MASTER CIRCULAR
HO/49/14/14(6)2025-CFD-PoD1/I/2771/2026 January 19, 2026
To
All Recognized Stock Exchanges
All Recognized Depositories
All Merchant Bankers and Brokers registered with SEBI
All Social Enterprises
All Social Impact Fund registered with SEBI
All Social Impact Assessment Firms
Institute of Chartered Accounts of India (ICAI)
Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI)
Dear Sir / Madam,
Subject: Master Circular for Framework on Social Stock Exchange (SSE)
1. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI” or “the Board”) has been,
from time to time, issuing various circulars/directions with respect to the
framework for Social Stock Exchange under the relevant provisions of the SEBI
(Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018 (“ICDR
Regulations”) and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 (“LODR Regulations”).
2. In order to enable the stakeholders to have access to all applicable circulars in
the subject matter at one place, this Master Circular is issued, which is a
compilation of all the circulars issued with respect to Social Stock Exchange.
3. With the issuance of this Master Circular, all directions/instructions contained in
the circulars listed out in the Appendix to this Master Circular shall stand
rescinded to the extent they relate to the framework for Social Stock Exchange.
4. Notwithstanding such rescission, -
Page 1 of 31
(a) anything done or any action taken or purported to have been done or
taken under the rescinded circulars, prior to such rescission, shall be
deemed to have been done or taken under the corresponding provisions of
this Master Circular;
(b) any application made to the Board under the rescinded circulars, prior to
such rescission, and pending before it shall be deemed to have been
made under the corresponding provisions of this Master Circular; and
(c) the previous operation of the rescinded circulars or anything duly done or
suffered thereunder, any right, privilege, obligation or liability acquired,
accrued or incurred under the rescinded circulars, any penalty, incurred in
respect of any violation committed against the rescinded circulars, or any
investigation, legal proceeding or remedy in respect of any such right,
privilege, obligation, liability, penalty as aforesaid, shall not be affected by
such rescission and shall be enforceable as if the rescinded circulars had
continued to be in force.
5. This Master Circular is issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section
11(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992, to protect the
interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to
regulate, the securities market.
6. This Master Circular is available on the website of SEBI at www.sebi.gov.in in
the path “Legal>Master Circulars”.
Yours faithfully,
Vimal Bhatter
Deputy General Manager
Corporation Finance Department
Tel. No.: +91 22 2644 9386
Email id: vimalb@sebi.gov.in
Enclosures:
1. Master Circular
Page 2 of 31
Master Circular
Contents
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS .................................................................................................. 4
Chapter I - Framework on Social Stock Exchange (‘SSE’) ............................................... 5
1.1. Minimum requirements to be met by a Not for Profit Organization (NPO) for registration
with SSE in terms of Regulation 292F of the ICDR Regulations ..................................... 5
1.2. [Procedure for public issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instruments (ZCZP) by an
NPO ............................................................................................................................... 9
1.3. Contents of the fund raising document ........................................................................... 9
1.4. Other conditions relating to issuance of ZCZP ............................................................... 9
1.5. Minimum Initial Disclosure Requirement for NPOs raising funds through the issuance of
ZCZP in terms of [Regulation 292K] of the ICDR Regulations ...................................... 10
1.6. Annual disclosures by NPOs on SSE which have either raised funds through SSE or are
registered with SSE in terms of Regulation 91C of the LODR Regulations. .................. 12
1.7. Disclosure of Annual Impact Report (AIR) by all Social Enterprises which have
registered or raised funds using SSE in terms of Regulation 91E of the LODR
Regulations .................................................................................................................. 14
1.8. Statement of utilization of funds in terms of 91F of the LODR Regulations................... 17
Chapter II – Self Regulatory Organizations for Social Impact Assessors in the context
of Social Stock Exchange................................................................................................. 18
Chapter III - Governing Council for Social Stock Exchange .......................................... 19
Annexure I ......................................................................................................................... 21
Annexure II ........................................................................................................................ 26
Appendix ........................................................................................................................... 31
Page 3 of 31
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
Abbreviations Full Form
AIR Annual Impact Report
AoA Article of Association
ASBA Application Supported by Blocked Amount
Board Securities and Exchange Board of India
FCRA Foreign Contribution Regulation Act
GST Goods and Services Tax
ICAI Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
ICMAI Institute of Cost Accountants of India
ICSI Institute of Companies Secretaries of India
