Your Directors are pleased to present the 108th Annual Report of your Company together with the Audited Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2024.
Financial Results
(H in Lakhs)
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Particulars
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2023-2024
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2022-2023
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Turnover and other income
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50,155.07
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31,493.94
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Profit before interest and depreciation
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21,531.01
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15,933.99
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Interest
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657.34
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509.41
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Profit before depreciation
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20,873.67
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15,424.58
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Provision for depreciation
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180.45
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222.12
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Profit before exceptional item and tax
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20,693.22
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15,202.46
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Exceptional Item
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-
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-
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Profit before tax
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20,693.22
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15,202.46
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Provision for tax
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- Current tax [Includes income tax for earlier years amounting to C382.19 Lakhs (31 March 2023- C Nil)]
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3,448.91
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3,084.51
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- Deferred tax
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564.04
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47.68
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Profit after tax
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16,680.27
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12,070.27
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Profit/(Loss) for the year
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16,680.27
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12,070.27
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Opening Balance of Retained Earnings (Surplus in Statement of Profit and Loss)
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98,756.49
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84,853.11
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Profit/(Loss) for the year
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16,680.27
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12,070.27
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Other Comprehensive Income
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(7.86)
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(0.52)
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Total Comprehensive Income for the Year
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16,672.41
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12,069.75
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Transfer within equity- Gain on sale of equity shares designated as FVOCI-transfer to retained earnings (net of tax)
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6,488.50
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3,234.62
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Dividend paid
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(1,751.24)
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(1,400.99)
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Closing Balance in Retained Earnings
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1,20,166.16
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98,756.49
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Operations
The income of your Company during the year under review comprised of mainly income/revenue from trading activities, investments, royalty and dividend from Joint Ventures.
Material changes and commitments affecting financial position of the Company
There are no material changes and commitment affecting financial position of your Company, which has occurred between end of the financial year of your Company i.e. March 31, 2024 and the date of this Report.
Dividend
Your Directors have recommended a dividend @ C5.00/- (Previous Year @ C5.00/-) per equity share of C10/- each for the year ended March 31, 2024 subject to the approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM).
Transfer to Reserves
During the year under review, your Company has not transferred any amount to the General Reserve and entire amount of profit for the year forms part of the Retained Earnings.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
During the FY 2023-24, Mr. C.K.Dhanuka (DIN:00005684) was reappointed as the Executive Chairman & Managing Director of the Company w.e.f. January 1, 2024 for a period of five years, based on the approval of the Board and Members of the Company.
Mr. R.K.Sharma (DIN:05197101) was designated as the NonExecutive Director of the Company w.e.f. April 1, 2024, based on the approval of the Board at its meeting on November 7, 2023 and his employment package was transferred to WOS of the Company, Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd, in view of his full time involvement in the WOS to manage its business affairs efficiently.
Mr. M.Dhanuka (DIN:00005666), the Vice-Chairman of the Company, was re-designated as the Whole -Time Director of the Company for a period of two years w.e.f May 1, 2024 based on the approval of the Board at its meeting held on May 24, 2024, subject to the approval of the Members at this AGM.
Further, Mr. J.P.Kundra (DIN:00004228) and Dr. B.Sen (DIN:00056861), Independent Directors of the Company are nearing completion of their tenure of two consecutive terms of five years at this AGM. Accordingly, Prof. Ashoke Kumar Dutta (DIN:00045170) and Mr. Bharat Bajoria (DIN:00109241), being eligible are appointed as Additional Directors in the capacity of Independent Directors of the Company at their meeting held on May 24, 2024 for a term of five years' subject to the approval of the Members in this AGM.
Mrs. A.Dhanuka (DIN:00005677) retires by rotation and being eligible offers herself for re-appointment.
Declaration from Independent Directors on an Annual Basis
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act') and Regulation 25(8) of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, ("the Listing Regulations"), the Independent Directors have given declarations that they meet the criteria of independence as provided in Section 149(6) of the Act and Rules framed thereunder and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations.
The Independent Directors have also declared that they have registered their name with the data bank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs as required under the provisions of Section 150 of the Act read with Rule 6(1) of Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
In the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors possess the requisite expertise and experience and are persons of high integrity and repute. They fulfill the conditions specified in the Act as well as the Rules made thereunder and are Independent of the management.
