New Delhi, August 28: Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh on Friday underlined the importance of strong corporate governance in supporting India’s economic and institutional growth, saying professionals in the corporate sector have a key role in promoting ethical practices and accountability.
The minister made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), which called on him to invite him as the chief guest for the 26th ICSI National Awards for Excellence in Corporate Governance to be held in 2027.
Singh said India’s development should be accompanied by high standards of professional conduct and effective governance mechanisms. He noted that company secretaries can contribute beyond their traditional compliance-related responsibilities by helping organisations strengthen transparency, accountability and internal governance systems.
The minister also highlighted the importance of developing a strong culture of ethical entrepreneurship. He said professional institutions such as ICSI can contribute by promoting sound governance practices and helping professionals adapt to evolving regulatory and institutional requirements.
Singh appreciated initiatives aimed at continuously upgrading professional standards and procedures. He also stressed the value of recognising organisations and professionals that demonstrate excellence in corporate governance, saying such recognition can encourage wider adoption of responsible practices.
The minister took note of ICSI’s initiatives related to panchayats and local bodies, including the preparation of manuals and training resources in multiple languages. He also appreciated the institute’s efforts to modernise its operations through digital processes, including electronic and preferential voting mechanisms.
The ICSI delegation briefed the minister on the institute’s activities and informed him that it has more than 80,000 members and around 2.5 lakh students.The meeting also covered ICSI’s work relating to professional standards, secretarial standards, corporate governance and recognition of outstanding contributions, including its Lifetime Achievement Award in the field.
The interaction highlighted the growing importance of professional institutions and corporate governance frameworks in strengthening transparency, accountability and institutional effectiveness as India pursues its broader development goals.
