To
The Members,
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 105th Annual
Report of Greaves Cotton Limited ("the Company" or "Greaves") on the
business and operations along with the Audited Financial Statements for the Financial Year
ended 31st March 2024.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Particulars |
Consolidated |
Standalone |
|
Year Ended 31st March 2024 |
Year Ended 31st March 2023 |
Year Ended 31st March 2024 |
Year Ended 31st March 2023 |
Total Revenue |
2697.95 |
2,766.59 |
1,816.88 |
1,592.29 |
Profit Before Tax and Exceptional items |
62.63 |
132.15 |
227.02 |
153.73 |
(Expense) / Income on Exceptional Items |
(334.83) |
(12.50) |
138.70 |
6.99 |
Profit / (Loss) Before Tax |
(273.10) |
112.81 |
365.72 |
160.72 |
Less: Tax expense |
94.17 |
43.06 |
81.36 |
45.62 |
Profit / (Loss) for the year |
(367.27)* |
69.75* |
284.36 |
115.10 |
Total Comprehensive Income / (Loss) for the year |
(367.87) |
71.49 |
284.19 |
115.95 |
Dividend paid and Tax on Dividend |
20.88 |
4.63 |
20.88 |
4.63 |
Balance of the Profit carried forward |
977.50 |
1,134.14 |
867.32 |
604.01 |
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND STATE OF AFFAIRS
The Company's performance and outlook of businesses has been discussed
in detail in the 'Management Discussion and Analysis' Report which forms a part of this
Annual Report.
During the year under review, the Company has not revised its Financial
Statement(s) or the Board's Report ("Report") in respect of any of the three
preceding Financial Years either voluntarily or pursuant to the order of a judicial
authority.
Acquisitions:
In line with the Company's strategy to diversify into new product
categories with the intent to strengthen its presence in commercial vehicles and develop
the complete mobility ecosystem, the Company acquired 60% shareholding (on a fully diluted
basis) in Excel Controlinkage Private Limited ("Excel") on 08th May
2023.
Excel is one of the largest players in mechanical and electronic motion
control systems with integrated capability to manufacture push pull cables, levers &
sensors and is the margin leader in the industry. Excel's wide range of portfolio includes
heavy duty push pull cables, mechanical levers & linkages and electronic throttle
levers catering to customer segments like Commercial Vehicles, Construction Equipment,
Agriculture, Material Handling, Marine and Special Purpose Vehicles, supplying directly to
vast majority
of the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) as well as to the
aftermarket. Excel has integrated manufacturing facility making it the leading heavy-duty
push pull cable manufacturer in India that makes Inner, Outer Conduits and End Fittings.
Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited ("GEMPL"), a
material subsidiary of the Company acquired an additional 25% shareholding in MLR Auto
Limited ("MLR") thereby increasing its holding to 51% of the shareholding in
MLR. With this MLR has become a subsidiary of GEMPL w.e.f. 16th May 2023.
NATURE OF BUSINESS
Greaves Cotton Limited is an end-to-end energy solutions Company that
has a diversified strategy to cater to the growing demand for customer-centric and
sustainable mobility solutions. The Company operates in multiple segments, namely
Automotive, Non-Automotive, Aftermarket, Retail, Electric Mobility (Ampere Electric for
electric scooters and other electric industrial products and e-rickshaws), Finance and
Technologies. With a rich legacy and brand trust of over 163 years, Greaves is dedicated
to transforming the sustainable, cleantech, and green mobility landscape through
innovative technologies, aiming to benefit a billion lives by 2030. Over the years, the
Company has actively participated in nation-building and continues to support the
'Make-In-India' initiative of the Government through its thirteen state-of-the-art
manufacturing facilities in the country, which create world-class products and solutions.
The Company's retailing network comprised approximately 10,000 retailers and over 130
distributors. Moreover, the Company has established partnerships with more than 20,000
mechanics nationwide in Financial Year 2023-24. During the year, our core business remains
unchanged, reflecting our unwavering dedication to delivering unparalleled quality and
service.
