The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has decided to establish a Centre of Excellence in the state with an investment of nearly Rs 15 crore. The project proposal will be presented at Emerging Kerala.

It will be more like a university with bachelors, masters and research-oriented courses in the financial sector.

 We hope that the government will allot at least five acres of land for the project preferably on the outskirts of Kochi, if not elsewhere in the state.

The project will comprise new courses in the finance sector, said Vivek Krishna Govind, former chairman of ICAI.

There is a big gap between demand and supply, and the centre will play a big role in bridging it. The centre will be modelled on the Centre of Excellence in Hyderabad.

About 20 courses, which includes accreditation courses, diploma, CA, Insurance and Risk  Management, among others,will be offered, but the majority of the courses will be related to CA.

The job prospects in the sector are attractive. A total of 100 per cent placement is ensured with industrial tie-up and a strong network. The fees for CA is lower than all other courses. The fees for the three-year course is `25,000.The centre will be accredited to universities abroad.

 We are already accredited to England, Wales and Australia. We hope to have extension plans with 50 more countries, he said.

Students in the country can do extension courses in these countries and work abroad. Likewise, students from abroad can attend courses in the country and work here.