SEBI launches Project Jagruk to improve investor literacy

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has launched ‘Project Jagruk’, an investor awareness campaign designed to improve financial literacy across the country. During the launch in Chandigarh, SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey urged investors to make decisions based on personal understanding rather than following trends or anonymous tips.

Pandey specifically warned against the risks posed by ‘finfluencers’ and exaggerated claims of returns, advising the public to use regulated products and channels to avoid investment fraud. He emphasized the importance of diversification, long-term investing, and understanding the specific risks of financial products.

A SEBI survey highlighted a significant gap between market awareness and actual participation. While 63 per cent of households are aware of at least one securities market product, only 9.5 per cent participate in the market. The survey also noted a rural-urban divide, with participation at 15 per cent in urban areas compared to just 6 per cent in rural India. To address these gaps, the campaign intends to use multiple languages and platforms to reach a broader audience.