<h1>Dematerialised shareholding requirement mandates demat issue and transfer for unlisted public companies to enhance transparency and governance.</h1> The Ministry of Corporate Affairs requires the issue and transfer of all shares in dematerialised form for unlisted public companies, effective October 2018, to enhance transparency, investor protection and corporate governance. Companies must coordinate with depositories and share transfer agents to facilitate dematerialisation; related grievances will be handled by the IEPF Authority. The notification notes benefits including elimination of risks tied to physical certificates, prevention of malpractices, exemption from stamp duty on transfers, and greater ease in transfer and pledge operations.