From May 5 to May 16, 2025, the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) successfully conducted the second batch of their Certification Program for Senior Defence Officers on Independent Directorship at the IICA Campus in Manesar, Gurugram. This two-week program equipped senior defence officers with skills to contribute to India’s corporate sector.
Program Overview and Participation
Training Elite Officers
The program saw the participation of 30 senior officers from all three services, including ranks such as Air Marshals, Vice Admirals, Rear Admirals, Air Vice Marshals, Major Generals, Brigadiers, Colonels, and Group Captains. The initiative aimed to bridge the gap between military expertise and corporate governance, enabling veterans to serve as independent directors in corporate boards.
| Participants | Ranks |
|---|---|
| 30 Senior Officers | Air Marshals, Vice Admirals, Major Generals, Brigadiers, etc. |
Valedictory Session Highlights
Leadership Insights
The valedictory session on May 16, 2025, was chaired by Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO, IICA, with addresses by Lt. Gen. SBK Singh, Director General, DGR, and VAdm. Rajaram Swaminathan. They highlighted the parallels between military and corporate leadership, emphasizing that the ethics and integrity inherent in the armed forces position veterans as changemakers in the Indian corporate scenario.
Role of Veterans in Corporate Governance
Contributing to Viksit Bharat
Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh underscored the potential of veterans to enhance efficiency and productivity in the corporate sector, drawing from their military experience. He advocated for leveraging their skills in areas like entrepreneurship development and employment generation, particularly through the MSME sector, to contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Program Objectives and Design
Equipping for Corporate Roles
Dr. Niraj Gupta, Head of the School of Corporate Governance & Public Policy, IICA, explained that the program was designed to: (i) orient participants on corporate governance concepts and regulations; (ii) clarify the roles and responsibilities of independent directors; and (iii) enable veterans to contribute effectively to corporate boards. The curriculum highlighted convergence and divergence between military governance, public governance, and corporate governance.
IICA’s Role in Governance
Championing Responsible Practices
The certification ceremony was conducted by Dr. Anindita Chakrabarti and CS Asheesh Kumar, IICA researchers. IICA served as a knowledge reservoir on corporate affairs and regulatory frameworks, fostering collaboration between regulators, ministries, and corporates. The institute continues to promote good governance and responsible business practices.
Key Highlights of the Event
- Second IICA-DGR Certification Program held from May 5 to May 16, 2025, in Manesar, Gurugram.
- 30 senior defence officers from all three services trained for independent directorship.
- Valedictory session chaired by Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh on May 16, 2025.
- Focus on veterans’ role in corporate governance and Viksit Bharat.
- Emphasis on entrepreneurship and MSME sector for employment generation.