IT Income Tax
MoA Memorandum of Association
NPO Not for Profit Organization
PAN Permanent Account Number
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SE Social Enterprise
SGC Social Stock Exchange Governing Council
SSE Social Stock Exchange
ZCZP Zero Coupon Zero Principal Instrument
Page 4 of 31
Chapter I - Framework on Social Stock Exchange (‘SSE’)
1. Pursuant to amendments in SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2018 (“ICDR Regulations”) and SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (“LODR
Regulations”) and SEBI (Alternative Investment Funds) Regulations, 2012 (“AIF
Regulations”), a detailed framework on SSE is specified as under:1
1.1. Minimum requirements to be met by a Not for Profit Organization (NPO)
for registration with SSE in terms of Regulation 292F of the ICDR
Regulations
1.1.1. An NPO desirous of registration on SSE, in terms of Regulation 292F (1) of
ICDR Regulations, shall fulfil the following criteria:
Broad Parameter Indicator Details
Legal Requirements
[Entity is registered Registration certificate Entities must be registered
as an NPO valid at least for next 12 in India as one of the below:
months at the time of a) a charitable trust
seeking registration with registered under the
SSE Indian Trusts Act, 1882
b) a charitable trust
registered under the
public trust statute of the
relevant State;
c) a Trust registered under
the Indian Registration
Act, 1908 (16 of 1908)
with the relevant Sub-
Registrar in those
States that have not
enacted the law
1SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2022/120 dated September 19, 2022
Page 5 of 31
Broad Parameter Indicator Details
governing public trust;
d) a charitable society
registered under the
Societies Registration
Act, 1860;
e) a charitable society
registered under the
Societies Registration
Act of the relevant
State;
f) a company registered
under section 8 of the
Companies Act, 2013
(18 of 2013) including a
company registered
under section 25 of the
repealed Companies
Act, 1956.]2
Ownership and Governing document (MoA Disclose if NPO is owned
control & AoA/ Trust Deed/ Bye- and/or controlled by
laws/ Constitution) government or private
[Exemption under Registration Certificate a) Registration Certificate
2 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/129 dated
September 19, 2025. Prior to its substitution it read as under:
Broad Parameter Indicator Details
Legal Requirements
“Entity is registered Registration certificate valid at Entities must be registered in India as one
as an NPO least for next 12 months at the of the below:
time of seeking registration with a) a charitable trust registered under the
SSE public trust statute of the relevant
State;
b) a charitable trust registered under the
Societies Registration Act, 1860;
c) a charitable trust registered under the
Indian Trust Act, 1882;
d) a company incorporated under Section
8 of the Companies Act, 2013;”
Page 6 of 31
Broad Parameter Indicator Details
Income Tax Act, under section 12A/ 12AA/ under section 12A/
1961: 12AB/ 10(23C) / 10(46) 12AA/ 12AB/ 10(23C)/
under Income-tax Act, 10(46) to be valid for at
1961 least the next 12
months.
b) Details regarding
pending notices or
scrutiny cases from all
regulatory and statutory
authority shall be
disclosed at the time of
making the application
for the registration.
c) Fines or penalties if
imposed shall be
disclosed as paid or
appealed within 7 days.
The Stock Exchanges shall
have the right to refuse
registration of those
applicants, if the notices/
scrutiny cases are grave
and debilitating enough to
endanger the registration of
the NPO under the Income-
Tax Act, 1961 or other
relevant laws.]3
3 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/196 dated December 28,
2023. Prior to its substitution it read as under:
Broad Parameter Indicator Details
Legal Requirements
Page 7 of 31
Broad Parameter Indicator Details
Registration with IT PAN Valid IT PAN
Income Tax as an
NPO
Age of the NPO Registration certificate Minimum 3 years
[Deduction under Valid 80G registration Entity to ensure whether tax
Income Tax Act, under Income Tax Act, deduction is available or not
1961 1961 for entities registered to investors.]4
under section 12A/ 12AA/
12AB of the Income Tax
Act, 1961.
Eligible to be Requirements with As may be specified by
Social Enterprise Regulation 292E of ICDR SSE
Regulations
Minimum Fund Flows
Annual Spending Receipts or Payments from Must be at least Rs.50
in the past Audited accounts/ Fund lakhs
Financial Year Flow Statement
Funding in the past Receipts from Audited Must be at least Rs.10
Financial Year accounts/ Fund Flow lakhs
Statement
“Exemption under Registration Certificate under section Registration Certificate under section
Income Tax Act 12A/ 12AA/ 12AB under Income Tax 12A/ 12AA/ 12AB to be valid for at least
Act, 1961 the next 12 months. Does not have a
notice or ongoing scrutiny by Income
Tax.”
4 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/196 dated December 28,
2023. Prior to substitution it read as under:
Broad Parameter Indicator Details
Legal Requirements
“Deduction under Valid 80G registration under Income Entity to ensure whether tax deduction
Income Tax Act, 1961 Tax Act, 1961. is available or not to investors.”
Page 8 of 31
1.2. [Procedure for public issuance of Zero Coupon Zero Principal
Instruments (ZCZP) by an NPO
1.2.1. The NPO shall file the draft fund raising document with the SSE where it is
registered along with the fees as specified by the SSE and an application
seeking in-principle approval for listing of its ZCZP on the SSE:
Provided that SSE shall specify the details to be incorporated in the fund
raising document.
1.2.2. The draft fund raising document shall be made available on the website of
SSE and the NPO for a period of at least 21 days for public comments.
