Dear Members,
The Board of Directors take pleasure in presenting their 59th
Annual Report on the business and operations of the Company, together with the audited
financial statements for the Financial Year (FY) ended 31 March 2024.
Financial and Operational Highlights
Particulars |
Consolidated |
Standalone |
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Total income |
6,958 |
6,012 |
4,077 |
5,173 |
Total expenses |
4,807 |
4,510 |
2,550 |
2,434 |
Profit before tax, share of profit in associates and joint
ventures |
2,151 |
1,502 |
1,527 |
2,739 |
Less: Tax expense (Current tax including earlier years and
Deferred tax) |
520 |
401 |
276 |
428 |
Profit after tax before share of profit (net) in associates
and joint ventures |
1,631 |
1,101 |
1,251 |
2,311 |
Share of Profit in associates and joint ventures (net) |
1,093 |
933 |
- |
- |
Net Profit for the Year |
2,724 |
2,034 |
1,251 |
2,311 |
Other Comprehensive Income |
6 |
17 |
- |
6 |
Total Comprehensive Income |
2,730 |
2,051 |
1,251 |
2,317 |
Financial Performance Review and Analysis
The Company delivered a strong financial performance during the period.
Consolidated revenue (including other income) grew to 6,958 crore, delivering a 16% growth
as compared to the previous year.
Total operating expenses (excluding finance costs, depreciation and
amortisation expenses) were 4,303 crore. Consolidated EBITDA continued to improve and
increased to 2,655 crore, reflecting a strong growth of 30% from the previous year. Total
comprehensive income witnessed a robust Y-o-Y growth of 33% and stood at 2,730 crore
during the year.
DLF Cyber City Developers Limited
DLF Cyber City Developers Limited (DCCDL) reported a
consolidated total income of 5,897 crore, reflecting 9% growth over the previous
period, primarily led by the rental growth in the office and retail portfolio.
DCCDL's consolidated EBITDA stood at 4,478 crore in FY 2023-24 in comparison to 4,139
crore in FY 2022-23. Total comprehensive income stood at 1,690 crore, reflecting 18%
growth over the last year.
Review of Business Development Business
The development business exhibited strong performance across all
parameters. Sustained demand momentum along with a diversified pipeline of new products
resulted in the residential business delivering persistent healthy performance for the
period.
DLF's Luxury offering - DLF Privana South at Sector 76-77 in
Gurugram, witnessed a strong response from the customers which resulted in complete sell
out of the Project, ahead of its official launch, garnering new sales bookings of Rs 7,200
crore. The project stands as a continued testament of the strong demand for luxury
residential projects from a credible brand, offering an aspirational lifestyle. Your
Company continued to witness similar response to its other offerings across multiple
markets and segments.
Rental Business
The rental business also delivered a strong performance during the
period resulting in an improved portfolio occupancy at 93% at the end of the fiscal.
The retail business continued its growth trajectory by delivering 18%
growth as compared to the previous year. All the retail malls continue to operate at high
occupancy levels and deliver healthy growth. Outlook towards this segment remains positive
and hence expansion plans in this segment remain on track.
Dividend
The Board has recommended a dividend of 5/- per equity share (250%)
(previous year 4/- per equity share) of the face value of 2/- each for FY 2023-24, payable
to those shareholders, whose names appear in the Register of Members/ list of Beneficial
Owners, provided by the Depositories, on the record date. The total outgo on account of
payment of dividend for FY 2023-24 would be 1,237.65 crore (previous year 990.12
crore).
The dividend payout is in accordance with the prevalent applicable laws
and the Company's Dividend Distribution Policy, pursuant to the provisions of
Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, as amended (SEBI Listing
Regulations'). The said policy is available on the website of the Company at https://www.dlf.in/pdf/
DividendDistributionPolicy.pdf.
Capital Structure
The paid-up equity share capital of the Company is 495.06 crore
comprising 2,47,53,11,706 equity shares of 2/- each fully paid-up. There is no change in
the authorised, issued and paid-up share capital of the Company during FY 2023-24.
Transfer to Reserves
During FY, the Company has not transferred any amount to the general
reserve. The closing balance of the retained earnings of your Company for FY 2023-24,
after all appropriations and adjustments, was 1,263.88 crore.
