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CA Mayur Agrawal
Chairman - EIRC
Dear Professional Colleagues,
Greetings!
September is a month that brings into sharp focus the multifaceted responsibilities entrusted to Chartered Accountants. Across Eastern India and the country, our members continue to contribute across tax audits, financial reporting, statutory and internal audits, GST and direct tax compliance, advisory assignments, risk assessment, corporate governance, and various certification and assurance engagements. These responsibilities demand precision, professional diligence and sound judgement, while reaffirming the trust that businesses, institutions and society place in the Chartered Accountancy profession.
At the same time, the professional landscape is evolving rapidly. Chartered Accountants are increasingly contributing to emerging areas such as data analytics, technology-enabled assurance, forensic audit, fraud risk management, ESG and sustainability reporting, fintech, insolvency and restructuring, valuation, and strategic business advisory. The September 2026 issue of The Chartered Accountant also reflects this expanding horizon, with contemporary discussions spanning audit, taxation, GST, technology, Artificial Intelligence, fraud prevention, ESG, corporate finance and insolvency.
One of the most transformative developments is the growing integration of Artificial Intelligence into professional practice. AI is steadily moving beyond discussion to become a practical enabler for improving efficiency, analysis and accuracy across professional assignments.
उद्यमेन हि सिद्ध्यन्ति कार्याणि न मनोरथैः।
न हि सुप्तस्य सिंहस्य प्रविशन्ति मुखे मृगाः॥
“Actions are accomplished through effort, not merely through wishes; no deer enters the mouth of a sleeping lion.”
— Panchatantra
This timeless wisdom resonates strongly with the changing dynamics of our profession. The future will not be defined merely by the assignments we undertake, but by how effectively we combine professional knowledge, technology, ethical judgement and human insight. We must therefore remain technically competent, adaptable and innovative, while staying conscious of the wider impact of our professional responsibilities.
In keeping with EIRC’s theme for the year — “NOW” — the message is clear: the time to prepare, adapt and act is NOW. Whether it is adopting emerging technologies, upgrading professional skills, strengthening audit quality, deepening our understanding of evolving regulations, or mentoring the next generation of professionals, every meaningful step taken today contributes to the resilience and relevance of our profession tomorrow.
Platinum Jubilee Year of EIRC – 2026 - 27
As EIRC enters its Platinum Jubilee Year 2026–27, we proudly commemorate 75 years since its formation on 14th May 1952. This milestone is a celebration of EIRC’s remarkable journey, its enduring contribution to the profession, and the collective efforts of generations of Chartered Accountants who have shaped its legacy. A series of programmes and initiatives are being done and planned in the months ahead to mark this significant occasion. We look forward to sharing details of these celebrations and inviting our members to be a part of this memorable milestone in EIRC’s journey.
Key Programmes
During September, EIRC continued its endeavour to provide members with meaningful professional learning and engagement opportunities.
The Seminar on Competition Law and Insurance Awareness, held on 2nd September 2026, provided valuable insights into the Competition Act, 2002 and the role of the Competition Commission of India in promoting fair competition and protecting consumer interests. The programme also included an awareness session on Postal Life Insurance.
The IBC Conclave, under the aegis of the Insolvency, Bankruptcy and Valuation Standards Board of ICAI in association with Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India Jointly with Indian Institute of Insolvency Professionals of ICAI and ICAI Registered Valuers Organisation held on 5th September 2026 at the ICAI Centre of Excellence, Newtown, brought together distinguished professionals and stakeholders from the insolvency ecosystem. The Conclave was attended by Dr. Bhushan Kumar Sinha, Whole-time Member, IBBI as the Chief Guest, Shri Keshav Kumar Giridhari, DGM, IBBI, CA Pooja Singla, AGM, IBBI, CA Chetan Mehta, CA Avil Menezes, Ms Pooja Bahry, Adv Saurav Panda , Adv Sandeep Bajaj , Mr Aditya Vikram Birla , Chairman & Managing Director, Cosmic Birla Group and CA Subodh Kr. Agrawal, Past President, ICAI. The conclave provided an important platform for professional learning and discussion on the growing opportunities in insolvency and bankruptcy practice.
A Joint Seminar on “FinTech and Financial Inclusion in Emerging Economies” was organised by Shri Shikshayatan College and the Board of Studies (Academic), The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and hosted by EIRC of ICAI on 16th September 2026. The inaugural session was graced by dignitaries from both institutions. The seminar featured insightful sessions by CA Amitesh Agarwal, CA Vivek Agarwal and CA Shreyansh Kothari, covering Emerging Technologies in Financial Services; Regulation, Risk, and Sustainable FinTech Ecosystems; and FinTech and Financial Inclusion in Emerging Economies.
Another Joint Seminar titled “Prospect–Pitch, Performance–Progress: Corporate Experience – Bank Appraisal to AGM” under Project FIN-LIFE was organised by The Bhawanipur Education Society College and the Board of Studies (Academic), The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and hosted by EIRC of ICAI on 22nd September 2026. The seminar comprised three technical sessions: Pitch & Bank Appraisal, From Finance to AGM, and Digital Compliance, delivered by CA Ramesh Kedia and CA Rakesh Choudhury; CA Alok Jha and CA Suresh Kr. Jhunjhunwala; and CA Dharmendra Kapoor, respectively.
