The Chartered Accountant profession in India operates under the framework of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI). The ICAI is responsible for the setting up of the standards and the education of the Chartered Accountants. The ICAI has developed regional sections in order to provide administrative and practical assistance throughout this large country.
Regional Chapters of ICAI
India is subdivided into few areas, every area has its own council known as Regional Council. These councils are required to coordinate activity in education, training and member services amongst others. The key regional chapters are:The key regional chapters are:
Northern India
Delhi
Haryana
Punjab
Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand
Southern India
Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
Bangalore (Karnataka)
Hyderabad (Telangana)
Kerala
Andhra Pradesh
Western India
Mumbai (Maharashtra)
Gujarat
Rajasthan
Eastern India
Kolkata (West Bengal)
Odisha
Assam
Sikkim
Central India
Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh)
Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
North-Eastern India
Shillong (Meghalaya)
Agartala (Tripura)
Imphal (Manipur)
Aizawl (Mizoram)
Kohima (Nagaland)
Functions of ICAI Chapters
The regional chapters of ICAI serve several important functions:The regional chapters of ICAI serve several important functions:
Educational Programs
To ensure that members are conversant with the current changes in standard setting, taxation and other issues affecting the accounting profession they conduct seminars, workshops and training sessions.
Member Support
Each of these chapters offers advice and assistance to members concerning their professional Practice. It provides opportunities for the practitioners to interact and to exchange information with one another.
Examinations and Certification
It is involved in setting examinations to be undertaken by those who want to become Chartered Accountants besides promoting standards of the noble profession.
Local Representation
Regional chapters are usually tasked to represent the members of the particular region, or handle issues at the regional level. They form intermediates between the main headquarters of ICAI and local practicing members.
Professional Development
They have a commitment to the professional growth of members through courses and certifications offered from time to time.
Importance of Regional Chapters
For the effective working of the ICAI, the regional chapters play an essential role at the administrative frontier. They make sure that Chartered Accountants practicing in the entire country are given equal encouragement and provision of resources. Some of these chapters are likely to be closer to the members than others and, as such, can tackle regional issues better and offer support.
All in all, the ICAI chapters of India could be seen as valuable constituents promoting and furthering the profession of the Chartered Accountants. Through their various functions and activities, they contribute significantly to the development and maintenance of accounting standards and practices across the country.