The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA), in partnership with the Directorate General Resettlement (DGR), Ministry of Defence, successfully concluded the third batch of its Directors’ Certification Program in Corporate Governance for Defence Officers on 21st November 2025 at the IICA campus in Manesar, Gurugram. This two-week intensive program certified 30 senior officers, both serving and recently retired, across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, bringing the total number of trained officers to 90 since the program’s inception in August 2024.
Comprehensive Training for Corporate Governance
The certification program delivered 35 specialized sessions covering a wide spectrum of corporate governance topics, including frameworks, regulatory provisions under the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI LODR regulations, financial stewardship, audit committee functions, enterprise risk management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and sustainable governance. Employing diverse methodologies such as lectures, case discussions, interactive sessions with practicing independent directors, and experiential learning, the program bridges the gap between military leadership expertise and corporate boardroom competencies.
Strategic Insights from Key Dignitaries
The valedictory ceremony featured addresses by distinguished dignitaries. Shri Gyaneshwar Kumar Singh, DG & CEO of IICA, welcomed the participants and highlighted the alignment between military strengths—such as strategic thinking, risk assessment, ethical framework, and the ability to stay objective under pressure—and the qualities required for effective independent directorship. Dr. K P Krishnan, former Secretary of the Government of India, in his inaugural address, emphasized the fiduciary responsibilities of independent directors as protectors of minority shareholders and stakeholders. Smt. Sukriti Likhi, Secretary of the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, underscored the importance of this partnership in creating avenues for defence personnel to leverage their leadership skills in the civilian corporate sector.
Empowering Defence Officers for Corporate Roles
The program equips participants to serve as impartial and visionary board members in public and private sector companies. It facilitates registration with the Independent Directors’ Databank (IDDB), managed by IICA, which hosts over 35,000 registered independent directors, including more than 10,000 women. The initiative reflects a strategic effort to channel military values of trust, integrity, and strategic decision-making into the corporate governance framework, addressing the demand for dynamic and ethical leadership in Indian corporations.
Conclusion
The IICA-DGR Certification Program marks a significant step in empowering senior defence officers with essential corporate governance knowledge, enabling their successful transition into corporate leadership roles. The partnership exemplifies the convergence of military discipline and corporate accountability, fostering visionary and ethical boardroom stewardship vital for India’s evolving corporate landscape and economic growth.
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Source: PIB
