The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs’ (IICA) ‘Two-Day Familiarisation Programme for Independent Directors’ concluded in Goa, today. The programme was part of IICA's various ongoing capacity-building interventions aimed at bolstering corporate governance in India. The inauguration was led by Shri Jayant Arya, Registrar of Companies and Official Liquidator for the State of Goa.

Marking a notable attendance, over 45 directors from various sectors including public and private corporations, government agencies, and PSUs across India are participating in this programme. The participating directors represent a diverse spectrum of industries, enhancing the collective knowledge and experience shared during the event.

The programme commenced with an address by Dr. Niraj Gupta, Head of the School of Corporate Governance & Public Policy at IICA, laying a foundation for the topics to be discussed.
Among an array of distinguished speakers assembled for this programme include, Mr. Ajay Nanavati, former Managing Director, 3M India, and former Chairperson, Syndicate Bank; Dr. Anup K Pujari, former Secretary, Government of India; Dr. Anil Khandelwal, former Chairman, Bank of Baroda; Mr. Sharad Abhyankar, Partner, Khaitan & Co; Mr. Vivek Talwar, former Head, Tata Sustainability Group; Mr. Nawshir Mirza, professional Independent Director; and CA Shri Gyan P. Pipara, Managing Partner, Pipara & Co.

Under the leadership of Dr. Niraj Gupta and the management of Chief Programme Executives Shri Manoj Singh and Shri Mathew John, IICA aims to deliver impactful learning and insights pertinent to the responsibilities of independent directors.
About the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA):

The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs is the apex think tank of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India. The institute's primary mission is to advance corporate governance excellence, promote responsible business conduct, and ensure the highest standards in the Indian corporate landscape. Among its key initiatives is Independent Director Databank & Certification initiative, a mandatory certification for individuals aspiring to serve on company boards in India. This initiative, along with several others, is designed to improve the quality of boardroom composition, discourse, and effectiveness in India.

Independent director certification promoted to strengthen board governance and improve director effectiveness through targeted capacity-building. A two-day familiarisation programme for independent directors concluded in Goa to strengthen corporate governance through capacity-building on board responsibilities, oversight, sustainability, regulatory compliance and fiduciary accountability. Over forty-five directors from diverse sectors attended sessions led by senior governance practitioners. IICA, as the Ministry of Corporate Affairs' think tank, emphasised its Independent Director Databank & Certification initiative as a mandatory certification intended to improve board composition, discourse and director effectiveness.