Share Investors to Protest at SEBON Under “Hind Kathmandu Struggle Campaign,” Release 28-Point Memorandum

Share investors in Nepal are set to organize a protest at the premises of the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) under the “Hind Kathmandu Struggle Campaign.” The movement aims to draw the government’s attention toward reforming, expanding, and modernizing the capital market.

As part of the campaign, investors have released a 28-point memorandum outlining their major concerns and demands. According to campaign coordinator Dipendra Agrawal, the movement reflects the frustration of investors over delays in implementing structural reforms and ensuring fair access, transparency, and investor protection within the capital market. The protest, scheduled for Kartik 14, will see investors formally submitting their demands to SEBON.

According to campaign coordinator Dipendra Agrawal, the key demands include:

1. SEBON Chairperson Santosh Narayan Shrestha should resign if he fails to implement reform policies and programs.
2. Allow Non-Resident Nepalis (NRNs) free entry and exit in the secondary market with equal tax treatment.
3. Grant investors the right to claim interest from brokers in case of delayed payment after share sales.
4. Permit banks to provide up to 20% of their total loans as share-backed credit.
5. Reduce broker commission by 50% and eliminate other transaction-related fees.
6. Maintain capital gains tax at 5% for short-term and 0% for long-term investments.
7. Extend market trading hours from 5 PM to 9 PM.
8. Implement intraday trading, short selling, stock split, and derivative market without further delay.
9. Introduce real-time settlement in share trading.
10. Issue new broker licenses every three years to enhance investor accessibility.
11. End irregularities and corruption in the IPO process.
12. Introduce buyback provisions for companies whose market value falls below their net worth.
13. Enforce Online KYC, floater index, and single ISIN code immediately.
14. Remove mutual fund reservations and provide facilities for students.
15. Apply circuit breakers at 10% rise and 5% fall in the market.

The “Hind Kathmandu Struggle Campaign” reflects investors’ unified demand for comprehensive reforms in Nepal’s capital market, emphasizing transparency, technological progress, and accountability. The protest at SEBON symbolizes their determination to protect investor rights and push for an accessible and credible market system. Scheduled for Kartik 14, investors plan to gather at the Securities Board of Nepal (SEBON) to formally present their demands, showcasing a united push for transparency, accountability, and reforms in the country’s capital market.