Policy on Directors' Appointment and Remuneration
The policy of your Company on Directors' appointment and remuneration, including the criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, Independence of a Director and other matters, as required under Sub-section (3) of Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013, is available at our website at http://aspetindia.com/ wp-content/uploads/2014/10/TERMS-AND-CONDITIONS-OF-APPOINTMENT-OF-INDEPENDENT-DIRECTOR1.pdf
We affirm that the remuneration paid to the Directors is as per the terms laid out in the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of your Company.
Directors' Responsibility Statement Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013
Pursuant to the requirement under Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, with respect to Directors' Responsibility Statement, it is hereby confirmed:
(a) That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards aligned with IND AS had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
(b) That the Directors had selected such accounting policies aligned as per IND AS and applied them consistently, made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the FY and of the profit and loss of the Company for that period;
(c) That the Directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
(d) That the Directors prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(e) That the Directors had laid down Internal Financial Controls for the Company and that such Internal Financial Controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
(f) That the Directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
Holding, Subsidiaries and Joint Ventures:
I. Holding Company:
Dhunseri Investments Ltd. continues to be the Holding Company and is holding 56.44% of the equity share capital of your Company as on March 31, 2024.
II. Subsidiary Companies:
A. Dhunseri Infrastructure Ltd. (DIL), Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
Dhunseri Infrastructure Ltd. continues to be the WOS of the Company. The Company is considering various options towards utilisation of the Property. Further, steps are being taken for the de-notification of the areas.
Your Board feels that once the area is de-notified, there would be ample opportunities for utilising the land. Your Board will take a decision as soon as the aforesaid changes are made and finalise in the best interest of your Company.
B. Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. (DPFPL), Wholly-Owned Subsidiary (WOS)
Your Company's Wholly-Owned Subsidiary, Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. (DPFPL) has completed setting up State of the Art -10.6 Meter Biaxally Oriented Polyester Film (BOPET) Line at Panagarh in the state of West Bengal. The commercial production has already started from the 13th of December 2023. Plant is operating at desired level and product quality has been well accepted in the market. DPFPL has also initiated export market and have successfully marketed same in few market while penetration of export market will continue to be the next year's target.
Further, DPFPL is also in the process of setting up State of the Art - 10.4 Meter 2 Biaxally Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) production in Jammu. Financial closure of BOPP project has been achieved in March 2024. Consent to Establish from J&K Pollution Control Board is received for the project and activities on the ground is expected to start from July/August 2024. The first BOPP line is expected to commence production from the FY 2025-26. While second line is expected to start operation from 2026-27.
C. Twelve Cupcakes Pte. Ltd. (TCPL), Subsidiary
Your Company continues to hold 88.68% of the equity share capital in Twelve Cupcakes Pte. Ltd.
Your Company has entered into a Share Purchase agreement on January 10, 2024 with TCPL for the purchase of shares of DVL USA INC. from TCPL to make it a WOS of your Company.
D. DVL USA INC., Wholly-Owned Subsidiary
DVL USA INC. incorporated in United States (U.S) for exploration and expansion of the Cupcake Business in the U.S. Market, is now a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of your Company.
DVL USA INC. has incorporated a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in the month of May, 2024 in the name and style of "Waterford Orlando, LLC" in the State of Delaware, United States of America to expand the business of the WOS in the food and beverage industry majorly in confectionery and bakery industry. DVL USA INC. is the sole member of the said LLC and accordingly, your Company has indirectly acquired 100% control in the LLC through its WOS.
DVL USA INC. will commence its retail operations through its brick and mortar locations in Central Florida before the end of the Calender Year. These stores will operate under the LLC and will pave the way for retail brand building and expansion.
IN. Associate Companies:
A. IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Your Company continues to hold 50% of the equity share capital in IVL Dhunseri Petrochem Industries Pvt. Ltd. and the balance 50% stake is held by Indorama group.
B. IVL Dhunseri Polyester Company S.A.E.
Your Company continues to hold 50% stake in IVL Dhunseri Polyester Company S.A.E and the balance 50% stake is held by Indorama group.
Information about the Financial Performance/Financial Position of the Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures
A separate statement containing the salient features of Financial Statements of all Subsidiaries/Associates/Joint Ventures of your Company forms a part of Consolidated Financial Statements in compliance with Section 129 and other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013. Shareholders desirous of obtaining the report and accounts of your Company's subsidiaries may obtain the same upon request. It is also available on the website of your Company www.aspetindia.com. Members may send an advance request at the e-mail id-investors@aspetindia. com for an electronic inspection of the aforesaid documents.
