Dear Esteemed Members Greetings!
“Sri Krishnaya Vasudevaya, Haraye Paramatmane, Pranata Klesha Nashaya, Govindaya Namo Namah.”
Warm greetings to you and your families. I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. As we step into the new financial year 2026–27, I take great pleasure in reflecting upon the vibrant and professionally enriching activities undertaken by our Branch during the month of March 2026.
The month was marked by a strong focus on Bank Audit preparedness, aligning with the professional commitments of our members during this crucial period. We were privileged to host insightful sessions on Bank Branch Audit by eminent senior speakers CA. S. Ramesh and CA. Sundararajan from Chennai, who shared valuable practical perspectives and real-time audit experiences. A comprehensive Workshop on Bank Audit, conducted on 11th March 2026 by CA. Saran Kumar U, further strengthened members’ practical approach, documentation standards, and audit readiness.
In continuation, specialized sessions on Bank Branch Audit in NPA and CBS Environment, delivered by CA. Padmanabhuni Kishore and CA. Vinay Kumar Boggarapu, provided in-depth clarity on critical and evolving areas of bank audits, equipping members to handle complex audit scenarios with confidence.
Keeping pace with regulatory developments, a timely CPE programme on “Income Tax Act 2025 Practical Transition and Compliance Issues”, delivered by CA. Narendra Rayapureddy, was highly informative and well appreciated by members for its practical insights.
A significant highlight of the month was the successful conduct of the CPE Seminar held on 21st March 2026 at Srikakulam. This programme holds special importance, as such an initiative was undertaken in Srikakulam after a considerable period. The enthusiastic participation of members and tax practitioners from Srikakulam and nearby regions made the event a grand success and reinforced our commitment to expanding professional outreach.
Beyond technical excellence, the Branch also celebrated International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026 with great enthusiasm and dignity. The event was graced by Chief Guest Smt. Mallika Manoj Grandhi, Chairperson & Managing Director of Vaibhav Jewellers, whose inspiring address resonated with all attendees. We were honoured to have Dr. Sonam Verma as the Guest of Honour, who shared valuable insights on spreading the importance of health of our women members. The celebrations were further enriched by insightful April 2026 Newsletter | Visakhapatnam Branch (SIRC) sessions delivered by CA Anusha PRL and CA Aruna Priya, making the occasion both meaningful and professionally engaging.
Further, a One-Day Peer Review Training Programme held on 28th March 2026, conducted under the aegis of the Peer Review Board of ICAI, emphasized the importance of maintaining quality and standards in professional practice. Alongside, an Eye Check-up Camp, organized in association with the Visakha Eye Hospital Trust for members and their families, reflected our continued commitment towards member welfare and well being.
I take this opportunity to sincerely thank all our esteemed speakers, contributors, organizers, and members whose active participation and continuous support make such initiatives successful. I also extend my gratitude to all contributors to this newsletter for enriching it with their valuable articles and insights. Looking ahead, the Branch has planned a series of programmes for April, with a special focus on the needs of our members. I encourage all members to actively participate, engage, and make the most of these learning opportunities.
A Call for Professional Excellence – Bank Audit Season
As bank audit assignments are currently underway, I urge all members to discharge their responsibilities with utmost diligence, integrity, and professionalism. Let us ensure robust documentation, transparency in reporting, and strict adherence to ethical standards, thereby upholding the dignity and reputation of our profession.
CPE Annual Delegate Fee – FY 2026–27
As we enter the new financial year 2026–27, I am pleased to inform you that the Managing Committee has decided not to revise the One-Time CPE Annual Delegate Fee, keeping in view the interests of members.
The fee structure continues as follows:
• Rs. 3,000 plus GST for members with less than three years of membership
• Rs. 6,000 plus GST for other members
I appeal to all members to make the payment and avail themselves of this scheme, and to actively participate in the various professional development initiatives of the Branch. Your involvement is vital for both individual growth and the collective strength of our fraternity.
I also encourage members to continue contributing to the Chartered Accountants Benevolent Fund (CABF), thereby supporting fellow professionals in times of need.
I am also pleased to share that the Managing Committee had the opportunity to attend the Orientation Programme held at Hyderabad on 23rd & 24th March 2026. On this occasion, I was deeply honoured to be felicitated by our beloved President of ICAI, CA. Prasanna Kumar D. This recognition is indeed a matter of great pride and remains an unforgettable moment in my professional journey, inspiring me to continue serving the fraternity with greater dedication and commitment.
Let us continue to move forward together with commitment, continuous learning, and excellence. Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling month ahead.

Warm regards,

CA. Patnala Lokesh
Chairman
Visakhapatnam Branch of ICAI (SIRC)