1.2.3. The SSE shall provide its observation on the draft fund raising document to
the NPO within a time period of 30 days from the date of filing of the draft
fund raising document or receipt of clarification, if any, sought by the SSE
from NPO whichever is later.
The NPO shall incorporate the observations of the SSE in draft fund
raising document and file the final fund raising document with SSE prior to
opening the issue.
1.3. Contents of the fund raising document
1.3.1. The draft fund raising document and the final fund raising document shall
contain all material disclosures which are true and adequate to enable the
applicants to take an informed decision.
1.3.2. Without prejudice to the generality of clause (1.3.1) above, the draft fund
raising document and the final fund raising document shall contain
disclosures as may be specified by the Board from time to time:
Provided that the SSE may mandate additional disclosures in respect of
the draft fund raising document and the final fund raising documents.
1.4. Other conditions relating to issuance of ZCZP
1.4.1. ZCZP shall be issued in dematerialized form only.
1.4.2. ZCZP shall not be transferable from the original subscriber/ holder till the
expiry of the tenure of the said instrument.
1.4.3. The minimum issue size shall be rupees fifty lakhs.
Page 9 of 31
1.4.4. The minimum application size shall be rupees [one thousand.]5
1.4.5. The minimum subscription required to be achieved shall be 75% of the
funds proposed to be raised through issuance of ZCZP.
1.4.6. In case of any under subscription, the NPO shall, in the fund raising
document, provide details on the following:
a) manner of raising balance capital in case of such under subscription
between 75% and 100%;
b) possible impact on achieving the social objective(s) in case such under
subscription is not arranged
Provided that the funds shall be refunded in case the subscription is less
than 75% of the issue size
1.4.7. The SSE shall maintain the details of the allotment pursuant to issuance of
ZCZP by a NPO.
1.4.8. The SSE shall specify the additional norms in respect of issue procedure
including on agreements with depositories, banks, etc., ASBA related
matters, duration for public issuance, allocation methodology and any
other ancillary matter related to issue procedure.]6
1.5. Minimum Initial Disclosure Requirement for NPOs raising funds
through the issuance of ZCZP in terms of [Regulation 292K]7 of the
ICDR Regulations
1.5.1. SSE under the guidance of SSE Governing Council (SGC) mandated the
structure of the draft fund raising document/ final fund raising document.
SSE hosts such requirements on its website.
1.5.2. SSE is required to ensure that the documents contain the following
minimum disclosures:
a. Vision
Organisation’s activities, interventions and programmes are in line with
aims and objects stated in its constitution.
5 Substituted with issuance of SEBI Circular SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2025/33 dated March 19, 2025. Prior to
substitution it read as “ten thousand”
6 Inserted with issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/196 dated December 28, 2023
7 Substituted with issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/196 dated December 28,
2023. Prior to substitution it read as “Regulation 292K(1)”
Page 10 of 31
b. Target Segment
Organisation has defined its target segment and reach to accomplish
its planned activities. Clear identification and understanding of the
target segment (those affected by the problem and how are they
affected). The NPO must disclose how its approach intends to improve
inclusion for its customers / recipients
c. Strategy
Strategy formulation towards accomplishing vision should take into
account capabilities and learning from challenges.
d. Governance
Organisation has a governing body and details of its governing body,
composition, dates of board meetings held (key items covered).
e. Management
Details of key managerial staff such as those in charge of
Programmes, Fundraising, Marketing, Communication, Finance, HR.
Organisation discloses whether it provides letters to staff and
volunteers defining roles and responsibilities, has a periodic
performance appraisal process etc.
f. Operations
Organisation has a physical existence, is operational and shares its
address for visits.
g. Finance
Disclosure of financial statements for last three Financial Years are in
accordance with guidelines for NPOs issued by Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI).
h. Compliance
Organisation makes available, annual accounts duly audited for the
latest three Financial Years and there are no material qualifications or
material irregularities reported by its auditor. Compliances w.r.t.
Income Tax, notices received etc.
i. Credibility
Page 11 of 31
Documents such as Registration, Trust Deed/ MoA and AoA, Address
Proof, IT PAN, 12A/12AA/12AB Certificate, FCRA certificate and
returns, remuneration to governing members.
j. Social Impact
[Details of past social impact as per the existing practice of NPOs. The
past social impact should highlight trends in key metrics/ parameters
relevant to the NPO (as may be determined by the Exchanges) for
which it seeks to raise funds on SSE, number of beneficiary, cost per
beneficiary and administrative overheads.]8
k. Risks
Disclose (i) risks that the NPO sees to its work and how it proposes to
mitigate these (ii) unintended consequences that the NPO sees from
its work and how it proposes to mitigate these.
1.6. Annual disclosures by NPOs on SSE which have either raised funds
through SSE or are registered with SSE in terms of Regulation 91C of
the LODR Regulations.
