India’s growth story is strong, Chartered Accountants are key: MP Raju Bista at ICAI UNNATI 2025 in Siliguri
The ICAI, which was established in 1949, now has over 4.85 lakh registered members, 10 lakh students, 5 regional councils, 179 branches across India, and 54 overseas chapters in 47 countries.
LOCAL
Darjeeling MP and BJP National Spokesperson Raju Bista on July 5 addressed the valedictory session of UNNATI 2025, a sub-regional conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), held in Siliguri. The event brought together professionals, students, and experts to discuss the evolving role of Chartered Accountants (CAs) in India's fast-growing economy.
Speaking at the gathering, Bista highlighted the strong economic progress of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that India has now become the fourth-largest economy in the world, with GDP growth projected between 6.5% and 7.3% for the current fiscal year. He added that the country’s foreign exchange reserves stand at $702 billion, and the current account deficit has reduced to just 0.6% of the GDP.
“The economic foundation of India is strong, and the momentum is forward-looking,” Bista stated. He also noted the growing strength of India’s startup ecosystem, which now includes 119 unicorns valued at $360 billion, and pointed out that infrastructure spending has gone up by 10.1% to ₹11.11 lakh crore for 2025-26.
Turning his focus to North Bengal, Bista said, “Our Darjeeling Hills, Terai, and Dooars region has benefited significantly from the government’s push for infrastructure. There are over Rs 65,000 crore worth of Central projects currently under implementation in our region.”
He said that as the country’s economy grows, the role of Chartered Accountants becomes even more crucial. “CAs are not just number crunchers. They are the guardians of financial transparency and key players in ensuring sustainable and responsible growth,” Bista said.
The ICAI, which was established in 1949, now has over 4.85 lakh registered members, 10 lakh students, 5 regional councils, 179 branches across India, and 54 overseas chapters in 47 countries. According to Bista, this robust network is helping fuel India’s economic transformation by training and supporting a new generation of financial professionals.
He also thanked the organisers and participants for their contribution to UNNATI 2025, which he called a timely initiative to reflect on the opportunities and responsibilities facing the CA community today.
The event was also attended by notable figures including former Indian Ambassador to Poland Deepak Vohra, Siachen Hero Lt. Gen. (retd.) Sanjay Kulkarni, Chairman of ICAI Siliguri Branch CA Aarsh Chandak, ICAI members, students, and respected guests from Siliguri and nearby areas.
Bista praised the dedication of all CAs and students present and encouraged them to keep contributing to the nation’s economic journey. “India’s future is bright, and your efforts will help shape it,” he said.