Joint Seminar on “Contemporary Accounting and Taxation: Reforms, Technology and Professional Practice” was jointly organised by the Department of Commerce, Adamas University and the Board of Studies (Academic), The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, and hosted by EIRC of ICAI on 24th September 2026. The programme was graced by eminent dignitaries, including CA Binindita Dutta, Chief Manager, Indian Bank, Field General Manager Office, Kolkata; and Dr. Raja Ghosh, GM (Finance), Corporate Planning, WBSEDCL, CA Rahul Losalka, CA Sandeep Kumar Sawarla; along with other distinguished dignitaries from both the institutions.
Forthcoming Programmes
The coming weeks promise an equally engaging calendar of professional and social initiatives. EIRC will host the 12 CPE Hours Two-Day National Conference on Internal Audit – “NEXT: Intelligence, Transformation and Trust” under the aegis of Internal Audit Standards Board (IASB) of ICAI on 2nd and 3rd October 2026. Topics covered included: The SIA Architecture – Overview & Risk Based Internal Audit; Three Lines of Defence; Deep Diving into DPDP Act & Opportunities; Internal Audit in a Digital World; Panel Discussion – Stakeholder's Expectation from the Internal Auditors; The Fraud Lens: Red Flags and Case Files; The New Risk Universe: What We Weren't Auditing Five Years Ago & Finding the Blind Spots; The Report Writing Clinic; Geopolitical Risks – A New Agenda in Internal Audit; and Debate: Outsourced Internal Audit is More Effective than In-House. The speakers lined up for the two days include CA Burzin Parvez Dubash, Past President, IIA, India, CA Mohit Kumar Dhand, Founder, CashnTech, CA Sunil Rao Addanki, MD, Protiviti, India, CA Uday Kulkarni, Senior Internal Audit Expert, Pune, CA Dayaniwas Sharma, Council Member, ICAI, CA Rishi Khator, CA Saurav Mitra, Director (Finance) & CFO, Petronet LNG, CA Alok Garg, CIA, Indigo, Shri R V N Vishweshwar, Director ( Finance), Hindustan Copper Limited, CA (Dr) Durgesh Pandey, Senior Internal Audit Expert Ahmedabad, CA C S Khaitan, Senior Internal Audit Expert, Kolkata, CA Nikhil Kenjale, Senior Internal Audit Expert, Pune, CA Sidheshwar Bhalla, KPMG India, CA Sanjay Banka, CFO, Senco Gold & Diamonds, CA Dinesh Bahl, Past President, IIA, India, CA Niranjan Vijay Joshi, Senior Practising CA , Mumbai, CA Deepti Rathor, Head Internal Audit, Jio Credit Mumbai, CA Anand Chatrath, CA Vivek Newatia.
Registration Link : https://eirc-icai.org/sl/yxru961
A 6 CPE Hours Seminar on AI will be held on 6th October 2026 at R. Singhi Hall, ICAI Bhawan, Kolkata. The programme will cover AI in ROC, AI in ITR, AI in GST Appeals, AI in GSTR-9, and AI in Agentic Tools. The speakers will include CA Moushika Sarkar, CA Ankit Jallan, CA Rajendra Rampuria, CA Siddhant Jajodia and CA Shyam Agarwal.
The Seminar on GST of 6 CPE Hours will be held on 9th October 2026 at R. Singhi Hall, ICAI Bhawan, Russell Street, Kolkata, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The programme will cover GSTR-9 & GSTR-9C: Annual Return, Reconciliation & Practical Compliance; GST Litigation: Litigation Process, Common Issues & Practical Strategies; and Latest GST Updates: Recent GST Council Decisions, Amendments & Key Developments. The eminent speakers will include CA Narayan Agarwal, CA Surabhi Bohra, CA Ankit Kanodia, CA Shreya Mundhra and CA Swapnil Jain.
EIRC of ICAI will celebrate the festive spirit of Durga Puja with Dandiya Nights 2026 – “Celebrate • Dance • Enjoy”, bringing members together for an evening of music, dance, cultural celebration and fellowship. The programme will be held on 16th October 2026, from 5:00 PM onwards, at Moli Banquet, Newtown, Kolkata. The evening promises to be a vibrant celebration of tradition, togetherness and festive joy.
The highlight of the forthcoming calendar will be the 51st Regional Conference of EIRC, scheduled for 19th and 20th December 2026 at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre, Kolkata. Celebrating EIRC’s Platinum Jubilee Year, the conference will be held on the theme “NOW – The Time to Transform: Learn, Innovate, Lead.” With plenary sessions, three dedicated Knowledge Studios, interactive sessions, panel discussions, a cultural event and diverse professional themes covering taxation, audit, corporate law, Artificial Intelligence, technology, the Indian economy, capital markets and emerging opportunities, the conference promises to provide a comprehensive platform for learning, interaction and professional engagement.
Concluding Remarks
I am particularly pleased to see our members across Eastern India embracing these opportunities with enthusiasm and commitmen.t. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of our Regional Council Members, Branch Chairpersons and office-bearers, committee members, speakers, faculty members, volunteers and the EIRC Secretariat for their continued dedication towards the development of the profession.
I also extend my best wishes to all our students pursuing their CA journey with determination and perseverance. As the professional landscape continues to evolve, their willingness to learn, embrace technology and develop a broader perspective will be instrumental in shaping the future of our profession.
Let us continue to uphold the values that define us — Integrity, Excellence, Independence and Trust — while embracing innovation and change with an open mind. Together, let us ensure that the Chartered Accountancy profession continues to remain a trusted pillar of economic growth, sound governance and nation-building.
Before putting my pen down, I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a Happy Navratri, Durga Puja, Dussehra and Bihu. Let the festival days bring a new hope for a better tomorrow.
With warm regards,
CA Mayur Agrawal,
Chairman,
Eastern India Regional Council
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India
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