Credit Rating
The Company's strong focus on financial capital coupled with
financial discipline and prudence are reflected in the strong credit ratings ascribed by
rating agencies, as under:
CRISIL |
Instrument |
Date of Rating |
Rating |
Remarks |
Long-term bank facilities |
|
CRISIL AA |
Re-affirmed Outlook |
Non- Convertible Debentures |
27 February 2024 |
CRISIL AA |
Rating assigned with Stable Outlook |
Short-term facilities |
|
CRISIL A1+ |
Re-affirmed |
ICRA |
Instrument |
Date of Rating |
Rating |
Remarks |
Long-term bank facilities |
5 April 2023 |
[ICRA] AA |
Rating on long-term bank facilities was upgraded from AA-
(Positive Outlook) to AA (Stable Outlook) |
Short-term facilities |
|
[ICRA] A1+ |
Re-affirmed |
Long-term bank facilities |
26 April 2024 |
[ICRA] AA |
Re-affirmed Stable Outlook |
Short-term facilities |
|
[ICRA] A1+ |
Re-affirmed |
Public Deposits
During the year under review, the Company has neither invited nor
accepted/ renewed any deposits from the public within the meaning of Section 73 and 74 of
the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act') read with the Companies (Acceptance of
Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Holding Company
Rajdhani Investments and Agencies Private Limited continued to be the
holding company and holds 61.53% of paid-up equity share capital of the Company.
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The information relating to conservation of energy, technology
absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo as stipulated under Section 134(3)(m) of
the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, as amended, is given
at Annexure-A and forms part of this Report.
Particulars of Employees
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule
5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, as
amended, a statement listing names of the top 10 employees in terms of the remuneration
drawn and other particulars of the employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits
set-out in the said Rules, are given at Annexure-E1 and E2, respectively and
form part of this Report.
Subsidiaries, Joint Ventures, Associate Companies and Consolidated
Financial Statements
As on 31 March 2024, the Company had 139 with Stable subsidiary
companies in terms of the provisions of the Act. Further, details of changes in
subsidiaries, joint ventures and associate companies during FY are given at Annexure-D
and form part of this Report.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Act and SEBI
Listing Regulations, the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company were prepared in
accordance with the applicable Ind AS and form part of the Annual Report. A statement
containing the salient features of the financial statements of the Subsidiaries, Joint
Ventures and Associates of the Company in Form AOC-1, as required under the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014, as amended, also form part of the Notes to the financial
statements. The highlights of the performance of Subsidiaries, Joint Ventures and
Associates and their contribution to the overall performance of the Company are included
as part of this Annual Report.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act read with
Regulation 46 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, Audited Financial Statements of the
Company, including Consolidated Financial Statements, other documents required to be
attached thereto and Audited Financial Statements of each of the Subsidiaries, are
available on the website of the Company and may be accessed at https://www.dlf.
in/investor.
Material Unlisted Subsidiary(ies)
In terms of provisions of the SEBI Listing Regulations, your Company
has a policy for determining Material Subsidiary' and the said policy is
available on the Company's website at https://www.dlf.in/pdf/
Material-Subsidiary-Policy.pdf.
As on 31 March 2024, your Company has four material subsidiaries,
namely DLF Cyber City Developers Limited (Debt Listed), DLF Home Developers Limited (Debt
Listed), DLF Assets Limited and DLF Power & Services Limited.
Amalgamation/ Arrangement
A. Scheme of Amalgamation/ Arrangement sanctioned by the Hon'ble
National Company Law Tribunal, Chandigarh Bench (NCLT, Chandigarh)
1. DLF Golf Resorts Limited and DLF Homes Services Private Limited
(Transferor Companies) were merged with DLF Recreational Foundation Limited (Transferee
Company), vide order dated 15 June 2023, w.e.f. the Appointed date of 1
April 2021.
2. Gavel Builders & Constructions Private Limited, Jesen Builders
& Developers Private Limited, Jingle Builders & Developers Private Limited, Keyna
Builders & Constructions Private Limited, Morgan Builders & Developers Private
Limited, Morina Builders & Developers Private Limited and Morven Builders &
Developers Private Limited (Transferor Companies) were merged with DLF Homes Panchkula
Private Limited (Transferee Company), vide order dated 25 August 2023, w.e.f. the
Appointed date of 1 April 2021.