1.6.1. [The following disclosures would be made by the NPOs on an Annual
Basis (i.e.) within 60 days from end of Financial Year:
a) Disclosures on General aspects:
i. Name of the organization (legal and popular name);
ii. Location of headquarters and location of operations;
iii. Vision / Mission / Purpose;
iv. Organizational goals, activities, products and services;
v. Scale of operations (Including Employee and Volunteer strength);
b) Disclosures on Governance aspects:
i. Ownership and legal form;
ii. Governance Structure (outlines board and management committee
structures, mandates, membership, charters, policies and internal
controls);
8 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2023/196 dated December 28,
2023. Prior to substitution it read as under:
“j. Details of past social impact in terms of parameters specified in Para D (5) of this circular;”
Page 12 of 31
iii. Details of governing body including names of the members of the
body;
iv. Executives with key responsibilities;
v. Number of meetings by governing body and other committees
formed by them along with attendance and the process of
performance review;
vi. Organisation level potential risks and mitigation plan;
vii. Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics, along with
conflict of interest and communicating other critical concerns
viii. Remuneration Policies;
ix. Stakeholder grievance, process of grievance redressal and number
of grievance received and resolved;
x. Organisation registration certificate and other licenses
and certifications (12A, 80G, FCRA, GST, etc.).
1.6.2. The following disclosures would be made by the NPOs on an Annual
Basis of the Financial Year by October 31st of each year or before the due
date of filing the Income Tax return as prescribed under the provisions of
the Income Tax Act, 1961, whichever is later:
a) Disclosures on General aspects:
i. Outreach of organization (Type and number of direct, indirect and
institutional beneficiaries / stakeholders reached);
ii. Details of top donors or investors of organisation - List of Top 5
donors or investors (budget wise);
iii. Details of top 5 programs in disclosure period - List of Top 5
interventions/programs (budget wise).
b) Disclosures on Governance aspects:
i. Reporting of related party transactions;
ii. Compliance management process and statement of compliance
from senior decision maker.]9
9 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/202 dated September 19,
2025. Prior to substitution it read as under:
“The following disclosures would be made by the NPOs on an Annual Basis (i.e.) within 60 days from end of
Financial year:
1. Disclosures on General aspects:
Page 13 of 31
c) Disclosures on Financial aspects:
i. Financial Statement (Balance Sheet, Income statement and Cash
Statement). Also program wise fund utilization for the year;
ii. Auditors report and auditor details.
1.6.3. A guidance note in respect of the above aspects is provided at Annexure
I.
1.6.4. SSE may specify additional parameters that may be required to be
disclosed by NPO on annual basis.
1.7. Disclosure of Annual Impact Report (AIR) by all Social Enterprises
which have registered or raised funds using SSE in terms of Regulation
91E of the LODR Regulations
1.7.1. [All Social Enterprises which have raised funds using SSE will have to
provide duly assessed AIR to SSE by October 31st of each year or before
the due date of filing the income tax return as prescribed under the
provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961, whichever is later.]10
i. Name of the organization (legal and popular name)
ii. Location of headquarters and location of operations
iii. Vision / Mission / Purpose
iv. Organizational goals, activities, products and services
v. Outreach of organization (Type and number of direct, indirect and institutional beneficiaries /
stakeholders reached)
vi. Scale of operations (Including Employee and Volunteer strength)
vii. Details of top donors or investors of organisation - List of Top 5 donors or investors (budget wise)
viii. Details of top 5 programs in disclosure period - List of Top 5 interventions/programs (budget wise)
2. Disclosures on Governance aspects:
i. Ownership and legal form
ii. Governance Structure (outlines board and management committee structures, mandates,
membership, charters, policies and internal controls)
iii. Details of governing body including names of the members of the body
iv. Executives with key responsibilities
v. Number of meetings by governing body and other committees formed by them along with
attendance and the process of performance review
vi. Organisation level potential risks and mitigation plan
vii. Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics, along with conflict of interest and
communicating other critical concerns
viii. Remuneration Policies
ix. Stakeholder grievance, process of grievance redressal and number of grievance received and
resolved
x. Compliance management process and statement of compliance from senior decision maker”
xi. Organisation registration certificate and other licenses and certifications (12A,
80G, FCRA, GST, etc.)”
10 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/202 dated September 19,
2025. Prior to substitution it read as under:
“All Social Enterprises (SEs) will have to provide duly audited Annual Impact Report (AIR) to SSE within 90 days
from the end of Financial Year”
Page 14 of 31
1.7.2. The AIR needs to capture the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the
social impact generated by the entity and where applicable, the impact
that is generated by the project or solution for which funds have been
raised on SSE.
1.7.3. [In case an NPO is registered without listing any security, the AIR will be
self-reported and must cover the NPO’s significant activities, intervention,
programs or projects during the year and the methodology for
determination of significance must be explained. Additionally, if there is an
activity, intervention, program or projects covered under a listed security, it
will qualify as a significant activity, intervention, program or project. The
annual impact report shall cover 67% of the program expenditure in the
previous Financial Year.]11
1.7.4. For a Social Impact Fund where the underlying recipients of funds are
Social Enterprises which have registered or raised funds using SSE, must
disclose an overall AIR for the fund covering all investee/grantee
organizations where the fund is deployed.