SHARE CAPITAL
Authorised:
The authorised share capital of the Company as on 31st March
2024 stood at ' 75,00,00,000 (Rupees Seventy-Five Crore) divided into 37,50,00,000
(Thirty-Seven Crore Fifty Lakh) equity shares of ' 2 each (Rupees Two only).
During the year under review, there has been no change in the
authorised share capital of the Company.
Issued, subscribed and paid-up:
The issued, subscribed and paid-up share capital of the Company as on
31st March 2024 stood at ' 46,39,99,938 (Rupees Forty-Six Crore
Thirty-Nine Lakh Ninety-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred and Thirty-Eight) divided into
23,19,99,969 (Twenty-Three Crore Nineteen Lakh Ninety-Nine Thousand Nine Hundred and
Sixty-Nine) equity shares of ' 2 each (Rupees Two only).
During the year under review, the paid-up share capital of the Company
increased pursuant to allotment of 3,51,382 (Three Lakh Fifty-One Thousand Three Hundred
and Eighty-Two) equity shares of ' 2 each (Rupees Two only) amounting to '
7,02,764 (Rupees Seven Lakh Two Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty-Four) on exercise of
stock options under 'Greaves Cotton- Employee Stock Option Plan 2020' ("the ESOP
Scheme").
There was no instance wherein the Company failed to implement any
corporate action within the statutory time limit.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the year under review, ' 0.93 Crore was transferred to
reserves on account of lapse of stock options issued under the ESOP Scheme.
DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors have recommended a dividend of ' 2 per
share (100%) on face value of ' 2 per share for the Financial Year ended on 31st
March 2024. The dividend if approved by the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General
Meeting will result in an outflow of approximately ' 46.40 Crore and at a pay-out
ratio of 16.32% of the standalone profits of the Company.
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
In terms of Regulation 43A of Securities and Exchange Board of India
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing
Regulations"), mandating the top 1000 listed entities, based on market capitalization
calculated as on 31st March of every Financial Year, to formulate a Dividend
Distribution Policy and disclose the same on their websites.
The Board of the Company has adopted a Dividend Distribution Policy and
dividend declared/recommended during the year is in accordance with the said Policy. The
said Policy is available on the Company's website under the "Investors" section
at https:// greavescotton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/dividend distribution policy.pdf
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
During the year under review, the Company has neither accepted nor
renewed any deposits from public falling under the ambit of Section 73 and 76 of the
Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act") read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits)
Rules, 2014.
REPORT ON PERFORMANCE OF SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
As on 31st March 2024, the Company has seven subsidiaries.
During the year under review, the details of the performance of the subsidiary companies
are as follows:
Greaves Finance Limited ("GFL")
GFL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, is a non-banking finance
company engaged in the business of Retail Vehicle Financing and provides lending and
related solutions to prospective purchasers of electric 2-wheeler and 3-wheeler vehicles
and also offers lease financing options to the last-mile delivery and service aggregators.
It has reported total revenue of ' 6.09 Crore and loss of ' 14.43 Crore as
against revenue of ' 4.33 Crore and loss of ' 2.90 Crore in the previous
Financial Year.
GFL has further obtained registration to act as corporate agent under
IRDAI (Registration of Corporate Agents) Regulations, 2015 w.e.f. 22nd February
2024 for the purpose of undertaking Composite Corporate Insurance Agency business.
Greaves Technologies Limited ("GTL")
GTL, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company engaged in the business
of providing engineering services to the OEMs for development or maintenance of engines,
plant and machinery and equipment of every description, reported total revenue of '
34.79 Crore and loss of ' 1.59 Crore as against revenue of ' 25.21 Crore and
loss of ' 0.23 Crore in the previous Financial Year.