3. Alankrit Estates Limited, DLF Estate Developers Limited, Kirtimaan
Builders Limited, Tiberias Developers Limited and Ujagar Estates Limited (Transferor
Companies) were merged with DLF Utilities Limited (Transferee Company), vide order dated
16 April 2024, w.e.f. the Appointed date of 1 January 2023.
B. Scheme of Amalgamation/ Arrangement filed/ pending before the
Hon'ble National Company Law Tribunal, Chandigarh Bench (NCLT, Chandigarh)
1. Amon Estates Private Limited, Calista Real Estates Private Limited,
Chevalier Builders & Constructions Private Limited, Erasma Builders & Developers
Private Limited, Hestia Realtors Private Limited, Laraine Builders & Constructions
Private Limited and Snigdha Builders & Constructions Private Limited (Transferor
Companies) with DLF Southern Towns Private Limited (Transferee Company) with the Appointed
date of 1 April 2021.
2. DLF City Centre Limited, DLF Lands India Private Limited, DLF Info
City Developers (Kolkata) Limited, DLF Emporio Limited (Transferor Companies) and DLF
Assets Limited (Demerged Company) with DLF Cyber City Developers Limited (Transferee
Company) with the Appointed date of 1 April 2022.
3. Chamundeswari Builders Private Limited, DLF Garden City Indore
Private Limited, DLF IT Offices Chennai Private Limited, DLF Residential Developers
Limited, Latona Builders & Constructions Private Limited and Livana Builders &
Developers Private Limited (Transferor Companies) with DLF Home Developers Limited
(Transferee Company) with the Appointed date of 1 April 2022.
Listing at Stock Exchanges
The equity shares of your Company are listed on National Stock Exchange
of India Limited (NSE) and BSE Limited (BSE).
Management Discussion and Analysis Report
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report, as required under
Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations, forms part of the
Annual Report.
Corporate Governance Report
The Company is committed to sound corporate governance practices as
well as compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The Board believes that
adopting the highest level of ethical principles would ensure that DLF continues to be the
leading Company in the real estate sector. The Corporate Governance Report, as stipulated
under Regulation 17 to 27 and Clause (b) to (i) and (t) of Regulation 46(2) and
Paragraph C, D and E of Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations, forms part of the
Annual Report.
The requisite certificate from S.R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Chartered
Accountants, Statutory Auditors of the Company, confirming compliance with the conditions
of corporate governance as stipulated under the SEBI Listing Regulations, is annexed to
the Corporate Governance Report.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
During FY 2023-24, Mr. Rajiv Krishan Luthra, Independent Director and
Mr. Gurvirendra Singh Talwar, Non-executive Director, ceased to be Directors of the
Company, due to their sad and untimely demise on 10 May 2023 and 27 January 2024,
respectively.
The Board of Directors expressed their deep condolences and took on
record the valuable contribution made by them.
During FY 2023-24, the shareholders vide their respective resolution(s)
had appointed Mr. Ashok Kumar Tyagi and Mr. Devinder Singh as Managing Directors, liable
to retire by rotation, for a term co-terminus with their existing tenure as CEO and
Whole-time Directors i.e. up to 30 November 2027.
Further, the shareholders vide their respective resolution(s) had also
approved appointment of Dr. Umesh Kumar Chaudhary as an Independent Director, not liable
to retire by rotation, for a term of 5 (five) consecutive years w.e.f. 4 August 2023 and
re-appointment of Ms. Priya Paul as an Independent Woman Director, not liable to retire by
rotation, for a second term of 5 (five) consecutive years w.e.f. 1 April 2024.
Mr. Ved Kumar Jain and Mr. Pramod Bhasin, upon completion of their
second term, ceased to be Independent Directors of the Company w.e.f. the close of
business hours on 31 March 2024.
The Board in its meeting held on 27 March 2024 had approved the
appointment of Lt. Gen. Ajai Singh (Retd.) as an Independent Director, not liable to
retire by rotation, for a term of 5 (five) consecutive years w.e.f. 1 April 2024 and
re-appointment of Mr. Rajiv Singh as Whole-time Director designated as Chairman of the
Company, not liable to retire by rotation, for a period of 5 (five) years w.e.f. 9 April
2024. The approval of shareholders has been proposed for the appointment of Lt.
Gen. Ajai Singh (Retd.) and re-appointment of Mr. Rajiv Singh by way of Postal
Ballot notice dated 27 March 2024.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 152 of the Act read with the
Articles of Association of the Company, Ms. Anushka Singh and Ms. Pia Singh, Non-executive
Directors, are liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM)
and being eligible, have offered themselves for re-appointment. The resolution(s) seeking
members approval for their re-appointment form part of the AGM Notice. The Board of
Directors of your Company has recommended their re-appointment.
