MUMBAI, July 25: Shares of the country's largest bank, State Bank of India (SBI), will be available for trading in the dematerialised segment of the National Stock Exchange (NSE) from July 30.

Another public sector, Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd (VSNL), is also expected to admit itself for dematerialisation in a week's time.

SBI had signed up with the National Securities Depository Ltd (NSDL) for dematerialisation in June-end. The bank, whose scrip has been conspicuous by its absence in the dematerialised segment, has, after intense efforts, succeeded in convincing the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to allow it to admit its shares for dematerialisation.

RBI's fear stemmed from the fact that in the depository environment where shares are transferred within 24 hours of settlement of trades, it may not be possible for SBI to monitor the foreign shareholders.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.