(i) Code of Ethics
The Ethical Standards Board of ICAI has released a brochure — ‘CA Ethics Plus’ to promote ethical standards amongst members. This will available on the website of ICAI. (Page 9) (ii) Message from Minister of Corporate Affairs In a recent message given by the Minister of Corporate Affairs, he has stated as under: “The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, being an excellent regulator, standard setter and educator, has been greatly contributing as a ‘Partner in Nation-building’.
The accountancy profession has been the backbone of fiscal discipline in the country. The nation has great expectations from the Institute and its members. They have a pivotal role to play in good governance by ensuring transparency, compliance with statutory as well ethical requirements, correctness of accounts and business advice for the benefit of all the stakeholders, including the government and society. You have a crucial role to play in India’s growth story. Keep up the good work.”
(iii) CA qualification recognised by University System
The following news item is reported on page 110 of C.A. Journal for July, 2012. The Chartered Accountancy qualification has been recognised in the University System particularly for pursuing Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D). The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has recognised CA Course as equivalent to post-graduate course in Commerce for registration to Ph.D Programme by passing the following resolution — “Resolved that the graduates having passed their final examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, New Delhi be treated to have completed a post-graduate degree in Commerce or allied discipline for purpose of registration to Ph.D.” With constant follow-up with various Universities and Indian Institute(s) of Management, the Board of Studies has been successful in obtaining recognition from 84 Universities and 6 IIMs for members of the Institute to pursue Ph.D. Recently, ICAI has received letter from University Grants Commission (UGC) stating that the threshold limit of 55% marks in post-graduate examination is not applicable in case of the Chartered Accountants for enrolment to Ph.D Programme.
(iv) Status of intervening holidays during CA Examination
The Council of the Institute recently considered the issue regarding status of intervening holidays during CA Examinations and decided that the break in between examination days, though not holidays, be treated as period actually served under articles. The Council further decided that if an articled assistant appears for one group, all intervening break for any reason, from the day of commencement of CA Examination till the day of last examination of the concerned group and similarly, if an articled assistant appears for both groups, then all 637 (2012) 44-A BCAJ intervening breaks for any reason from the day of commencement of CA Examination and completion of both groups of the examination be treated as part of the training and the articled assistants be deemed to be on duty accordingly. Accordingly, all intervening holidays or breaks due to any reason, falling in between the day of commencement of CA Examination till its completion as above explained will be treated as part of the training i.e., the articled assistants be deemed to be on duty. (Page 212)
(v) Campus Placement Programme
The following Campus Placement programme for newly qualified CAs has been organised by ICAI during the months of August and September, 2012. (Refer page 213)
(vi) Update on strength of members and students of ICAI
The following are some of the figures made available for information of members (page 192). Membership strength of the ICAI stands at 1,96,748 as on 15th June, 2012.
Update for strength of students available on page 194.