Brief resume of the Director(s) seeking re-appointment, along with
other details as stipulated under Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI Listing Regulations read
with the Secretarial Standard on General Meetings, is provided in the Corporate Governance
Report and Notice convening the AGM.
Further, Mr. Vivek Anand has resigned as Group Chief Financial Officer
of the Company w.e.f. the close of business hours on 29 February 2024.
Subsequent to FY, the Board of Directors in its meeting held on 13 May
2024 appointed Mr. Ashok Kumar Tyagi as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Company in
addition to his existing role and responsibilities as the Managing Director of the
Company.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 203 of the Act, the Key
Managerial Personnel of the Company are Mr. Rajiv Singh, Chairman (Whole-time Director),
Mr. Ashok Kumar Tyagi, Managing Director and CFO, Mr. Devinder Singh, Managing Director
and Mr. R.P. Punjani, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
In terms of the provisions of Section 134(5) of the Act, your Directors
confirm that for the year ended 31 March 2024:
(i) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed and there are no material departures from the
same;
(ii) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31 March 2024 and
the profit of the Company for that period;
(iii) they have 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;
(iv) they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
(v) they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by
the Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating
effectively; and
(vi) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating
effectively.
Declaration by Independent Directors
The Independent Directors in their respective disclosures have
confirmed that they are independent of the Management and not aware of any circumstances
or situation, which exists or may be reasonably anticipated that could impair or impact
their ability to discharge their duties. Based on the disclosures received from
Independent Directors, the Board of Directors has confirmed that they fulfill conditions
specified in Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) and 25(8) of the SEBI
Listing Regulations.
Further, the Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of
the Company uphold the highest standards of integrity and possess the requisite expertise
and experience required to fulfill their duties as Independent Directors.
Confirmation by Directors regarding Directorship(s)/ Committee
Position(s)
Based on the disclosures received, number of Directorship(s), Committee
Membership(s), Chairmanship(s) of all the Directors are within respective limits
prescribed under the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations. Further, none andconfirmedbythe of
the Executive Directors of the Company served as an Independent Director in any other
listed company.for the Necessary disclosures regarding Committee positions in other public
companies as on 31 March 2024 have been made by the Directors and reported in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms part of the Annual Report.
Certification from Company Secretary in Practice
A certificate has been received from AS & Associates,
Company Secretaries in practice, pursuant to Regulation 34(3) and Clause 10(i) of Para C
of Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations, certifying that none of the Directors on
the Board of the Company had been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or
continuing as Directors of companies by SEBI, Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such
Statutory Authority.
Board and its Committees
The Board of Directors met 7 (seven) times during FY 2023-24. Details
of the composition of the Board, its Committees, terms of reference, meetings held and
attendance thereat are provided in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of the
Annual Report.
Auditors and Audit Reports
S.R. Batliboi & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (FRN:
301003E/ E300005) were re-appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a second term
of 5 (five) consecutive years from the conclusion of 57th AGM till the
conclusion of 62nd AGM.
The Auditors' Report does not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer of opinion. The Notes to the Financial
Statements (including the Consolidated Financial Statements) referred to in the
Auditors' Report are self-explanatory and do not call for any further comments.
Cost Auditors
Sanjay Gupta & Associates, Cost Accountants (FRN: 000212)
were appointed as Cost Auditors of the Company for FY 2023-24 to conduct the audit of cost
records of the Company pertaining to real estate development activities. Your Company is
maintaining the requisite cost records and the Cost Audit Report for FY 2023-24, which
shall be filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs in due course.
A certificate from the Cost Auditors, certifying their independence and
arm's length relationship has been received by the Company.
As per the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies
(Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the remuneration payable to Cost Auditors is required
members to ratified in General Meeting. Accordingly, resolution seeking
members' ratification payable to Sanjay Gupta & Associates, Cost Accountants is
included in the Notice convening the AGM.
Secretarial Auditor
Dr. K.R. Chandratre, Company Secretary in practice, was appointed as
Secretarial Auditor of the Company for FY 2023-24. The Secretarial Audit and Secretarial
Compliance Report(s) for FY ended 31 March 2024 are annexed at Annexure-B. The
Secretarial Audit and Compliance Report(s) does not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer. Further, as per the applicable provisions of
the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Secretarial Compliance Report was filed with the stock
exchanges, within the stipulated timeframe.
