With rising concerns over investment fraud, SEBI announced the launch of a nationwide investor-awareness campaign, Project Jagrook, at Panjab University in Chandigarh.
Currently, there are about 15 crore unique investors, which grows by 20% each year. The challenge now is how to give each of these new investors accurate information so they understand the risks and opportunities before investing in the stock market, which is why SEBI decided to launch Project Jagrook.
With increasing retail participation in the stock market, SEBI’s biggest concern is that first-time retail investors are investing based on finfluencer recommendations, anonymous tips, and impossible claims about returns on social media platforms.
SEBI conducted a survey that showed that about 63% of families are familiar with at least one securities market product, but only 9.5% of them are investing in the market. Moreover, only 36% of the investors have high knowledge of the stock market. There is around 15% participation from urban areas versus 6% from rural areas.
SEBI said most investors think their money is being invested in the securities market, but in reality their capital is not even entering the market. This has nothing to do with the securities market, but the platforms they are using are simply fraud. When investors realise what is happening and try to contact cyber police, it is already too late.
The chairman tells first-time investors to always verify whether the platform they are using for their investment is legit or not. SEBI also said they have created tools to help investors check the legitimacy of the source/platform, which can be downloaded through the Google Play Store and SEBI Check.
Further, Tuhin Kanta Pandey suggests that people should not invest just because everyone is investing. Invest only when you understand the financial products and have the risk-taking capabilities.
Tuhin Pandey also said that this campaign brought SEBI, market infrastructure institutions, the Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI), and the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM) together to educate investors and help them make informed investment decisions.
Because India is home to diverse cultures, languages, and demographic groups, SEBI launched Project Jagrook in English, Hindi, and 11 regional languages, using TV, print, radio, cinema, outdoor media, digital, social media, OTT, and WhatsApp.
Project Jagrook is not only about existing investors but also targets students and young people, SEBI said.
People are now investing most of their money in the stock market and other investment plans like SIP. A systematic investment plan has become one of the easiest ways for households to invest their money regularly, SEBI stated.
SEBI mentioned that India’s Market capitalisation quadrupled, reaching around ₹472 lakh crore over the last 10 years. Investment by FPIs in India also increased from ₹22 lakh crore to ₹78 lakh crore.
Moreover, SEBI also introduced a Simplified FPI framework to help foreign investors register and invest in the Indian Market. They also launched new types of investment products such as Investment advisers, ESG rating providers, and New financing channels.
Earlier, an IPO took 6 working days to get listed on the stock exchange; now it takes 3 working days. Investors can now invest in real estate and infrastructure through REITs and InvITs funds.
Furthermore, SEBI also announced the launch of a WhatsApp channel on October 5, 2026, for interactive conversations.
Lastly, SEBI’s chairman said that today it is very easy to invest in the stock market. However, simply having access to investment is not enough. Investors also need to understand the pros and cons of investment and do their research before making any big investment decision.
