Description

SEBI mandates all regulated entities to ensure digital platform accessibility compliance with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 with specific implementation milestones.

Summary

SEBI has issued mandatory compliance requirements for all regulated entities to ensure their digital platforms are accessible to persons with disabilities in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. All stock exchanges, clearing corporations, depositories, intermediaries, and other regulated entities must implement accessibility features with specific milestones and undergo annual compliance reporting.

Key Points

  • All SEBI regulated entities must comply with Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016
  • Compliance specifically required for Sections 40, 42, 46 of RPwD Act and Rule 15(1)(c) of RPwD Rules 2017
  • Digital platforms must be made accessible to persons with disabilities
  • IAAP certified accessibility professionals must be appointed as auditors
  • Annual compliance reporting mandatory within 30 days of financial year end

Regulatory Changes

  • Introduction of mandatory digital accessibility compliance for all SEBI regulated entities
  • Establishment of specific implementation milestones with defined timelines
  • Creation of annual reporting framework for accessibility compliance
  • Appointment requirement for certified accessibility auditors

Compliance Requirements

  • Submit list of digital platforms within 1 month
  • Submit compliance/action taken report within 1 month
  • Appoint IAAP certified accessibility professionals as auditors within 45 days
  • Complete accessibility audit within 3 months
  • Complete remediation and ensure full compliance within 6 months
  • Submit annual compliance reports within 30 days of financial year end

Important Dates

  • Within 1 month: Submit digital platforms list and compliance report
  • Within 45 days: Appoint certified accessibility auditors
  • Within 3 months: Complete accessibility audit
  • Within 6 months: Complete remediation and full compliance
  • Annual reporting: Within 30 days of financial year end

Impact Assessment

This circular has significant operational and compliance impact on all SEBI regulated entities requiring substantial investment in accessibility infrastructure, auditing processes, and ongoing compliance monitoring. Entities must modify existing digital platforms and implement new accessibility features, potentially affecting system architecture and user interfaces across the entire securities market ecosystem.

Impact Justification

Mandatory compliance affecting all SEBI regulated entities with strict timelines and annual reporting requirements