The Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions says that strong corporate governance practices are essential for India’s economic development. A delegation from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) met with Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, to invite him as Guest of Honour at the 26th ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance, scheduled for 2027.
What the minister said
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that professionals working in corporations have a duty to advance responsible governance, uphold ethical standards and ensure their organisations remain accountable. He noted that Company Secretaries—qualified professionals who manage corporate compliance and governance—are expanding their role beyond traditional functions to strengthen India’s broader governance systems.
The minister highlighted several priorities:
- Professional excellence and good governance must advance together as India develops
- A culture of ethical business practices needs to be built across the country
- Professional bodies like ICSI should set and maintain high governance standards
- Organisations and individuals demonstrating excellence in governance deserve recognition
Dr. Jitendra Singh also acknowledged ICSI’s work beyond the corporate sector, including its focus on governance standards for local bodies and village councils (Panchayats). He praised the Institute for preparing training materials in multiple Indian languages and for modernising its own systems through electronic voting.
The ICSI delegation informed the minister that the Institute currently has over 80,000 qualified members and approximately 250,000 students enrolled in its programmes. The Institute also administers a Lifetime Achievement Award recognising individuals who have translated corporate governance excellence into practical reality.
What this means for you
If you work in a company or are considering a career in corporate compliance, this signal from the government suggests that governance standards will receive greater emphasis and recognition. For students studying to become Company Secretaries, the growing importance of the profession to national development may mean better career prospects. Organisations that maintain high governance standards may find themselves more aligned with government priorities and potentially in better standing with regulators.