Business

GCCI Hosts Joint Professional Programme on LLP Compliances, Startup Funding and Growth as Part of Startup Week 2026


Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 


Panaji, 16 January 2026: The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI), in collaboration with the Goa Chapter of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), successfully organised a Joint Professional Programme at GCCI, Panaji, as part of Startup Week 2026. The programme revolved around the themes “Igniting Growth: Startup Funding, Investment & Compliance” and “LLP & its Compliances” and received an encouraging response from entrepreneurs, professionals, startups, MSMEs, and students.



Welcoming the participants, Ms. Pratima Dhond, President, GCCI, underlined the importance of awareness, compliance, governance, and continuous learning for sustainable business growth, particularly within the startup and MSME ecosystem. She highlighted GCCI’s role in supporting businesses through advocacy, capacity building, and professional collaboration.

CS Darshan Karekar, Chairman, ICSI Goa Chapter, stated that startups play a vital role in employment generation and national economic growth. He noted that the objective of the programme was to create awareness about regulatory compliances applicable to startups and business entities.

CA Rohan Bhandare, Hon. Secretary, GCCI, and Chairman, GCCI Taxation & Financial Services Committee, expressed satisfaction at the joint initiative being held on the occasion of National Startup Day. He emphasised that the programme reflected the shared vision of GCCI and ICSI in promoting innovation and entrepreneurship, and stressed the importance of continued collaboration on knowledge-driven initiatives for strengthening the business and professional community.

The Chief Guest, Ms. Trupti Sharma, ROC-cum-Official Liquidator for Goa, Daman & Diu, advised participants to actively engage with authorities and raise genuine grievances instead of facing compliance challenges in silence. She noted that the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) remains receptive to valid concerns raised by stakeholders.

Elaborating on the relevance of Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), Ms. Sharma explained that the LLP concept was introduced in 2008 and that LLPs now account for nearly one-fourth of the total number of registered companies. She observed that registrations remain relatively low mainly due to lack of awareness. Highlighting LLPs as a preferred structure for family-run businesses, she pointed out that LLPs involve fewer compliances compared to companies, with the LLP agreement being the “soul” of the entity, and also offer easier and faster exit options.

Using an analogy, Ms. Sharma remarked that if MCA is the heart of compliances, professional bodies like ICSI and ICAI act as the arteries, while GCCI functions as the lungs, providing the oxygen necessary for the system to function efficiently.

Guest Speaker CS Vinayak Khanvalkar, Former President of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, delivered an insightful session covering startup funding, investment avenues, and compliance-related aspects in line with the programme agenda.

The programme concluded with an interactive session, allowing participants to seek clarifications and directly engage with the experts. The joint initiative was widely appreciated for its practical insights and relevance to the evolving needs of startups and businesses in Goa.

The event was compered by Ms. Rakhi Malkarnekar, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Ms. Shantal Naik. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI, and Mr. Kiran Ballikar, Director, GCCI.

EduConnect

CSEET November 2025 Session Result to Be Declared on 20th November


Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) is set to declare the result of the CS Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) for the November 2025 session on Thursday, 20th November 2025 at 2:00 PM. The examination was conducted on 8th and 10th November, 2025, and candidates who appeared for the test will be able to access their results online.

Along with the result, an e-Result-cum-Marks Statement will be made available for download through the official website of the Institute. This document will provide a detailed subject-wise breakup of marks, enabling candidates to evaluate their performance comprehensively. The result portal will be accessible immediately after the declaration of the results, allowing candidates to download their statements conveniently.

Candidates are advised to keep their login credentials ready for a smooth access to the result and marks statement. The CSEET serves as the entry point for students aspiring to pursue the Company Secretary course and is an essential step in their professional journey.

Business

ICSI Takes a Leap Forward in Professional Development and Corporate Governance


Goa, November 2025: The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) has once again demonstrated its leadership in advancing professional education and promoting sound corporate governance. Through new programs, strategic collaborations, and capacity-building initiatives, the institute continues to empower professionals and students to meet the evolving demands of the corporate world with skill, integrity, and confidence.

ICSI has introduced a comprehensive Capacity Building Series consisting of specialized webinars designed to enhance practical knowledge and industry understanding among members and students. These sessions aim to equip company secretaries with the expertise required to navigate complex regulatory frameworks while strengthening their professional capabilities.

In line with its commitment to innovation, ICSI has launched a two-year full-time MBA in Maritime Regulations and Compliance Management in collaboration with Gujarat Maritime University. This pioneering program combines the principles of maritime law, business, and compliance, preparing professionals to take on leadership roles in the global maritime sector. The institute has also introduced a Certificate Course on Corporate and Securities Markets Compliances (CSMC) in partnership with the National Institute of Securities Markets (NISM), offering specialized insights into governance, securities regulations, and market compliance practices.

Further expanding its global outlook, ICSI has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Services Exports Promotion Council (SEPC) to design customized training programs for members and facilitate international exposure. These collaborations reflect the institute’s focus on creating opportunities that align with global standards of governance and professional growth.

The institute continues to prioritize student welfare through initiatives such as online doubt-clearing sessions for Executive and Professional Programme students and the organization of Olympiads aimed at spreading awareness about the Company Secretary profession among school students. These initiatives encourage young learners to explore future career opportunities in the fields of governance, compliance, and corporate law.

ICSI’s commitment to fostering a global community of governance professionals is evident through its major events held throughout the year. The 53rd National Convention of Company Secretaries served as a platform for knowledge exchange and professional dialogue, while the 4th International Conference in Sydney and the Middle East Conference in Abu Dhabi facilitated international collaboration and discussions on emerging governance trends and best practices.

To strengthen ethical practices and promote sustainable governance, ICSI has launched several frameworks and standards, including the ICSI Guiding Principles on Stewardship (IGPS), which emphasize responsible investing and ethical stewardship, and the Governance and Compliance Standard on PoSH, which standardizes Internal Committee procedures and promotes safe workplaces. The ICSI International ADR Centre, a multi-city initiative, aims to reduce the burden on courts by providing a structured system for alternate dispute resolution, ensuring timely and fair outcomes.

Demonstrating its dedication to national service, ICSI has contributed ₹52 lakhs to the Ministry of Defence to support the education and empowerment of the daughters of martyrs. This act of social responsibility underscores the institute’s broader vision of nation-building and inclusive development.

With a growing global presence, ICSI now operates six overseas centres in Australia, Canada, Singapore, UAE, UK, and the USA, providing its members with access to international markets, networks, and learning opportunities.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India continues to play a transformative role in shaping the future of the Company Secretary profession. Its continuous efforts to build a knowledgeable, ethical, and globally competent community of professionals reflect its core mission — to uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance. Through its vision and initiatives, ICSI remains a cornerstone of professional excellence and a guiding force for the corporate governance landscape in India and beyond.