Pictures by Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency.
Bibhash Lodh, BS News Agency: • ICAI organized one-day workshop for the Hon’ble Members of West Bengal Legislative Assembly at ICAI’s Centre of Excellence, Kolkata
• Workshop covered state budget analysis, government accounting, fiscal responsibility and sustainable fiscal management
• Around 100 Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly attended the workshop
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), in its endeavour to contribute towards nation-building and strengthen public financial management, organised a one-day workshop on “Strengthening Governance in Public Financial Management: A Legislative Perspective” for the members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on 18th August 2026 at ICAI’s Centre of Excellence, Kolkata.
The workshop served as an important platform for legislators to deepen their understanding of public financial management, fiscal governance and legislative oversight. It facilitated focused deliberations on key aspects of public finance, including understanding and analysing the State Budget, government accounting, fiscal responsibility and sustainable fiscal management.
The inaugural session was graced by the august presence of CA. Rathindra Bose, Hon’ble Speaker, West Bengal Legislative Assembly, along with CA. Prasanna Kumar D, President, ICAI; CA. Mangesh Kinare, Vice-President, ICAI; CA. Hans Raj Chugh, Chairman, Public and Government Financial Management Committee (PGFMC); CA. Arpit Kabra, Vice-Chairman, PGFMC; CA. Ravi Kumar Patwa, CCM, ICAI; CA. Sanjib Sanghi, CCM, ICAI; and CA. Mayur Agrawal, Chairman, Eastern India Regional Council of ICAI.
On this occasion CA. Rathindra Bose, Hon’ble Speaker, West Bengal Legislative Assembly, said that “At every step, we must learn, adapt and understand the changing needs of society so that we can serve people and the nation better. Every decision we take, every policy we shape and every contribution we make can have an impact on the lives of millions. Therefore, our learning must translate into responsible action, ethical leadership and meaningful service to society”.
CA. Prasanna Kumar D, President, ICAI, said that "Public trust is the cornerstone of good governance. ICAI stands ready to work hand-in-hand with the West Bengal Government to strengthen transparency, accountability and ease of doing business and to deliver with excellence, independence and integrity every project entrusted to us".
CA. Mangesh Kinare, Vice-President, ICAI, stated “This landmark dialogue marks a new era of collaboration between the accounting profession and legislators—moving from budgets and allocations to outcomes, accountability and good governance. The true measure of development is how effectively public resources are translated into meaningful outcomes for people”.
Around 100 Members of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly attended the workshop. The sessions were designed to enhance their understanding of prudent fiscal management, financial discipline, budgetary processes and the critical role of legislative oversight in ensuring accountability and transparency in public finances.
The workshop was highly interactive and provided an opportunity for meaningful deliberation on how stronger financial understanding among legislators can support informed legislative decision-making, effective oversight of public expenditure and improved governance outcomes for citizens.
All delegates actively engaged in and appreciated the workshop. The workshop concluded with an emphasis on the importance of fiscal prudence and robust legislative oversight in strengthening transparency, accountability and good governance.