DLF Cyber City Developers Limited (Debt Listed), DLF Home Developers
Limited (Debt Listed), DLF Assets Limited and DLF Power & Services Limited, material
subsidiaries of the Company, have also undergone Secretarial Audit as per Section 204 of
the Act and Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations. Accordingly, the Secretarial
Audit Reports for FY 2023-24 of DLF Cyber City Developers Limited (Debt Listed),
DLF Home Developers Limited (Debt Listed), DLF Assets Limited and DLF Power & Services
Limited, issued by Dr. K.R. Chandratre, Practicing Company Secretary are at Annexure-B.
The said reports are self-explanatory and do not contain any qualification, reservation,
adverse remark or disclaimer.
Reporting of Fraud by Auditors
During the year under review, the Statutory Auditors, Secretarial
Auditor and Cost Auditors have not reported any instance of fraud in respect of the
Company, by its officers or employees under Section 143(12) of the Act.
Secretarial Standards
The Secretarial Standards i.e. SS-1 and SS-2 relating to the meetings
of the Board of Directors and General Meetings, respectively issued by the Institute of
Company Secretaries of India, have been duly followed by the Company.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
At DLF, the commitment to CSR remains steadfast with the belief that
businesses thrive in educated, healthy and resilient communities. The Company has been
contributing towards fostering sustainable ecosystems and enabling access to resources for
the transformation of communities. The Company implements its CSR initiatives, through DLF
Foundation and other Public Charitable
Trusts, which continue to spearhead initiatives that not only address
immediate challenges but also foster sustainability, inclusion and well-being for all. The
programmes are aligned with the immediate ongoing priorities of the Government on CSR and
contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
DLF believes that it needs to empower communities across various
domains through an integrated and holistic approach so that they are able to realise their
full potential as well as make a difference to society. The Company believes in creating
value for the stakeholders, including the underprivileged sections of society and that
everyone should be able to lead a life with dignity.
The Company has been contributing towards building sustainable
capacities and creating resources for the marginalised in the vicinity of its operational
areas. Adopting a comprehensive approach alongside strategic partnerships with the
Government, civil society and partner organisations, the Company aspires to create an
inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for all stakeholders within the communities. The
social endeavours undertaken by DLF Foundation during the year have been multifaceted,
focusing on critical areas of education, environment, healthcare, animal welfare, social
sustainability and sports promotion. The Company had appointed Price Waterhouse Chartered
Accountants LLP, an independent agency to conduct the Impact Assessment of CSR projects/
programmes, namely
(i) COVID-19;
(ii) DLF CARES; and
(iii) Golf Excellence, which were completed during FY 2021-22, the
report
(s) of which are available on the Company's website at
https://www. dlf.in/annual_docket/Impact-Assessment.pdf.
Impact Assessment of the projects/ programmes, namely
(i) Environment Sustainability;
(ii) Saving Lives Through Safer Roads; and
(iii) Animal Welfare, which were completed during FY 2022-23, would be
undertaken during FY 2024-25.
CSR policy is available on the Company's website at
https://www.dlf.in/pdf/Corporate-Social-Responsibility-Policy.pdf and CSR Annual Action
Plan is at https:// www.dlf.in/pdf/CSR-Annual-Action-Plan.pdf.
The Annual Report on CSR activities, as per the format prescribed under
the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended, is annexed
at Annexure-C.
Environment and Sustainability
DLF endeavours to excel in three pillars of sustainability namely,
Environmental, Social and Governance, collectively referred to as ESG parameters. The
Company has integrated sustainability into its core business operations, across its
residential and commercial portfolio, ensuring a safe and sustainable ecosystem for all
its stakeholders. Our entire existing Offices and Retail portfolio holds LEED
Platinumcertification, our commitment to sustainability. We continuously strive to develop
new products on similar sustainable principles.
DLF's rental portfolio has been granted Green Star Rating in both
Development and Standing Investment category in the latest ESG Scores announced by the
Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB). Further, U.S. Green Building Council
(USGBC) recognizes DLF's rental business as global partner in leading the
transformation and regeneration of the built environment across India and throughout the
world.
Pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 34 of the SEBI Listing
Regulations, your Company has prepared its Business Responsibility and Sustainability
Report (BRSR), as part of its Annual Report incorporating the 9 (nine) reportable
principles of National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct'. Your
Company had engaged KPMG Assurance and Consulting Services LLP for preparation of the BRSR
for FY 2023-24.
