In pursuit of excellence and to identify, foster and reward the culture of evolving globally acceptable standards of corporate governance among Indian companies, the 15th ICSI National Award for Excellence in Corporate Governance was organised recently in Mumbai. The ICSI lifetime Achievement Award was conferred to NR Narayan Murthy, co-founder of Infosys limited for translating excellence in corporate governance into reality.
While addressing the gathering, Murthy said: “The new verve of ‘less Government more governance’ is precisely an indication of what is expected from the corporates in terms of transparency and accountability. The role of Company Secretaries (CS) is to establish in the very system of India’s corporate nerve, the practices of good governance which is a mechanism to establish order, pursue social and economic progress and promote welfare of the people and society on the whole. The industry wants someone who can understand the business and corporate laws that have a clear understanding of the economic scenario in the country. A CS who is an in-house compliance manager, consultant and advisor to the board of the company is the one whom the board of directors readily look upon, a face that the investors recognise and an occupant of a position entrusted by regulators to ensure compliance”.
Companies like Mahindra & Mahindra limited and Wipro limited were presented 15th ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance by NR Narayan Murthy. Certificate of recognition for Excellence in Corporate Governance were presented to other top five companies including Apollo Tyres, Axis Bank, Infosys limited, Marico limited and Rallis India limited.
S Ramadorai, chairman, National Skill Development Corporation and National Skill Development Agency and non-executive chairman, BSE ltd, emphasised on the need for professionals who are committed to a good value system, those who walk the talk in demonstrating their values and beliefs. Good governance is at the core of improving the delivery of services. It provides the mechanism for linking inclusion, decision making, and accountability.
CS Atul H Mehta, president, ICSI, announced that as a tribute to Sir George Adrian Cadbury, ICSI declares the year 2016 as ‘Mission Year for promotion of Corporate Governance in the world’. His birth anniversary on April 15, will be celebrated as an International Corporate Governance Day.