1.7.5. The AIR should at a minimum, cover the aspects described below.
a) Strategic Intent and Planning
i. What is the social or environmental challenge the organization
and/or the instrument listed is addressing? Has this changed in the
last year?
ii. How is the organization attending to the challenge or planning to
attend to the challenge? Has this changed in the last year?
iii. Who is being impacted (target segment)? Has this changed in the
last year?
iv. What will be the outcomes of the activities, intervention, programs
or project? Disclosure should include positive and potential
unintended negative outcomes.
b) Approach
11 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/202 dated September 19,
2025.Prior to substitution it read as under:
“In case an NPO is only registered without listing any security, the AIR must cover the NPOs significant activities,
intervention, programs or projects during the year and the methodology for determination of significance must be
explained. Additionally, if there is an activity, intervention, program or projects covered under a listed security, it
will qualify as a significant activity, intervention, program or project.”
Page 15 of 31
i. What is the baseline status / situation analysis / context description
at the start of the activity/intervention/programs or project and at
the end of the last reporting period?
ii. What has been the past performance trend? (if relevant)
iii. What is the solution implementation plan and the measures taken
for sustainability of activity/intervention/programs or project
outcomes? Has there been any material change in your
implementation model in the last one year?
iv. Please brief out alignment of solution to Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs)/national priorities/state priorities/ developmental
priorities.
v. How have you taken into consideration stakeholder feedback in this
reporting period?
vi. In the last year, what have you seen as the biggest risks to the
achievement of the desired impact? How are these being
mitigated?
c) Impact Score Card
i. What are the metrices monitored and what has been the trend?
ii. Briefly include narratives of impact on target segment(s) in the
reporting period.
iii. Beneficiary/Stakeholder Validation through surveys and other
feedback mechanisms
1.7.6. A guidance note in respect of the above aspects is provided at Annexure
II.
1.7.7. SSE may specify additional parameters that may be required to be
disclosed by SE in its AIR.
1.7.8. [The AIR shall be assessed by Social Impact Assessors and the Social
Enterprises shall disclose the report of Social Impact Assessors along with
AIR.]12
12 Substituted with the issuance of SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/202 dated September 19,
2025. Prior to substitution it read as under:
“The AIR shall be audited by Social Auditors and the SEs shall disclose the report of the Social Auditor along with
AIR”
Page 16 of 31
1.8. Statement of utilization of funds in terms of 91F of the LODR Regulations
1.8.1. Listed NPO shall submit statement of utilization of funds to SSE, as mandated
under Regulation 91F of the LODR Regulations, within 45 days from the end
of quarter.
Page 17 of 31
Chapter II – Self Regulatory Organizations for Social Impact Assessors in the
context of Social Stock Exchange
Self- Regulatory Organizations for Social Impact Assessors13
2. In terms of Regulation 292A(f) of the ICDR Regulations, a Social Impact
Assessor means an individual registered with Self-Regulatory organization under
the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India or such other agency, as may be
specified by the Board, who has qualified a certification program conducted by
National Institute of Securities Market.
3. In addition to the Self-Regulatory Organization under the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India, the following agencies are also specified as Self-Regulatory
Organizations for Social Impact Assessors in the context of Social Stock
Exchange:
3.1. ICMAI Social Auditors Organization (ICMAI SAO) under the Institute of Cost
Accountants of India.
3.2. ICSI Institute of Social Auditors (ICSI ISA) under the Institute of Company
Secretaries of India.
13 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD-1/P/CIR/2024/0060 dated May 27, 2024
Page 18 of 31
Chapter III - Governing Council for Social Stock Exchange
Governing Council for Social Stock Exchange14
4. As per Regulation 292D of the ICDR Regulations, every SSE shall constitute a
Social Stock Exchange Governing Council (SGC) to have an oversight on its
functioning, with composition and terms of reference as specified by the Board.
Aspects related to the SGC are specified below:
4.1. Composition of SGC:
4.1.1. The SGC shall comprise of individuals with relevant expertise who can
contribute to the development of SSE. It shall have a balanced
representation, drawing from various categories of stakeholders such as:
a) Philanthropic and social sectors including public / private sector donors,
b) Non-profit organizations
c) Information Repositories
d) Social Impact Investors
e) Social Audit Profession / self-regulatory organization for social
auditors,
f) Capacity Building Fund
g) Stock Exchange
4.1.2. SGC will have a minimum of 7 members having representation from each of
the said categories ((a) to (g) above))
4.1.3. SGC shall be supported by administrative staff from the SSE.
4.1.4. The Board of the Stock Exchange shall prescribe the procedure,
frequency, quorum etc. for the meetings of SGC as well as guidelines for
handling potential conflict of interest, if any.
4.1.5. SGC shall meet as frequently as required with minimum of four meetings in a
Financial Year.