Further, pursuant to the SEBI circular dated 12 July 2023 on BRSR
Core Framework for assurance and ESG disclosures for value chain', your
Company had appointed SGS India Private Limited as an independent assurance provider to
provide reasonable assurance for the BRSR Core indicators consisting of Key Performance
Indicators under the ESG attributes. The Company's Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Policy is available at https://www.dlf.in/pdf/DLF-Business-Responsibility-Policy.pdf
and the BRSR for FY 2023-24 including the reasonable assurance report is annexed at Annexure-G
of this Report.
Care for the environment is a core focus area as the Company continues
to contribute to shaping a better future, which is safe, inclusive and sustainable.
Furthermore, the Company has designed business processes that incorporate social
well-being in everything that it does. It is adopting innovative means to promote
resourceefficiency,emission reduction, water conservation, waste minimisation and
biodiversity protection. It also positively engages with the communities surrounding its
operations, helping to enrich their lives through CSR programmes and employment
opportunities.
The Company is deeply committed to the health, well-being and
prosperity of its customers, partners, employees and all other stakeholders. It is
continuously innovating to create safer workplaces and intelligent energy-efficient
infrastructure. This is necessary to promote smarter cities and sustainable communities
across India as also, achieve long-term value for all its stakeholders.
While the Company focuses on expanding its footprint and increasing its
revenue, it also continues to assess and monitor the risks and opportunities. This
includes assessing the emerging trends and addressing environmental and social issues as
it moves forward. Therefore, the approach to sustainability includes monitoring growth in
alignment with its targets and commitments towards ESG.
The Company's efforts towards the environment and society are
backed by robust governance that supports its values of integrity, accountability and
transparency. DLF takes pride in the fact that it has striven to exceed legal compliance
requirements and ensured that policies and procedures supporting responsible business
practices are implemented in their true spirit. The Company has maintained rigorous safety
standards vetted by world-class independent organisations like British Safety Council,
U.K. The testimony to this is that DLF is the only Group globally, which has been
conferred with 20 Sword of Honour' Awards by them, a pinnacle of safety
standards across the world. DLF has achieved the highest number of Sword of Honour Awards,
consecutively for the last six years, maintaining its global leadership position in the
field of Occupational Health and Safety.
The DLF Group is at the top of the global leaderboard, which has been
conferred with 45 LEED Zero Water Certifications from the USGBC.
Annual Return
The Annual Return for FY 2023-24 as required under Section 92(3) of the
Act read with the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, is available at https://www.dlf.in/annual_docket/annual-Return.pdf.
Awards and Accolades
Your Company continues to lead the real estate sector and has received
several awards. The details of the major awards and accolades received during the year are
annexed at Annexure-F.
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees, Securities and Investments
Particulars of loans, guarantees, securities and investments have been
disclosed in the notes to the Standalone Financial Statements.
Transactions with Related Parties
The Company has robust processes and procedures for identification and
monitoring related party(ies) and related party transactions.
The Company's policy on Related Party Transactions is in
accordance with the requirements of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, which regulates
the transactions between the Company and its related party(ies). The said policy is
available on the Company's website at https://www.dlf.in/
pdf/RelatedPartyTransactionPolicy.pdf . The policy intends to ensure that proper
reporting, approval and disclosure processes are in place for all related party
transactions.
During the year, all the related party transactions were entered on an
arm's length basis and in the ordinary course of business. Accordingly, the
disclosure of related party transactions as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act in
Form AOC-2 is not applicable to the Company for FY 2023-24 and hence, does not
form part of this report.
Nomination and Remuneration Policy
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy was devised in accordance with
Section 178 of the Act read with SEBI Listing Regulations. The Nomination and Remuneration
Policy includes matters related to Director's appointment and remuneration including
the criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a
Director and other related matters. The Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the Company
is aimed at inculcating a performance-driven culture. Through its comprehensive
compensation program, the Company endeavours to attract, retain, develop and motivate a
high-performance workforce. The said policy is available on the Company's website at https://www.dlf.in/pdf/NominationandRemuneration
Policy.pdf.
The Company pays remuneration to its Executive Directors by way of
salary, benefits, perquisites and allowances (fixed component) and commission (variable
component). Annual increments are approved by the Board of Directors, based on the
recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC).
