"CAs can't be just number crunchers, they should act as ethical guardians": Rajnath Singh

Rajnath Singh was speaking as the chief guest at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) World Forum of Accountants, organised at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka.

"As technology takes over routine tasks, the role of Chartered accountants also needs to evolve. You no longer remain number crunchers, you have to evolve into strategic advisors, ethical guardians and innovators. This shift requires a new set of skills, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence and adaptability. Continuous learning and professional development are essential to staying relevant in this dynamic environment," he said.

The traditional ways of processing and analysing information are being challenged by innovations whose value is still not clear. These realities mean that accountants should not only learn continuously but also innovate and adapt to stay ahead of the curve, he added.

Underlining the importance of CAs, Singh said Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his speech on an earlier occasion, emphasised the profound importance of a Chartered Accountant's signature, remarking that it is more powerful than that of a Prime Minister. He elaborated that for CAs, their signature is not just a symbol but a representation of trust, integrity, and professionalism, which holds the power to influence financial decisions, shape businesses, and impact lives.

"India is a resurgent power on the global stage. Our businesses are thriving internationally and so is the reputation of Indian professionals. Among these, Indian chartered accountants have earned unparalleled recognition for their trustworthiness and expertise. The accounts you sign inspire such immense confidence that people invest crores of rupees based solely on your word," he added.

In a world increasingly driven by data, accountants ensure that this vital information is not just accurate but also intelligible, laying the foundation for trust, accountability, and informed decision-making in the modern economy, he added. (ANI)