By Kampan Chinnam
Guwahati, Sept. 24, 2024: More than 100 educators from all over northeastern India have attended a training on financial management of educational institutions.
“Internal honesty should reflect in external accounting,” asserted Vittal Rao Lokare, a Chartered Accountant, who addressed the key aspects of financial management on September 21 at the North East Diocesan Social Forum in Guwahati
The training, organized by the Assam Catholic Educational Trust (ACET), aimed at enhancing knowledge in financial operations and compliance with recent regulations.
Lokare stressed the importance of understanding the organizational bylaws and the necessity of adequate staffing in accounting departments to ensure sound financial practices.
Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahti praised the organizers for helping educators to sort out the complexities of financial management in education.
The participants included priests and nuns engaged in the education ministry in the region, told Matters India that they benefited greatly from Lokare’s ability to simplify complex accounting concepts. They also said the chartered accountant’s insights have boosted their confidence and understanding of financial management.
They resolved to improve their financial practices and contribute to the growth of educational institutions in the region.
Fransalian Father George Thomas Poovathunkal, the chief organizer, earlier welcomed the participants.
On September 23, Archbishop Moolachira, head of the Catholic Church in northeastern India, inaugurated a new office for Assam Catholic Educational Trust (ACET) at the Northeast Bishops Council Secretariat.
Archbishop Moolachira expressed his support for the trust’s mission to unite Catholic educational institutions across Assam.
The trust, founded on January 19, operates as a trans-diocesan and trans-congregational platform focused on fostering educational excellence and inclusivity. It aims to upskill its members, provide updates on educational policies, and offer essential administrative support. By collaborating with the bishops of Assam, the trust is expected to enhance the quality of education within Catholic institutions.
The trust has received praise for its programs that have drawn participation from educational professionals eager to refine their management skills. It stresses the need for professionalism and continuous learning among educational leaders to help them address the dynamic nature of education.
“We are committed to facilitating updates and training through organized courses and programs,” said trust secretary Father Alex Kalayathinal.
Holy Cross Father Paul Pudussery, a member of the trust, says its mission extends beyond supporting the current educational landscape. It seeks to create an environment conducive to the holistic development of students in Catholic institutions, the educationist added.
90% of the above report dwells on the inauguration of the new office for Assam Catholic Educational Trust (ACET) at the Northeast Bishops Council Secretariat rather than on the various aspects of financial knowledge imparted by Mr Vittal Rao Lokare, a Chartered Accountant. However, I like Mr Vittal’s ethos: ““Internal honesty should reflect in external accounting.” Will our church institutions implement it?