SEBI vide its notification dated 25th July, 2022 has made amendments in the SEBI (ICDR) Regulations, 2018, and SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. Copies of these amendments are being circulated with this communique. These amendments have been made to provide Social Enterprises with additional avenues to raise funds through the Social Stock Exchange (SSE), which is a novel concept in India. It provides eligibility of organizations to raise funds through Social Stock Exchange, eligibility of entities to be classified as “Not for Profit Organization”, eligibility of entities to be classified as “For Profit” Social Enterprises, means through which Social Enterprises can raise funds, and obligations of Social Enterprises.
Furthermore, to strengthen the governance framework in these entities, & provide better confidence to such investors, SEBI has introduced the concept of Annual Impact Report by a Social Auditor. The purpose of this Social Audit is to ascertain the impact made by the Social Enterprise through its activities, intervention, programs or projects implemented during the reporting period. The annual impact report shall be audited by a Social Auditor.
ICMAI Social Auditors Organization (ICMAI SAO)
To enrol & regulate the Social Auditors and also to prescribe the Social Audit Standards, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India, in compliance with SEBI Regulations, has incorporated a section 8 company titled ICMAI Social Auditors Organization. The ICMAI SAO will enrol eligible CMAs & others as Social Auditors and focus on their capacity building through continuous professional advancement with emphasis on adherence to the highest ethical standards and compliance with the Social Stock Exchange requirements.