Gauhati Stock Exchange

Guwahati, Nov. 27: The Gauhati Stock Exchange (GSE) is planning to set up screen-based work stations at various places of the region so that its benefits can be availed by other states.

An official said the GSE, which is the only stock exchange in the Northeast, was now looking to spread its network and help in fostering investor awareness on capital market, which was slowly picking up.

The exchange was established in 1983 and subsequently got the recognition from the Centre in 1984.

The official said in order to come up to the national level, serve effectively and contribute to the growth of the region, the exchange was trying to strengthen its association with the Inter-connected Stock Exchange (ISE), of which it is a co-promoter.

The ISE is a national-level stock exchange, providing trading, clearing, settlement, risk management and surveillance support to its trading members.

The ISE aims to address the needs of small companies and retail investors by harnessing the potential of regional markets, so as to transform them into a liquid and vibrant market using state-of-the-art technology and networking.

“We are also exploring the possibility of entering into strategic partnerships with other trading bodies and organisations such as Multi Commodity Stock Exchange (MCX-SX), which is the country’s new stock exchange for trading in currency future contracts and is currently the market leader in this segment.”

The official said interconnectivity with other exchanges would provide additional liquidity to the investments of various investors. There was also a plan to install and implement a fully computerised, online screen-based trading system.

He said the plan was to develop core competencies and look for niche markets where it could play a decisive role.

“For all this to happen, we will have to build a very strong investor base by way of awareness programmes like seminars and workshops,” the official said.

As of today, 231 companies have been listed with a paid up capital of Rs 10,180.29 crore.

The official said currently 15 member brokers out of 50 were operating in the trading activities of the BSE and NSE segment with a monthly average volume of Rs 90 crore.

The GSE has a separate investors’ protection fund, investor service fund and settlement guarantee fund for full protection of the investing population. It has also started three investor service centres in Guwahati.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has recently renewed the GSE recognition after being satisfied that it would be in the interest of the trade and public.