14 SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/MRD/MRED-RAC-2/P/CIR/2022/141 dated October 13, 2022
Page 19 of 31
4.2. Terms of Reference:
4.2.1. The SGC is expected to provide oversight and guidance to facilitate the
smooth functioning of the operations of the Social Stock Exchange, with
regard to registration, fund raising and disclosures by Social Enterprises.
Accordingly, the terms of reference of the SGC shall include the following:
a) Provide expertise towards development of the SSE including growth of
registration/ listing of social enterprises and number of investors.
b) Oversee the listing function of SSE and provide guidance in laying down
procedures for on-boarding and listing of Social Enterprises.
c) Facilitate effective oversight on the adequacy of disclosures made by
Social Enterprises and guide development of necessary systems and
processes towards the same.
d) Review the functioning of the SSE, including feedback received from
stakeholders.
e) Any other matter related to governance and development of SSE.
5. The Stock Exchange shall constitute a Governing Council for the Social Stock
Exchange prior to seeking final approval from SEBI for introduction of SSE as a
separate segment.
Page 20 of 31
Annexure I
Guidance notes for listed/registered NPOs on disclosures of general,
governance and financial aspects
1. General disclosures
1.1. Name of the organization (legal and popular name):
The reporting organization shall report on the registered name and also any
popular names the organization is known by among stakeholders.
1.2. Location of headquarters and location of operations:
Headquarter refers to the address that the organization has used in registering
with respective regulatory body and also the organizations administrative centre,
from which it is controlled or directed. In case the locations are different, it needs
to be specified. Location of operations shall cover the name of the locations
where the organization has significant operation. Significant shall be defined to the
scope of fund raising document.
1.3. Vision/Mission/ Purpose:
It is important to understand the intent behind the disclosure and respond
accordingly. Purpose in this context is why the organization exists and explaining
why the cause taken up by the organization matters. The Mission will explain how
the organization is working in the context of the purpose and the Vision in the
context of this disclosure will be about where the organization is headed and what
the organization will achieve. It is possible that all organizations may not have all
the 3 (Vision, mission and purpose) as a stated document.
1.4. Organizational goals, activities, Products and Services:
The reporting organization shall mention overall objectives of the organization or
activity/intervention/programs or project listed. It shall also describe the
organization activities, including any products and services which the organization
provides.
1.5. Outreach of organization:
Organization to mention type and number of direct, indirect and institutional
beneficiaries / stakeholders reached across different programs and geographies.
1.6. Scale of operations (Including Employee and Volunteer strength):
The scale of the operations shall be explained by net turn-over/annual
budget/annual spent in last 3 years, number of beneficiaries, number of locations
Page 21 of 31
of operations and number of employees and volunteers. Total number of
employees shall be disclosed separately as permanent employees, temporary
employees and employees on contract. The nature and scale of activities
performed by volunteers shall be disclosed. The organization shall disclose the
scale of operations either at a national level or at a state or district level as may be
useful for stakeholders.
1.7. Top donors or investors of organisation - List of Top 5 donors or investors (budget
wise)
Sl. Donor Geograp Total Expendit Cumulati Total SDG Alignm
No or hy progra ure in ve outreach goal ent with
. Investo m cost current expendit (Direct, or nationa
r (INR) year ure (INR) Indirect, targe l/ state
(INR) Institution t scheme
al) s or
priority
1
2
..
1.8. Details of top 5 programs in disclosure period - List of Top 5
activities/intervention/programs/project (budget wise)
Sl. No. SDG Geog Total Expendit Cumulativ Total Name Alignme
goal raph progra ure in e outreach s of nt with
or y m cost current expenditu (Direct, Donor national/
targe (INR) year re (INR) Indirect, s or state
t (INR) Institution invest schemes
al) ors or
priority
1
2
..
2. Governance Disclosures
Page 22 of 31
2.1. Ownership and legal form:
The organization shall explain the nature of ownership and the legal form on the
entity specific to India operations.
2.2. Governance Structure:
The governance structure will start from the governance body, the committees /
sub committees (standing/adhoc) under the governance body and the
organization hierarchy for decision making. It outlines board and management
committee structures, mandates, membership, charters, policies and internal
controls.
2.3. Details of governing body including names of the members of the body:
The organization shall explain the role of the governance body, the competence
available and the identification of the members including name. Also name and
designation of the senior decision maker may be provided.
2.4. Executives with key responsibilities:
The disclosure will highlight the key executive positions and their role in the
organization.
2.5. Number of meetings by governing body and other committees formed by them
along with attendance and the process of performance review:
The process to acquire the necessary information and data by the governance
body to review the performance of the organization shall be explained. The
disclosure shall also bring out the number of such meetings held by the
governance body, during the course of the reporting period.
2.6. Organisation level potential risks and mitigation plan:
The organization to describe potential risks and mitigation plan addressing the
same for organization and proposed solution/activity/intervention/programs or
project.
2.7. Reporting of related party transactions:
The organization shall disclose all related party transactions entered by it and
reasons for the same.
