Srinagar, August 15: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), in solidarity with the nation and as part of its commitment to regional economic development, convened its 445th Council Meeting in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, from 12th–14th Aug. 2025.
On this occasion, Shri Omar Abdullah, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir, graced the Council Meeting and expressed his gratitude to the ICAI for choosing Pahalgam for such a landmark event and reposing trust in the J&K Government after the horrific incident at Baisaran on April 22.
While addressing the Council, Shri Omar Abdullah said,
> “Your presence here has a lot of weight, you have come here along with your spouse and children, this is truly encouraging. On behalf of all my colleagues and everybody, I just want to say what a pleasure and a privilege it is to be able to have all of you here. Your presence here is truly a testament to that — that winter is not everlasting, that it has to end, that snows have to melt and that spring will come. Your presence reflects your belief in this place and sends a powerful message of confidence and support.”
He further added,
> “No government is a repository of all knowledge and the ICAI and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir can collaborate across various areas. You are witness to the best practices and working together will give us the advantage of tapping into your knowledge base, learning from your experiences and replicating them here for the betterment of Jammu & Kashmir.”
On this occasion, CA. Charanjot Singh Nanda, President, ICAI said,
> “ICAI stands firmly in solidarity with the people of Jammu & Kashmir, which is why we chose Pahalgam as the venue for our 445th Council Meeting.
In the aftermath of the recent incident, our presence here is a message of resilience, unity and hope. We are not just financial architects; we are proud partners in nation-building. By holding our prestigious Council Meeting in this picturesque valley of Pahalgam, we aim to reaffirm our commitment to its economic revival, promote its vibrant tourism and contribute meaningfully to the growth and prosperity of Jammu & Kashmir. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for their invaluable support, cooperation and encouragement during our visit.”
Further, the President proposed collaborative initiatives between ICAI and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, stating,
> “We have expertise in accounting, consulting, assurance and most importantly cost optimisation. If cost saving is approached with utmost seriousness in the Govt. Depts., it can lead to significant savings. ICAI can undertake a detailed exercise to identify ways to curtail costs in J&K government initiatives. We can also support accounting reforms in local bodies, implement accrual-based accounting in government departments and enter into MoUs for curriculum development to enhance the quality of education in J&K universities. Additionally, we can also conduct research on any subject to further your developmental objectives.”
CA. Prasanna Kumar D, Vice-President, ICAI, added,
> “It is truly a moment of pride that we had our 445th Council Meeting, a milestone that reflects ICAI’s legacy of excellence, independence & integrity and moreover, hosting this meeting in Pahalgam holds special significance as it reflects our national solidarity and commitment to Kashmir’s development.
While we have achieved much, there is still more to accomplish, and with the unwavering support of my Council colleagues and the guidance of our President, I am confident we will continue to explore new horizons in the years ahead.”
During the Council Meeting, the President also presented a research report titled “From Policy to Profit: Amplifying MSME Revenues in J&K through Targeted Government Initiatives” to the Hon’ble Chief Minister. This report presents a comprehensive assessment of key MSME-related schemes in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and offers a practical, five-pillar strategic roadmap to transform MSMEs into sustainable revenue generators.
In addition, ICAI has undertaken another research project titled “Hope in the Hills: Strengthening MSMEs in Jammu & Kashmir through Comparative Policy Innovation.” This study provides an in-depth analysis of the unique challenges faced by the region’s MSMEs, particularly in tourism and handicrafts, and offers recommendations inspired by global best practices.
Through such research, ICAI is not just analysing the present but also shaping the future of J&K’s economy, helping policymakers design actionable interventions that can deliver tangible socio-economic transformation. This is yet another step in the ongoing journey to strengthen the economic fabric of our nation by providing the Government with credible, data-driven and solution-oriented insights.
Further, in line with its commitment to strengthen research, innovation and skill-building, ICAI plans to establish a Centre of Excellence in Jammu & Kashmir. This will not only enhance capacity building for members and students but also drive research that can provide valuable insights for better planning and execution of Government initiatives, contributing to the region’s growth and the nation’s progress.
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament under the Chartered Accountants Act, 1949, for the regulation and development of the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India. The Institute functions under the administrative supervision of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India.
With over 15 lakh members and students, ICAI is the largest professional accountancy body in the world. It has a wide network of 5 Regional Councils and 182 Branches within India, and a global presence with 54 Overseas Chapters and 31 Representative Offices spanning 85 cities across 47 countries worldwide. (JKNS
