ICWAI to focus on research

The Institute of Cost and Works Accountants of India (ICWAI) is focusing on research activity in a major way.

Speaking at the launch of ICWAI's first research and training centre at its Kolkata headquarters, Sanjiban Bandyopadhyaya, chairman, continuing education programme committee, ICWAI said, "We are expecting to increase our annual income from sponsored research project to around Rs 2 crore from current figure of Rs 50 lakh over the next two years. "

ICWAI has firmed up plans to set up nine more similar centres over the next 2-3 years.

Currently, ICWAI is currently working on two major research projects of the Tea Board, green tea leaf production costing in big garden vis-à-vis small garden, prime cost variation formula for rubber based conveyor belts amongst others.

In the pipeline are, projects sponsored by the Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research.

The institute is also planing to approach other government bodies including Indian Railways, defence among others. Meanwhile, there had been a reversal in student intake at the ICWAI, informed Bandyopadhyaya.

"There was a decline in students in recent past. But with the recent resurgence in the state, the eastern regional office is experiencing a 18 per cent growth in students this year. The overall national growth is around 22 per cent," he added.

The institute has taken up career counselling programme at various education institutions to encourage student to take up courses offered by ICWAI.