2.8. Mechanisms for advice and concerns about ethics, along with conflict of interest
and communication of other critical concerns:
A description of the organizations internal and external mechanisms for seeking
inputs about ethical and lawful behavior and organisations integrity. It will also
Page 23 of 31
include the identification of who in the organization is assigned the responsibility
for this mechanism. The concerns related to any conflict of interest and other
concerns raised by the mechanism above shall be disclosed along with the
actions the organization has taken.
2.9. Remuneration policies:
Remuneration policies for the governing body and the senior executive of the
organization shall be reported. This shall include all kinds of fixed pay, variable
pay and performance linked payments. It can also include any termination
payments and claw backs. It is also important to bring out how performance of the
organization is linked to remuneration.
2.10. Stakeholder grievance, process of grievance redressal and number of grievance
received and resolved:
Apart from concerns related to ethics, the organization shall report on what is the
organizations process to seek any stakeholder concerns or grievances. How
many such concerns or grievances were received and how many of them were
resolved.
2.11. Compliance management process and statement of compliance from senior
decision maker: This disclosure requires the organizations to explain how the
organization manages to monitor its compliance in respect of regulatory and
legal requirements. There shall be a statement on the compliance status by the
senior decision maker, who shall be the chair, CEO or equivalent senior position.
2.12. Organisation registration certificate and other licenses and certifications (12A,
80G, FCRA, GST, etc.).
3. Financial Disclosures
3.1. ICAI is in the process of publishing the uniform accounting and reporting
framework for NPOs. However, the following disclosures shall be made by the
NPO in respect of Financial Aspects.
3.1.1. Financial Statement:
a) Balance Sheet
b) Income statement
c) Cash Statement
d) Program wise fund utilization certificate
e) Percentage of organizational budget this ‘issue’ represents
Page 24 of 31
f) Breakup of organizational budget and expenditure
g) Split of the budget across partners of the project/initiative is being
jointly executed
3.1.2. Auditors Report and details of the auditors
Page 25 of 31
Annexure II
Guidance notes for all Social Enterprises on Annual Impact Report
1. Strategic Intent and Planning
1.1. What is the social or environmental challenge the organization or the instrument
listed is addressing?
The problem statement to be explained in detail. The challenge, its extent,
causes and consequences and the part of the problem statement the
organization and the instrument are trying to address shall be explained.
1.2. How the organization is planning to attend to the challenge or attending to the
challenge?
The approach the organization or the specific instrument will be using or already
using need to be explained. The organization shall also explain what the change
is resulting for the targeted beneficiary and what proportion of the target group
are experiencing the change.
1.3. Who is being impacted (target segment)?
The target beneficiaries / stakeholders to cover various kinds of target groups.
Include the organization’s internal definition of “target segments” it seeks to
serve, usually along one or more of the three dimensions namely,
a) Income (driven by socio-demographic and/or behavioural characteristics)
b) Geography (ecosystem or geographic characteristics driven by population
density (urban/rural), administrative boundaries, terrain etc); and
c) Thematic issue (gender, caste, community that places the target segment
at a disadvantage that has economic and non-economic consequences)
Where the target segment is a specific geographic region in its entirety, state so.
Thematic issues could be one or more of the following: Conservation of
Resources, Generation via renewable resources, Reduction in waste,
Conservation (say of land, wildlife, historical monuments, etc.), Reduction in
toxic substances.
Also, bring out possible deviations that might have occurred in the reporting
period.
1.4. What will be the outcomes of the solution/program? Coverage should include
positive and potential unintended negative outcomes.
Page 26 of 31
Describe the Theory of change / logic model framework (defining input, output(s),
outcome(s)) for the solution proposed. While identifying the targeted impact
segment, both positive and potential unintended negative impacts need to be
identified.
2. Approach
2.1. What is the baseline status / situation analysis / context description at the start of
the activity, intervention, program or project?
The baseline measurement is done to establish the starting point in any activity,
intervention, program or project. The measurements give the depth of the
challenge and/or the spread of the challenge. The organization will establish the
right kind of measurements keeping the end or what the organization or
instrument wants to achieve since the baseline will be used to measure what
actually changed due to the intervention. In absence of baseline study, a detailed
situation analysis to be mentioned.
2.2. What has been the past performance trend?
For the on-going activity, intervention, program or project explain the key past
performance trends and for proposed activity, intervention, program or project
the narrative should explain the experience of similar programs in similar
situations.
2.3. What is the solution implementation plan and the measures taken for
sustainability of program outcomes?
Detailed implementation plan to be mentioned capturing all the essential
activities. The interventions can be either perennial support or time bound
support. In case of time bound support, the organization shall explain the exit
strategy and how it ensures that the outcomes achieved will be sustained. In
case of perennial support also, the organization can explain how it ensures
sustainability of the project/program. Also, bring out possible deviations that
might have occurred in the reporting period.
2.4. Please brief out alignment of solution to Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs)/national priorities/state priorities.
