emerging needs.
SEBI has also been conducting regular meetings with officials of the stock exchanges and depositories wherein SEBI has advised them to step up their own surveillance measures and to initiate expeditious demonstrative action wherever warranted so as to protect investors’ interest and ensure orderly functioning of the stock market. Further, SEBI undertakes various investor education and financial education programmes across the country, to enable investors take informed investment decisions.
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