Whereas, the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India vide notification

## Report on Amendment to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India Policy **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on July 29, 2021. This notification represents an amendment to a pre-existing policy concerning the Jammu Branch of the Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of ICAI. The core purpose of the amendment is to rename the Jammu Branch to the Jammu and Kashmir Branch of NIRC of ICAI and redefine its jurisdiction to align with the bifurcation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. The key finding is that this change ensures the ICAI's regional structure reflects the current administrative boundaries and maintains appropriate oversight of members and students within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of the notification published by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) on July 29, 2021, concerning the Jammu Branch of the Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of ICAI. The report focuses on the details and implications of the amendment as derived solely from the provided text. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy Being Amended:** Notification no. 28RC5787 dated 24th August, 1987, which established the Jammu Branch of NIRC of ICAI. * **Core Objective(s):** To rename the Jammu Branch of NIRC of ICAI to the Jammu and Kashmir Branch of NIRC of ICAI and align its jurisdiction with the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment is likely a direct response to the Government of India's bifurcation of the State of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories (Union Territory of Ladakh and Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir) effective October 31, 2019. The original policy, established in 1987, referred to the "State of Jammu and Kashmir." The amendment appears necessary to update the policy's language and jurisdictional scope to reflect the new administrative reality and to ensure clarity regarding the branch's responsibilities. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section focuses specifically on the changes introduced by the amendment text. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Being Changed:** The name and jurisdiction of the Jammu Branch of NIRC of ICAI, as defined in notification no. 28RC5787 dated 24th August, 1987. * **New Rule/Provision:** The Jammu Branch of NIRC of ICAI shall now be known as the Jammu and Kashmir Branch of NIRC of ICAI. The jurisdiction of the branch shall cover all members and students within the jurisdiction of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The change clarifies that the branch's geographical scope now aligns with the boundaries of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This likely has implications for the membership base served and the regional council's representation within the ICAI structure. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * Members of the ICAI residing and practicing within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. * Students pursuing chartered accountancy within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. * The Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) of ICAI. * The Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** The Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Northern India Regional Council (NIRC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Branch of NIRC of ICAI. * **Timelines or procedures specified in the text:** No specific timelines are mentioned in this particular amendment. However, it is stated that "Jammu and Kashmir Branch shall function subject to the control, supervision and direction of the Council through the Northern India Regional Council and shall carry out such directions as may, from time to time, be issued by the Council." This suggests ongoing administrative oversight by the Council and NIRC. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of these specific changes is to: * Ensure accurate representation and service delivery to ICAI members and students within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. * Maintain regulatory clarity regarding the geographical scope of the Jammu and Kashmir Branch of NIRC of ICAI. * Facilitate effective communication and coordination between the ICAI Council, the NIRC, and the Jammu and Kashmir Branch. * Support efficient administration of the institute's activities in the region. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to rename the Jammu Branch of NIRC of ICAI to the Jammu and Kashmir Branch of NIRC of ICAI and redefine its jurisdiction is a necessary administrative update in response to the reorganization of the region. This change ensures that the ICAI's regional structure accurately reflects the current administrative boundaries of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, thus enabling efficient service delivery and regulatory oversight of its members and students in the region. This amendment is significant because it maintains the relevance and operational effectiveness of the ICAI within a changing geopolitical landscape.

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