ICSI Inaugurates Two-Day PSU Conference in Ahmedabad

Conference highlights evolving role of Company Secretaries in public sector governance

•  From Zero to Hero: ICSI President urges youth to choose Company Secretary profession

• CS Course Can Transform Young Aspirants into Highly Respected Professionals, Says ICSI President

• Ahmedabad hosts ICSI PSU Conference to chart new role for Company Secretaries in PSUs

• Bilkul Online | By Rafat Quadri
• Ahmedabad | 09 Aug 2026

The Ahmedabad Chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) inaugurated the ICSI PSU Conference 2026 in Ahmedabad on Saturday, bringing together leaders from industry, regulatory bodies and government to deliberate on the changing role of Company Secretaries in the public sector.

Organised on the theme “Empowering Company Secretaries in the Public Sector Ecosystem through Governance, Strategy & Leadership,” the two-day conference focuses on strengthening the role of Company Secretaries as strategic advisors and governance professionals in Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

Kranti Kumar, Deputy Director, Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Congratulating ICSI for organising the conference, he said, “Company Secretaries employed in Public Sector Undertakings are playing a very critical role in public service.”

The conference will feature deliberations on key areas including appointment of directors in Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), DPE scheduling and classification, the role of Company Secretaries in strengthening boards, compliances under the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (LODR) Regulations, as well as the evolving role of Company Secretaries and Practising Company Secretaries in PSU governance.

Addressing the gathering, CS Pawan G Chandak, President, ICSI, highlighted the growing opportunities in the Company Secretary profession and encouraged young students to consider the CS course after Class 12 or graduation, particularly in commerce. He described the profession as a potential “Zero-to-Hero” journey, offering opportunities for professional growth, respect and financial success.

“The Company Secretary course can take a young aspirant from zero to hero. It is a highly respected and well-paid profession, with strong demand across corporates, PSUs and reputed organisations, including NGOs. Youngsters who want to build a rewarding career in governance, compliance and leadership should seriously consider the CS profession,” he said.

Chandak added that the growing complexity of corporate regulations and governance has created sustained demand for qualified Company Secretaries. There are presently 80,550 Company Secretaries in India, he noted, underlining the expanding professional community and the opportunities available to the next generation.

CS  Chandak further added that, “Ensuring compliance in PSUs is a complex and demanding responsibility that Company Secretaries navigate with diligence and expertise.” He further noted that as the global corporate landscape evolves, the role of a Company Secretary will gain greater strategic significance.

The conference is being organised by the Ahmedabad Chapter of WIRC of ICSI, marking a significant initiative by the Chapter to provide a dedicated platform for focused discussions on public-sector governance, leadership and regulatory compliance.

Among those present at the inauguration were CS Rajesh Tarpara, Programme Director & Council Member, ICSI; CS Abhishek Chhajed, Secretary, WIRC of ICSI; CS Mehul Rajput, Regional Council Member, WIRC of ICSI; CS Jaymeen Trivedi, Chairman, Ahmedabad Chapter, CS Parshwa Shah, Secretary, Ahmedabad Chapter of WIRC of ICSI; and senior CS Arvind Gaudana.

Beyond the PSU-focused conference, ICSI has been undertaking a range of professional initiatives to equip Company Secretaries for emerging areas of business and regulation. These include specialised programmes on IFSC regulations and capital markets, a Capacity Building Series, an MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management with Gujarat Maritime University, and a Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances with NISM. The Institute has also introduced programmes on UAE business practices and a Professional Reboot course for women Company Secretaries returning to the profession after a career break.

ICSI is also strengthening its role in ESG, climate governance, social auditing, start-ups and MSMEs. Its initiatives include the ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship, ICSI Principles on Climate Change Governance, Stakeholder Engagement Toolkit on ESG, ICSI Institute of Social Auditors and Social Audit Standards, besides the ICSI Start-up and MSME Catalyst to support emerging enterprises in areas ranging from registration and taxation to finance, fundraising and compliance.

The Institute is simultaneously expanding international and academic opportunities through overseas centres in Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE, the UK and the USA, the India-Australia Facilitation Centre, collaborations with academic institutions and initiatives aimed at widening access to the CS profession.

The ICSI PSU Conference 2026 will conclude on August 9.

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