New Delhi, Jan. 31 -- Chartered Accountants (CAs) can no longer remain confined to just number crunching, they have to evolve into strategic advisors, ethical guardians and innovators, said Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday.

Rajnath Singh was speaking as the chief guest at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) World Forum of Accountants, organised at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka.

"As technology takes over routine tasks, the role of Chartered accountants also needs to evolve. You no longer remain number crunchers, you have to evolve into strategic advisors, ethical guardians and innovators. This shift requires a new set of skills, including critical thinking, emotional intelligence and adaptability....