Voting Responsibly- Professional Bodies
Madhukar N Hiregange
Founder Partner H N A & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants - Indirect Tax
We have seen that the democratic way of countries as well as organisations, like IFAC, ICAI etc also suffers from the domination of the rich and powerful just like Countries like USA or India. Elections have also become quite expensive to professional organisation for many reasons other than the intent to serve being primary.
Therefore, this short note on my personal views after being part of the Central Council of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for 2 terms. We as normal human beings respond based on many factors, the most common being that candidate has been in touch with me. In such an election, one needs to have unlimited time and resources to talk, mail and reach their manifesto to each and every professional eligible to vote.
Good & Competent Professionals to come forward.
There is a lot of cynicism that one cannot make a change in the established system. Look at the GST implementation in period 2016-19. We could get the acknowledgements from the FM, PM as well as the tax administrators for our contribution in drafting, training and bringing about an army of 20,000 CAs who were ready to serve.
Professional voters are waiting for someone they can trust rather than end up with no option. The fact that there are some who got elected without deep pockets purely based on their teaching/ professional capability proves this. This is the time for those who feel that things are not right and wish to make a change to contest.
Valid Reasons to Endorse/ Vote for a Leader
1. Actual deliverables which can be specifically seen as having been done. Involvement at times in successful ventures may need to be confirmed.
2. Today’s position – academic orientation could be preferred as there are very few. For a professional institute at least 50%. The others could be proven administrators as well as few politically savvy persons. Most need to be tech savvy.
3. Maybe the youth may be preferred where in doubt. New person instead of the present/ old council member again if in doubt.
4. If possible, the candidate should not have a need to take advantage of his/her position to augment their income. This maybe indicated by the amount of money being spent.
5. Choose the one who has a long-term vision rather than short. The candidate’s success in his own practice could be an indicator.
6. Candidate to have pride and respect in being independent and focused.
7. More…
Reasons which may be reconsidered [ think from what is good for the profession as a whole] for voting a professional:
1. He/ she is from my native place/ caste/ State as they need to have a world view or at least an all-India view.
2. He is rich and powerful or is in a flourishing business. May not have the feet on the ground as the small and medium practitioners needs maybe missed.
3. Those who give reasons of having a chance- maybe the last chance to be president.
4. All candidates who are re-contesting unless they can demonstrate their earlier promises have been delivered at least partially and are specific about their achievements. May be a good idea to validate as hogging credit without any effort is not new. [ some effort may need to be invested]
5. Those who offer support on getting work at banks/ PSUs or in the event of having any disciplinary cases. [Bigger firms maybe offered these low hanging apples]
6. Maybe those who keep blaming the system, the past president as excuses for not doing what they promised. Evaluate understanding that it is not easy to reform a well set arguable rotten system.
7. More…
Conclusion
Mahatma Gandhi said- be the change you wish to see. Be the leader or at least ensure that those who have the demonstrated qualities of professional competence and contribution are voted to the Central Council to support those who wish to reform the ICAI/ others to bring back the respect/ glory to the noble profession. Feedback / disagreements welcome to see that this document becomes comprehensive and touches the hearts of each and every professional voter come December 2021. [email protected]
Chartered Accountant in practice.
3 年Sir, Without any previous awareness about you, myself along with my team of 10-15 people from Kerala worked with you as part of the GST study group set up statewise by you as the CCM and IDT chairman during 2016-19 period to augment the contribution of ICAI in facilitating smooth implementation of GST in the country. It was the richest and most rewarding exposure for me and my team from southern part of the country, who never had any reach to the professional activities of the Institute earlier. Sir, your impartial motivation and at the same time powerful directions without words had made us contribute beyond our expectations, resulting into the publication of the Background material on the GST model laws and the final one too, with enough knowledge to disseminate for the needy. Various publications, free of cost also, on the subject made by us were thankfully accepted by various stakeholers at a time when nothing was available for reference about the new Law. The opportunities you have provided to us for the self development and grow along with the learned team were tremendous. We thankfully remember the various opportunities of interaction with the Government Officials, Statutory bodies, Trade associations and our fellow professionals from various parts of the country made to happen because of our association with you as a true leader, caring guide, motivating friend and a supporting guardian in public exposing of the real person behind the job without bagging the credit to the leadership. You always tell at public meetings that the team only is soiling themselves in bringing up all the publications. We still remember your words "those who can contribute without monetary remuneration need only join the study group". Yes sir, we need leadership at the helm, with seamless flow of greatness at mind, to protect this noble profession. It is now after three years since I am writing to you sir. Don't know whether you remember me, I am Soman NL, Convenor of Study Group, Kerala, for the period 2016 to 2019. Thanks so much sir.... With prayers for good health.
International tax and TP professional
3 年Well thought of sir!!!
Founder Partner H N A & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants - Indirect Tax
3 年We have 2/3 contributing members + Dr. DM. If they can get some more like-minded members to support-m we can see a sea of change possible. In last 3 years I was invited for seminars in South very rarely and almost never for any conference. This is the present members afraid of their places in the future.
Founder Partner H N A & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants - Indirect Tax
3 年history now Ganesh ji- subsequent chairman + presidents lost what was attained with lot of effort.
Global Startup Advisor and Virtual CFO | State President -West Bengal Entrepreneurship Council WICCI | Founder-Thinktax | Due Diligence | MSME Honours Award 2023| ICAI Startup Mentor and Consultant | Speaker & Trainer
3 年Very well put out Sir. All the points are apt