Morung Express News Dimapur | June 2 In line with the policy of Government of India for inclusive growth of all parts of the country, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) today formally announced a ‘Fee Waiver Scheme’ for students from the North East who want to enroll in Company Secretary (CS) foundation/executive programmes. The announcement was made by President, ICSI, Dr. Shyam Agarwal, at a press conference held here at Unity College. Agarwal said the waiver is expected to provide a window of opportunity to the youth of NE states to come to the mainstream and fulfill their dreams. The scheme will cover all students belonging to NE states and J&K who have passed class XII or bachelor’s degree or equivalent, irrespective of the percentage of marks, while registering for the foundation or executive programmes. The ICSI President informed that ICSI is a professional institute set up under an Act of Parliament (Company Secretaries Act, 1980) for regulation and development of the profession of company secretaries in India. The institute, which functions under the jurisdiction of the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has over 50,000 members and more than 4 lakh students on its roll. However, of the 4 lakh students currently pursuing CS course programmes, the number of students from the NE is negligible, as apart from Assam with around 5000 students, the number of students from other NE states who have enrolled for CS programmes is hardly 400-500, Agarwal said. He said the scheme for NE students pursuing the profession of Company Secretaries would not only offer a level playing field for such students who are not able to catch up with their counterparts in the mainstream but also propel economic growth in the region. The ICSI President also informed that this year ICSI would be organizing the 18th National conference of Practicing Company Secretaries on the theme ‘Enterprising India: Role of professionals in New Age India’ from June 24-27 in Shillong. He further informed that as part of the golden jubilee celebrations of ICSI and crossing 50,000 membership mark, ICSI has adopted ‘Satyam Vada, Dharam Chara’ (Speak the truth, abide by the law) as its motto. Earlier in the day, ICSI in collaboration with Unity College organized a ‘Mega career awareness programme’ and also launched the first ICSI study centre in Nagaland here at Unity College, which was graced by Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, Prof. Pardeshi Lal as chief guest and ICSI President as guest of honour. The Vice Chancellor in his address said the launching of the scheme is a unique opportunity for NE students to forge a career as Company Secretaries and join the mainstream. He also urged the students not to harbor any inferiority complex but to try to develop their full potential.