J&K sees over 10 lakh investors join stock market

Srinagar, Dec 31: In a significant boost to its economic landscape, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a remarkable increase in registered investors, reaching a total of 10,38,530 by December 2024.

This figure marks a staggering year-on-year growth of 48.59% from the previous year’s 6,99,928 investors.

In December,  J&K  has added 26,867 new investors. It also showed a growth rate of 2.66% in comparison with the previous month. During the last quarter, it had grown by 67,654, meaning a growth rate of 6.97%. This trend has made Jammu and Kashmir one of the most rapidly growing markets for investment in India.

Growth rates of stock investors are high in the case of Jammu and Kashmir compared to other states across the country. In Gujarat, more than 18 million registered investors recorded a growth rate of 27.09%, whereas nearly 49% indicates the emerging investment hub status in J&K.

Yet, there are challenges. According to Ajaz Ahmad, a retail investor from Srinagar, awareness about equity investment remains relatively low. “Only 10  lakh of J&K’s estimated 1.25 crore population participate in the equity market. While penetration is low, it’s encouraging to see numbers growing steadily over the past few years,” he said.

Market experts argue that the rising number of investors is due to increased awareness and accessibility through digital platforms. The stigmatization of stock market investments as risky has reduced over time, especially among the younger generation, who view the market with informed long-term strategies.

Economists believe this surge in investor registrations will help diversify J&K’s economy, reducing its dependence on traditional sectors like agriculture and accelerating growth in technology, tourism, and manufacturing. “This transition will not only boost local production but also create substantial job opportunities,

Record growth in investor participation marks a shift in Jammu and Kashmir’s economic narrative, which spells a bright and prosperous future for the region.