Delivering a keynote address during a fireside chat on the theme “Four Hurdles to Overcome for Viksit Bharat,”Mr Datar said India must place greater emphasis on manufacturing, employment generation and globally competitive institutions to sustain long-term economic growth. He observed that while the services sector has contributed significantly to the country’s progress, manufacturing remains the key to creating large-scale jobs, strengthening self-reliance and enhancing India’s global competitiveness.
He stressed that India’s development agenda should be supported by policies that encourage innovation, simplify regulations and create a stable environment for businesses and investors. According to him, greater policy certainty and a transparent regulatory framework will strengthen investor confidence and accelerate industrial growth.
Mr Datar also highlighted the importance of democratic institutions in India’s development journey. He said economic growth and democracy complement each other and called for greater decentralisation, stronger local governance and institutional reforms that promote accountability and efficient decision-making. Improving the ease of doing business and ensuring policy consistency, he added, will be essential to attract domestic as well as international investments.
The Foundation Day Conclave marked the 78th anniversary of BCAS, India’s largest and oldest voluntary professional body of Chartered Accountants. The event celebrated the organisation’s long-standing contribution to professional excellence, knowledge sharing and policy advocacy.
As part of the annual leadership transition, BCAS announced its new office bearers. CA Kinjal Shah assumed office as President, CA Mandar Telang took over as Vice President, CA Mrinal Mehta became Treasurer, while CA Kinjal Bhuta and CA Samit Saraf assumed charge as Joint Secretaries.
Addressing members after taking over as President, CA Kinjal Shah reaffirmed BCAS’ commitment to strengthening the Chartered Accountancy profession through continuous learning, ethical practices and professional excellence. She said the Society would continue to create platforms for meaningful discussions on economic, financial and regulatory developments while preparing professionals to meet the changing needs of businesses and the economy.
She added that India’s aspiration to become a developed economy requires strong institutions and responsible professionals who uphold transparency, accountability and good governance. According to her, Chartered Accountants have an important role to play in supporting sustainable growth and strengthening confidence in the country’s financial and regulatory systems. The conclave brought together senior professionals from the accounting, taxation, finance and corporate sectors for discussions on India’s economic future and the evolving role of the profession.
Established in 1949, BCAS has members and subscribers across more than 350 cities and towns in India. Through seminars, workshops, publications, research, advocacy and community initiatives, the Society continues to promote professional development and contribute to policy discussions that strengthen India’s accounting, taxation and financial ecosystem.
