The number of dematerialised (demat) accounts - required to hold shares and other securities in electronics format - crossed the 150-million mark for the first time in March.
In March, 3.12 million new demat accounts were added despite a spike in market volatility, taking the total count to 151.4 million.
The milestone has come 19 months after the total number of demat accounts hit the 100-million mark, a sign that more domestic households are taking to direct equity investing.
Indian retail investors, especially after the Covid pandemic, have changed their investment approach. There has been a significant bolstering of retail investors holdings in largecap and high-quality midcap stocks. This is underscored by shareholding data over the past few quarters.
One is the increased participation of the younger generation, while the other pertains to account additions from areas that have not historically participated in the equities boom.
The ITR-2 is required for individuals and Hindu undivided families (HUFs) not earning through their business or profession but from capital gains, foreign income or agriculture