Based on the recommendations of NRC, the Board of Directors decides the
commission payable to the Executive Directors and Non-executive Directors, out of the
profits of the Company for FY within the ceiling as prescribed under the Act.
Succession Planning
The Board Members and the Senior Management are vital for creating a
robust future for the Company. The Company's succession planning framework is well
structured and lays down guiding principles for forward-thinking and a future-ready Board.
The NRC plays an important role in ensuring that the Company has a strong and diversified
Board. To ensure orderly succession planning, the NRC also considers tenure of Directors
and Senior Management personnel, skill matrix, diversity and statutory requirements etc.
Annual Evaluation of the Board, its Committees and Individual Directors
The NRC has formulated criteria for evaluation of Board, its
Committees' functioning and individual Directors including Independent Directors and
also specified that such evaluation will be undertaken by the NRC and the Board, pursuant
to the Act and the Rules made thereunder read with the SEBI Listing Regulations.
DLF believes that it is the collective effectiveness of the Board that
impacts Company's performance, as a whole. The Board's performance is assessed
against the roles and responsibilities as provided in the Act and SEBI Listing
Regulations. The parameters for the Board's performance evaluation have been derived
from the Board's core role of trusteeship to protect shareholders' interest and
enhance their value as well as to fulfil expectations of other stakeholders through
strategic supervisionauditobservations of the Company.
Evaluation of functioning of Board Committees is based on the
discussions amongst Committee members and shared by the respective Committee Chairperson
with the Board.
Individual Directors are evaluated in the context of the role played by
each Director as a member of the Board at its meetings, in assisting the Board in
realising its role of strategic supervision of the functioning of the Company in pursuit
of its purpose and goals. While the Board evaluated its performance as per the parameters
laid down by the NRC, the evaluation of Individual Directors was carried out as per the
laid down parameters, anonymously in order to ensure objectivity. The Independent
Directors of the Board also reviewed the performance of the Non-independent
Directors and the Board, pursuant to Schedule IV of the Act and Regulation 25 of the SEBI
Listing Regulations.
Internal Financial Controls
The Company has a robust and well embedded system of internal financial
controls. This ensures that all assets are safeguarded and protected against loss from
unauthorised use or disposition and all transactions are authorised, recorded and reported
correctly. An extensive risk-based programme of internal audit and management reviews
provides assurance on the effectiveness of internal financial controls, which are
continuously monitored through management reviews, self-assessment, functional experts as
also by the Statutory/ Internal Auditors during the course of their audits.
The internal audit was entrusted to PricewaterhouseCoopers Services
LLP. The main thrust of internal audit was to test and review controls, carry out
appraisal of risks and business processes, as also benchmarking controls with the best
industry practices.
The internal control system ensures compliance with all applicable laws
and regulations and facilitates optimum utilisation of available resources and protects
the interests of all stakeholders. The Company has clearly defined Policies, Standard
Operating Procedures (SOPs), Financial and Operational Delegation of Authority and
organisational structure for its business functions to ensure smooth conduct of its
business. The Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system supports standardisation of
processes and automation. The Compliance initiatives taken by the Company have been
reported in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Report. The internal
audit plan is also aligned to the business objectives of the Company, which is reviewed
and approved by the Audit Committee. Further, the Audit Committee monitors the adequacy
and effectiveness of your Company's internal control framework.
Significant are followed-up and the actions taken are reported to the
Audit Committee. The internal control system is commensurate with the nature, size and
complexities of operations of your Company.
Insider Trading Code
The DLF Code of Conduct to Regulate, Monitor and Report trading
by Designated Persons and their Immediate Relatives' (DLF Code') is in
compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider
Trading) Regulations, 2015, as amended (the PIT Regulations'). DLF Code is
available on the Company's website at https://www.dlf.in/ corporate governance
policies/Code_for_Prevention_ of_Insider_Trading.pdf .
The Code of Practices and Procedures for Fair Disclosure of Unpublished
Price Sensitive Information including a policy for determination of legitimate purposes is
also in line with the PIT Regulations. Further, the Company has put in place an adequate
and effective system of internal controls including maintenance of a Structured Digital
Database and SOPs to ensure compliance with the requirements of the PIT Regulations to
prevent insider trading.
