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, Omar Abdullah, 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.
Addressing a press conference here today, 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, ICAI, 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, and 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.”