The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India commemorated its historic 50th (Golden Jubilee) Regional Conference in Kolkata. It was organized by the Eastern India Regional Council (EIRC). The subject of the conference, EYE—Ethics, Youth, Empower—emphasized the profession’s steadfast dedication to moral behavior, the expanding involvement of young professionals, and the ongoing empowerment of members.

The Conference was inaugurated by Shri Snehasis Chakraborty, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Transport Dept. West Bengal and Shri Hari Mohan Bangur, Chairman, Shree Cement Limited. Also gracing the occasion was CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, Hon’ble President, ICAI, CA. Prasanna Kumar D, Hon’ble Vice-President, ICAI, Past Presidents, Past Chairpersons of Eastern region, and Central and Regional Council Members of ICAI.

The Hon’ble President of ICAI, CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, engaged with the media throughout the event. Speaking to the media, he thanked EIRC Chairman CA. Vishnu Kumar Tulsyan and his team said that history had been made in Kolkata with the Golden Jubilee Regional Conference, which had a record participation of more than 4,500 members, the largest ever for EIRC.

CA. Nanda stressed that although India is already a global leader in technology, artificial intelligence would never be able to fully replace human intelligence; rather, it will only serve as a tool and support for chartered accountants. He said that ICAI has started AURA, a specialized AI school for students, and has already trained 30,000 members in AI. Members and students outside of India are also receiving training efforts.

The President emphasized the profession’s diversity by pointing out that 44% of CA students are female and that every third Indian chartered accountant is a woman. Through extensive career counseling programs, ICAI works to advance commerce education throughout the nation.

Additionally, he restated ICAI’s dedication to adhering to international best practices. ICAI and the government are closely collaborating on issues that support Viksit Bharat. ICAI prepares a thorough Pre-Budget Memorandum and then a Post-Budget Memorandum as a knowledge partner in policy making, highlighting focus areas and offering helpful contributions for national development.

Additionally, President Nanda briefed the media on the recent historic ruling by the Supreme Court, which confirmed that chartered accountants with ten years of experience are equally qualified to be appointed as Members (Accountants) of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) as advocates.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) certified the EIRC Regional Conference (Golden Jubilee) as carbon neutral. Members enthusiastically attended the two-day conference, which featured numerous technical and parallel sessions led by national and international specialists and dignitaries.

Priyanka Dutta