To deliberate and analyse the role of professionals in contributing towards building a new India and playing an integral part in its enterprising economy, The Institute of Company Secretaries of India’s (ICSI) 18th National Conference of Practising Company Secretaries was inaugurated recently. The theme of the two-day conference was Enterprising India-Role of Professionals in Newage India.
Dinesh Maheshwari, Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya was the chief guest and inaugurated the conference. While addressing the audience, CS Dr Shyam Agrawal, President, ICSI said: “India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and entrepreneurship is key in supporting and accelerating such unprecedented growth in Enterprising India. The Government is promoting innovative field of entrepreneurship which will help support employment, utilisation of skills, skill development and boost FDI. Now is the time that Company Secretaries (CS) should optimally unleash their professional acumen, seize the various opportunities offered by the Government, perform a dual role of a young and profound entrepreneur, and as a compliance officer. A Company Secretary can immensely support the Government of India in realising ease of doing business drive for entrepreneurs and enterprising businesses contributing towards New India.
Emphasising the importance of CS profession Dr Agrawal said: “The crucial role that a CS plays in a company can be gauged by the fact that the Companies Act, 2013 recognises Company Secretaries as a “Key Managerial Personnel” along with the managing director or manager, whole-time director and Chief Financial Officer. A Company Secretary is required to be mandatorily appointed in every company with a paid up share capital of Rs 5 crore and above, under Companies Act 2013”.
The conference had technical sessions on entrepreneurship, GST, Insolvency, etc. Various new initiatives and publications were also launched on the occasion like Beginners Guide on Goods and Services Tax, 45 Days Residential Corporate leadership Development Programme, E-MSOP Programme, ICSI- Quest – EAssist - web application, My ICSI virtual platform blog and discussion board and ICSI Sampark, missed call number service for ICSI and mock test — Unlimited Insolvency Professional.