Risk Management
The Board of Directors of the Company has formed a Risk Management
Committee to frame, implement and monitor the Risk Management Plan for the Company. The
Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the Risk Management Plan and
ensuring its effectiveness. The major business and process risks are identified from time
to time by the business and functional heads. The Audit Committee has additional oversight
in the area of financial risks and controls. The major risks identified by the businesses
and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing
basis.
Risk management forms an integral part of the management policies and
is an ongoing process, integrated deeply into everyday operations.
The development and implementation of the Risk Management Policy has
been covered in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms part of the
Annual Report.
Significant and Material Orders passed by Regulators or Courts or
Tribunals
During the year under significantand review, no material order was
passed by the regulators/ courts/ tribunals which would impact the going concern status of
the Company and its future operations.
However, some significant orders passed previously, forms part of Note
50 to the Standalone Financial Statements.
Details pertaining to proceeding pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC') during the year along with the status as at the
end of FY is as under: A petition under Section 9 of the IBC was filed by IL&FS
Engineering and Construction Company Limited (IL&FS') praying that the
Corporate Debtor is liable to pay approximately 46.34 crore in connection with a road
project contract at Sector 56, Gurugram. The Company has filed its reply, inter-alia
stating that the said amount is not payable and hence, the petition is liable to be
dismissed. The Company without prejudice to its rights, submitted its claims of 381.49
crore against IL&FS as on 15 October 2018 (cut-off date') to Claims
Management Advisor (CMA') i.e. Grant Thornton Bharat LLP, out of total claims
of Rs 607.04 crore.
With respect to claims after 15 October 2018, the Company has also
filed an application under Section 11 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 before
the Hon'ble Delhi High Court praying to appoint a sole arbitrator to adjudicate the
disputes between the parties. The same was dismissed by the Hon'ble Delhi High Court
vide order dated 21 December 2022 and observed that CMA, shall consider the claims already
submitted by the petitioner, in accordance with law. The Company has filed Special Leave
Petition before the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India challenging the order dated 21
December 2022. The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India vide order dated 8 December
2023 issued Notice to IL&FS. The matter is to be listed in due course.
Vigil Mechanism/ Whistle Blower Policy
The Company has established the necessary vigil mechanism for Directors
and employees in compliance with Section 177(9) of the Act read with Regulation 22 of SEBI
Listing Regulations, to report their genuine concerns or grievances regarding any
unethical behaviour at the workplace. The Company's Whistle Blower Policy is
available on the website of the Company at https://www.dlf.in/pdf/DLF-LIMITED-WHISTLE-BLOWER-POLICY.pdf.
Policy for Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace
The Company continues to follow a robust anti-sexual harassment policy
on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace' (POSH') in accordance with The Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 and Rules made thereunder.
The Company has set-up an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC') for redressal of
complaints relating to sexual harassment.
The Committee includes senior officials from the Company, an
independent member from an NGO and a legal representative as external member. The
Committee constituted in compliance with POSH ensures a free and fair enquiry process with
clear timelines for resolution. The Company has been conducting programmes on regular
basis. The Company continues to promote the cause of women colleagues, through
Jagruti', all-women's forum for experience sharing, creating awareness on
women's safety/ related issues, celebrating important days dedicated to women and
organising workshops on gender sensitivity.
All employees, including those of subsidiaries (permanent, contractual
and trainees) are covered under this policy. The policy is gender neutral.
During FY 2023-24, neither any complaint was reported nor any complaint
was pending for disposal.
Other Information
During the year under review:
There has been no material changes and commitments, affecting
the financial position, which have occurred between the end of FY to which the financial
statements relate and the date of the report;
There has been no issue of equity shares with differential
rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise;
There has been no issue of shares (including sweat equity
shares) to employees of the Company under any scheme;
There has been no change in the nature of business of the
Company;
There was no instance of one-time settlement with any Bank or
Financial Institution; and
The equity shares of the Company have not been suspended from
trading by the SEBI and/ or Stock Exchanges.
Acknowledgements
The Board of Directors wish to place on record their sincere
appreciation to all the employees for their dedication and commitment. Their hard work and
unstinted efforts enabled the Company to sustain its performance and its sectoral
leadership.
The Board of Directors would also like to express their sincere
appreciation for assistance and co-operation received from vendors and stakeholders,
including financial institutions, banks, Central and State Government authorities,
customers and other business associates, who continued to extend their valuable support
during the year under review and to the esteemed investors for showing their confidence
and faith in the management of the Company. It will be the Company's endeavour to
nurture these relationships in strengthening business sustainability.