Explain the alignment of activity, intervention, program or project to respective
SDGs and national/state priorities and schemes.
Page 27 of 31
2.5. How have you taken into consideration stakeholder feedback in this reporting
period?
The organization to mention how they have mapped and prioritized the key
stakeholders for the engagement. The reporting shall include the list of
stakeholders engaged, their feedback and how the organization used the
feedback.
2.6. In the last year, what have you seen as the biggest risks to the achievement of
the desired impact? How are these being mitigated?
Mention the key potential risks pertaining to the organization or the specific
instrument that could hamper/hinder the achievements of desired intended
outcomes in last year and the steps or strategies taken by organization to
mitigate the same.
3. Impact Scorecard
3.1. What are the metrices monitored and what has been the trend?
The trend in performance shall be explained through the trend of the data across
the output, outcome and impact metrices that are established by the
organization. The metrices will capture the reach of the activity, intervention,
program or project as well as level of inclusiveness of impact being generated
(direct, indirect, extended). This shall help evaluate the delta change that has
occurred in lives of various target stakeholders (including environment) due to
the solution. The metrices monitored shall target to cover the reach, depth and
inclusion.
3.1.1. Reach - Outreach metrics for target segment(s) served:
a) Proportion of target segment(s) who have been reached in the reporting
period
b) Proportion of target segment(s) who accepted the organization`s solution
c) What part of the planned activity, intervention, program or project have
been accomplished in the reporting period
d) Cumulative reach (members of the target segment served since
inception)
e) Other suitable metrics in relation to the solution, usually relate to people,
institutions or activities (Ex: monthly active users of MAUs for an
Page 28 of 31
app/tech platform). These can be considered as needed, where the
target segment is the specific geographic region.
3.1.2. Depth - The depth of impact on the median individual (of the target segments)
Surveys (1% of the customers/recipients or at least 200 respondents per
organization) asking respondents ‘Has your quality of life changed’, with
response options being: Very much improved, slightly improved, no change,
got slightly worse, got much worse.
Alternatively, SE can compare itself to different ‘case studies’ of High -
Medium - Low depth organizations.
3.1.3. Inclusion - The SE must consider for itself how its approach intends to
improve Inclusion for its customers / recipients, along one or more of the
following themes.
a) Theme 1: Net increase in Income levels of customers / recipients among
target segment(s), as decided by the organization. The organization can
self-select ‘Low’, ‘Medium’ or ‘High’.
b) Theme 2: Diversity and Inclusion: The SE exhibits how it prioritizes the
inclusion of these disadvantaged groups or communities (either as
owners, partners or customers) and empower them in their relationship
with the SE over time.
c) Theme 3: Social Equity: The SE exhibits how its approach has resulted
in the disadvantaged group or community experiencing increased social
equity. This can be through a survey as above or through qualitative
criteria such as details of its strategy, processes and internal
accountability/governance processes that have resulted in an internal
culture that values and works towards achieving social equity for the
disadvantaged group or community.
3.2. What are the highlights or achievements in the reporting period?
The organization to mention key highlights, achievements, challenges and/or
disappointments faced during the reporting period.
3.3. Beneficiary / Stakeholder validation it is utmost necessary to capture the
perspective of stakeholders for the program to draw a holistic picture of
Page 29 of 31
impact/change that has been achieved by the program. The stakeholder voices
would also help in capturing information that will help validate the impact claims.
This can establish a check and avoid over claiming. The validation process shall
answer the following questions.
a) What would have happened in the absence of this activity, intervention,
program or project?
b) How much the activity, intervention, program or project contributed to the
changes that are evidenced?
c) How much unintended negative impacts happened due to the activity,
intervention, program or project?
*****
Page 30 of 31
Appendix
LIST OF RESCINDED CIRCULARS
Sr. No. Date of Circular No. Subject/Title
Circular
1. Sep 19, SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD- Framework on Social Stock
2022 1/P/CIR/2022/120 Exchange
2. Oct 13, SEBI/HO/MRD/MRD-RAC- Governing Council for Social
2022 2/P/CIR/2022/141 Stock Exchange
3. Dec 28, SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD- Framework on Social Stock
2023 1/P/CIR/2023/196 Exchange
4. May 27, SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD- Timelines for disclosures by
2024 1/P/CIR/2024/0059 Social Enterprises on Social
Stock Exchange (SSE)
5. May 27, SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD- Self-Regulatory Organizations
2024 1/P/CIR/2024/0060 for Social Impact Assessors in
the context of Social Stock
Exchange (SSE)
6. Oct 07, SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD- Timelines for disclosures by
2024 1/P/CIR/2024/134 Social Enterprises on Social
Stock Exchange (SSE)
7. Mar 19, SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD- Framework on Social Stock
2025 1/P/CIR/2025/33 Exchange (SSE)
8. Sep 19, SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD- Framework on Social Stock
2025 1/P/CIR/2025/129 Exchange
Page 31 of 31