As required under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Listing Regulations, the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
of your Company are also attached and forms part of your Company's Annual Report.
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings/Outgo
There are no particulars in regard to the conservation of energy, technology absorption as prescribed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014.
The Foreign exchange outflow in the FY 2023-24 is C4,012.45 Lakhs. Further, inflow in foreign exchange in the FY 2023-24 is C1,676.00 Lakhs.
Annual Return
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Return as on March 31, 2024 is available on the Company's website at http://aspetindia.com/ stock-exchange-disclosure/annual-return/
Corporate Social Responsibility
A Corporate Social Responsibility Committee was reconstituted on July 3, 2020 with Mr. C.K.Dhanuka, as the Chairman, Dr. B.Sen and Mrs. A.Kanoria as the members.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Policy of your Company is available in the Company's website at https://aspetindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FINAL-CSR-Policy.pdf
Your Company carries out CSR activities mainly through Dhanuka Dhunseri Foundation (DDF) or any other implementing agency as the CSR Committee and the Board decides.
The Annual Report on CSR activities in accordance with the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, is attached as "Annexure-A" to this Report.
Details Relating to Remuneration to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Employees
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is attached as "Annexure-B" to this Report.
The statement containing names of top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn and the particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is provided in a separate annexure forming part of this report. Further, the report and the accounts are being sent to the Members excluding the aforesaid annexure. In terms of Section 136 of the Act, the said annexure is open for inspection and any Member interested in obtaining a copy of the same may write to the Company Secretary at investors@aspetindia.com
The financial statements of Dhunseri Poly Films Pvt. Ltd. and Twelve Cupcakes Pte Ltd., material subsidiaries, are available on the website of the Company.
Auditors and Auditors' Report Statutory Auditors
M/s B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Registration No. 101248W/W-100022) were appointed as the Auditors of the Company for a second term of five consecutive years from the conclusion of 106th Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of 111th Annual General Meeting being approved by the Members of the Company at the 106th Annual General Meeting.
No frauds are reported by auditors under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 in Auditor's Report.
The Auditors' Report for the FY 2023-24 does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
The Auditors' Report is enclosed with the financial statements in this Annual Report.
Secretarial Auditors and Secretarial Audit
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, Mamta Binani & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries was appointed as the Secretarial Auditor of your Company for the FY 2023-24.
The Secretarial Audit Report issued by Mamta Binani & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries for the FY ended March 31, 2024 is attached as an "Annexure-C" to this Report.
The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer.
Cost Records and Cost Auditors
The provisions of Cost Audit and Records as prescribed under Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, are not applicable to your Company.
Dividend Distribution Policy
The Board of Directors of your Company has adopted the Dividend Distribution Policy as required by Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations and is available at our website https://aspetindia. com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Dividend-Distribution-Policy-1.pdf
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report
The Company has prepared the Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) describing the initiatives taken by the Board from an Environmental, Social, Governance and Sustainability perspective.
The said BRSR is forming part of the Annual Report and is attached as an "Annexure-E" to this Report and is also uploaded on the website of the Company at our website https://aspetindia. com/investors/report-review/
Adequacy of Internal Financial Controls with reference to Financial Statements
Your Company has in place adequate internal financial controls as required u/s 134(v)(e) of the Companies Act, 2013. Your Company has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to Company's policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable financial disclosures. During the year, such controls were tested with reference to Financial Statements and no material weakness in the design or operation was observed.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in note no. 7 of the Standalone Financial Statements.
Risk Management
Your Company has a Risk Management Committee comprising of Mr. R.K.Sharma, Non-Executive Director, Mr. J.P.Kundra and Dr. B.Sen, Independent Directors.
Your Company has established a Risk Management Policy as approved by the Board. The major mechanisms of risk management are the Monitoring of Statutory, Legal, Investment Compliances and the Internal Audit.
Related Party Transactions
All the contracts/arrangements/transactions entered by your Company during the financial year with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis, details of which are provided in the notes to Accounts.
None of the transactions with any of the related parties was in conflict with the Company's interest. Further, omnibus approval is obtained on a yearly basis for transactions which are repetitive in nature.
Particulars of Materials Contracts/arrangement/transactions at arm's length basis as on March 31, 2024 with Related parties during the year pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 (3) (h) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given in "Annexure - D" in form AOC - 2 and the same forms part of this Report.
Your Company has also formulated a policy on dealing with the Related Party Transactions and necessary approval of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors were taken wherever required in accordance with the Policy.
Annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, its Committees and Individual Directors
The Independent Directors of your Company had reviewed the performance of Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole along with the performance of the Chairman of your Company at its meeting held on March 19, 2024.
The Independent Directors well appreciated the functioning of the Board of Directors as well as the Committees of the Board. They were also highly satisfied with the leadership role played by the Chairman. The Board of Directors works as a team and there were detailed discussion at the meetings on various agenda
items. The Board is a well-diversified team consisting of persons having expertise in the fields of Banking, Finance, Law as well as professionals and industrialist. The Board through its Committees i.e, Audit Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee is in a position to have its executed overall supervision at all these key areas. All the Directors participate effectively without any restraint to express their views.
The Board of Directors at its meeting held on May 24, 2024 had evaluated the performance of the Independent Directors based on a list of evaluation criteria for performance evaluation. The effectiveness of the Board was discussed and evaluated based on the evaluation criteria as well as the performance evaluation of the Board Committees was also conducted at the same meeting.
The evaluation process focused on various aspects of the functioning of the Board and Committees such as composition of the Board and Committees, experience and competencies, performance of specific duties and obligations, governance issues, etc. The guidance note issued by SEBI on Board Evaluation was duly considered while conducting the evaluation exercise. Separate exercise was carried out to evaluate the performance of Individual Directors on parameters such as qualifications, experience, availability and attendance, constructive contribution, knowledge and competency etc.
As an outcome of the above exercise, it was noted that the Board as a whole is functioning as a cohesive body, which is well engaged with different perspectives and is believed that it is the collective effectiveness of the Board that impacts Company's performance. The Board Members from different backgrounds bring about different complementarities that help Board discussions to be rich and value adding. It was also noted that the Committees are functioning well and besides the Committee's terms of reference as mandated by law, important issues are brought up and discussed in the Committee Meetings.
Corporate Governance, Management Discussion and Analysis Reports
Your Company has taken adequate steps to adhere to all the stipulations laid down in Regulation 34(3) and Schedule V of the Listing Regulations. A report on Corporate Governance and Management Discussion and Analysis Report are included as a part of this Report.
Certificate from the Secretarial Auditors of your Company confirming the compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under the Listing Regulations forms part of the Annual Report.
The detail of Board Meetings, detail of meetings of Audit Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Risk Management Committee held during the FY 2023-24, Nomination and Remuneration policy and Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy are covered in the Corporate Governance Report.
Environment, Health and Safety
Environment, Health and Safety are of great importance to your Company. Your Company continuously strives to ensure environment sustainable practices and provides a safe and healthy workplace for its employees.
Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace
As per the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act") and Rules made thereunder, your Company has an Internal Complaints Committee to address complaints pertaining to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Credit Rating by Infomerics Valuation and Rating Pvt. Ltd.
Your Directors inform that Infomerics Valuation and Rating Pvt. Ltd. had reaffirmed the credit rating of IVR A1 (IVR A One Plus) to the Short Term Bank Facilities of your Company and withdrawn the credit rating to the Long Term Bank facilities of your Company in view of no such Long Term Bank Facility of the Company.
Compliance with Secretarial Standards
Your Company is in compliance with the relevant provisions of the Secretarial Standards issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the Central Government.
General
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions in regard to the under-mentioned items during the year under review:
(a) Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
(b) Issue of sweat equity shares to employees of the Company/ Issue of Employees Stock Option Scheme.
Further, your Company has not accepted any deposits from the public. There were no outstanding balances relating to Fixed Deposits as at the beginning and end of the FY 2023-24.
There is no change in the nature of business of your Company and no significant material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which would impact the going concern status of your Company and its future operations.
During the year under review, there were no proceedings that were filed by your Company or against your Company, which are pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 as amended, before National Company Law Tribunal or other Courts.
During the year under review, there were no instances of onetime settlement with any Bank or Financial Institutions.
Employees
Your Company believes that 'Employees' are the most valuable assets of any organization. Your Directors wish to place on record their deep sense of appreciation for the co-operation, dedication and committed services by all the employees of your Company who plays a pivotal role in the growth of your Company.
Acknowledgement
The Directors wish to place on record their sincere appreciation for the whole-hearted support received from the banks, shareholders and all other associated with your Company. The Board of Directors also thank the employees of your Company for their valuable service and support during the year.
For and on behalf of The Board of Directors
Place: Kolkata C.K.Dhanuka
Date: May 24, 2024 Executive Chairman
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