Bhubaneswar, May 18, 2026: The Association of Mutual Funds in India (AMFI) today organised an Investor Awareness Program in Bhubaneswar, bringing together regulators, policymakers, academicians and investors to discuss the growing role of mutual funds in strengthening India’s economic resilience and advancing financial inclusion.
The program was graced by Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), as the Chief Guest. Shri Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, IAS, Principal Secretary – Finance, Government of Odisha, attended the event as the Guest of Honour, while Professor D V Ramana, Professor, XIM University, delivered the keynote address.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI, emphasised the importance of the securities market in providing diverse sources of finance to businesses through instruments such as equity, debt, REITs, InvITs and municipal bonds. He noted that mutual funds have emerged as a major channel of participation for millions of investors across the country.
On the occasion, Shri Pandey outlined the key measures undertaken by SEBI to safeguard investor interests, including the validated UPI mechanism, SEBI Check and simplified nomination processes.
Referring to the launch of Project ‘Jagrook’, he stated that the initiative would focus on a multi-lingual approach, 360-degree media outreach, and a unified effort by SEBI and its Securities Market Partners to strengthen investor awareness and education across the country.
Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Venkat Chalasani, Chief Executive, AMFI, said: “The next phase of growth for the mutual fund industry will be driven by deeper participation from emerging India. Rising awareness, disciplined investing through SIPs, and expanding financial inclusion are enabling more households to participate in India’s long-term growth story. AMFI remains committed to strengthening investor awareness and promoting informed financial participation across the country, paving the way for a faster transition toward a Vikshit Bharat.”
Discussions during the program focused on increasing investor participation from B-30 cities and women investors, underscoring the rapid expansion of mutual fund penetration across emerging India. Industry data shared at the event highlighted that B-30 locations now contribute nearly 19% of the industry’s total AUM, while women account for over 25% of unique mutual fund investors.
The event also highlighted SEBI’s ongoing investor protection and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting wider financial inclusion and strengthening investor confidence through education, transparency, and robust market practices.
