The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced an increase in the threshold for Basic Services Demat Accounts (BSDA) from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Effective from September 1, 2024, investors can hold securities worth up to Rs 10 lakh in their BSDA. 

Eligibility: To be eligible for a BSDA, you must be the sole owner of the account and should not have any other Demat account. Joint accounts are not eligible for BSDA if you are the first holder.

Demat Account charges:

Regular Demat accounts come with annual maintenance fees ranging from Rs 300 to Rs 800, depending on the Depository Participant (DP). 

Under SEBI's new guidelines:

Portfolio value up to Rs 4 lakh: No annual maintenance charge.

Portfolio value above Rs 4 lakh and up to Rs 10 lakh: Rs 100 annual maintenance charge.

Portfolio value above Rs 10 lakh: The account will convert to a regular Demat account, with standard charges applied.