ICAI’s Bold Reforms: AI Courses, MSME Support & ₹400 Cr Student Fund
WIRC Chairman CA Ketan Saiya highlights inclusive initiatives, AI training, MSME support, and plans for GIFT City exposure during Ahmedabad visit
- BILKULONLINE
By Rafat Quadri
Ahmedabad, July 5: The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) is committed to ensuring that any student in the country—irrespective of caste, religion, or region—aspiring to become a Chartered Accountant is not held back due to financial or social constraints. If any such student reaches out to an ICAI branch, the institute will investigate their situation and provide all possible assistance, stated CA Ketan Saiya, Chairman of the Western India Regional Council (WIRC) of ICAI, during his visit to the Ahmedabad branch today.
CA Saiya announced a significant increase in the student welfare fund from ₹100 crore to ₹400 crore this year, aimed at supporting underprivileged students. To ensure wide outreach, ICAI will conduct career counselling sessions across districts, enabling aspiring CAs to access opportunities at their doorstep.
In a bid to simplify the tax regime, ICAI has also proposed that the government reduce and rationalize TDS deduction rates under various sections of the Income Tax Act, which currently spans 25 different categories.
Looking ahead, ICAI plans to open an office in Gandhinagar’s GIFT City, positioning itself within a growing global financial hub. On July 10–11, over 100 CA students from across the country will visit GIFT City to explore career prospects and understand Gujarat’s dynamic industrial development.
Highlighting the importance of technology, CA Saiya shared that ICAI has initiated a nationwide awareness campaign on Artificial Intelligence, along with AI certification courses through its branches.
The WIRC has also rolled out programs to empower various segments of society—ranging from cybersecurity awareness for housewives, support for MSME entrepreneurs, and workshops for startups, to school outreach through the “Bhairavi” program focused on child safety education.
On this occasion, CA Nirav Agarwal, Chairman of the Ahmedabad Branch, shared updates on the local initiatives undertaken. The event was also attended by WIRC Vice Chairman CA Piyush Chandak, Secretary CA Jinal Savla, Treasurer CA (Dr) Fenil Shah, Member CA Bishan Shah, Ahmedabad Branch Secretary CA Sameer Chaudhary, and WICASA Chairperson CA Shikha Agarwal.
(Rafat Quadri can be contacted at editorbilkul@gmail.com)
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