Assocham plans to train 3,000 women directors over three years

To help companies meet norms on appointing women directors to their boards, Assocham plans to offer training on various aspects of corporate governance and equip them to take up leadership roles.

The industry body said it expects to train about 3,000 women over the next three years.

The Companies Act, 2013, prescribes that every listed firm and every public company with a paid-up share capital of Rs 100 crore and above or turnover of Rs 300 crore and above should appoint at least one woman director.

"These provisions will require corporates to start identifying independent directors and women directors to join their boards within a given time frame. Women should utilize this time period to train themselves before they assume new responsibilities as directors," Assocham National Council Corporate Affairs chairperson Preeti Malhotra said.

The gap between the new requirements and the number of independent directors available presents a huge opportunity for those aspiring to become directors, Ms Malhotra added. Assocham has also created a separate database of women directors eligible to be appointed as independent directors.

As per the draft rules, every listed company should appoint a woman director within a year of the clause coming into effect.

The government yesterday notified rules for 10 more chapters, including those related to powers of boards and the appointment of directors.

Most parts of the Companies Act, 2013, which replaces the almost six-decade old law that governs firms in the country, will come into effect from April 1.