Chartered Accountants now have access to the ICAI’s Multipurpose Empanelment Form 2021-22

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India ( ICAI ) has enabled the Multipurpose Empanelment Form 2021-22 for Chartered Accountants.

The Multipurpose Empanelment Form (MEF) for the year 2021-22 is now accessible at https://meficai.org/, which is hosted by the Professional Development Committee (PDC). The MEF application has been simplified and made more user-friendly this year. The SSP Database will automatically populate the data for members and firms. All data in the green fields is non-editable, and members are responsible for ensuring that the data is correct. If there is a discrepancy in the data of the green fields, please correct it at the SSP Portal and note it in the remark box next to the green fields in the MEF Application. We advise the members to doubly cross check and verify the authenticity of the data thereat.

OTP based Validation of Declaration

This year, instead of scanned or digital signatures, the declaration for the MEF Application will be obtained from members, partners, and proprietors using One Time Password (OTP) validation.

In the case of partnership firms, all continuing partners must authenticate the declaration using OTP; else, the MEF application will be rejected. If all of the remaining partners are unable to validate the OTP because one of them has retired/left or for any other reason, that reason should be disclosed, and the surviving partner should validate the OTP.

OTP will be issued to the email address and mobile number provided in the ICAI’s SSP. Any changes to the email address or phone number must be made through the SSP. No such changes would be allowed in MEF. Any such modification will be reflected in real time in MEF by using the Refresh Button.

Common Partners

On login into the MEF, the applicant will be immediately informed about the partner’s / proprietor’s / member’s other affiliations.

Firms with common partners will be considered for other Panels if they resign from the Bank Branch Auditors’ Panel (to make one firm eligible for the Bank Branch Auditors‘ Panel).

It should be noted that any change in MEF data will only be taken into account if it is updated and reflected in ICAI’s SSP (eservices.icai.org).

Ineligibility of Application / Categorization

On submission of the Declaration authenticated through OTP by the continuing Partners / Proprietor / Member practising in his individual name, the applicant will be informed of the category. In addition, if the applicant is ineligible for the Bank Branch Auditors‘ Panel, the reason for this will be stated in the acknowledgement after the Declaration is submitted.

Material Mismatch in Information Submitted

We would like to draw the members’ attention to the fact that we have been noticing major inconsistencies in the information supplied during the MEF filing, and this will be taken seriously. If the situation is not resolved, it will be reported for further action. Cases selected at random for scrutiny, as in the past, will be requested to provide supporting papers for verification by the office.

It is recommended that applicants read the “Advisory” for Filling Multipurpose Empanelment Form 2021-22 first, and then file a complaint online through the MEF site if they have any further questions or clarifications. Members can write to [email protected] if the issue is not fixed within 5 working days.

Please Note- Any modification will be accepted in MEF records only as per MEF/RBI Norms at the time of preparation of the Panel.