Greaves Technologies Inc ("GTI")
GTI, a wholly owned subsidiary of Greaves Technologies Limited,
incorporated on 23rd February 2022 in USA, engaged in providing engineering
services, has started its operations in the Financial Year 2023-24 and reported total
revenue of ' 0.29 Crore and loss of ' 0.06 Crore.
Excel Controlinkage Private Limited ("Excel")
Excel, a subsidiary of the Company, is involved in manufacturing of
mechanical and electronic motion control systems with integrated capability to manufacture
push pull cables, levers & sensors. Excel has reported total revenue of '
264.66 Crore and profit of ' 59.95 Crore as against revenue of '189.12 Crore and
profit of ' 18.16 Crore in the previous Financial Year.
Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited ("GEMPL")
GEMPL, a material subsidiary of the Company, involved in designing and
manufacturing of electric vehicles, has reported total revenue of ' 466.35 Crore and loss
of ' 641.56 Crore as against revenue of ' 1092.35 Crore and profit of ' 6.55 Crore in the
previous Financial Year.
Bestway Agencies Private Limited ("Bestway")
Bestway, a wholly owned subsidiary of GEMPL, involved in manufacturing
and supply of ELE brand E-Rickshaw and E-3Wheeler parts, has reported total revenue of '
95.09 Crore and loss of ' 19.36 Crore as against revenue of ' 70.69 Crore and loss of '
18.15 Crore in the previous Financial Year.
MLR Auto Limited ("MLR")
MLR, a subsidiary of GEMPL, is involved in the business of design,
development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of L5 three-wheelers basis the standards
prescribed by Automotive Research Association of India. MLR has reported total revenue of
' 86.50 Crore and loss of ' 25.91 Crore as against revenue of ' 45.29 Crore and loss of '
26.30 Crore in the previous Financial Year.
A statement containing salient features of the Financial Statements in
Form AOC-1, as required under Section 129(3) of the Act forms a part of this Annual
Report.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act, the Audited
Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and separate Audited
Financial Statements in respect of subsidiaries, are available on the website of the
Company at https:// www.greavescotton.com/investors/financials.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for Financial Year
2023-24 are prepared in compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act, including
Indian Accounting Standards specified under Section 133 of the Act. The Audited
Consolidated Financial Statements together with the Auditors' Report thereon forms part of
this Annual Report. The same is with unmodified opinion (unqualified).
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
Pursuant to Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of the Listing
Regulations, the Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review, is
presented as a separate section, forming part of this Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
The Company follows the principles of Corporate Governance in letter
and spirit. Requirements relating to Board of Directors, its Committees, related party
transactions, disclosures, etc. as prescribed under the Listing Regulations, have been
duly complied with. A detailed report on Corporate Governance for the Financial Year ended
31st March 2024 along with the Statutory Auditor's certificate on compliance
with the provisions of Corporate Governance under Listing Regulations, is forming part of
this Annual Report.
The quarterly Corporate Governance Reports confirming that the Company
has complied with the statutory provisions were filed with the Stock Exchanges, where the
shares of the Company are listed and also placed before the Board.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
A separate section on Business Responsibility & Sustainability
Report, as required pursuant to Regulation 34(2)(f) of Listing Regulations forms part of
this Annual Report.
COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF CONDUCT
A declaration signed by the Managing Director affirming compliance with
the Company's Code of Conduct by the Directors and Senior Management, for the Financial
Year 2023-24, as required under Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, forms part of this
Annual Report.
ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Company's manufacturing units are governed by 'Environment Policy'
and 'Health and Safety Policy' and are certified as per ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 assessment
standards. The Company has various safety guidelines in place which help identify unsafe
actions or conditions at the Company premises. These guidelines form the corner stone on
which the Company can operate smoothly devoid of any mishap or accidents at the work
place. The Company takes various steps to promote environment, health and safety measures
across the Company, which, inter alia, includes:
1. Complimentary and Annual health check-up & consultation facility
at reputed hospital for employees and their family members followed up with data analysis,
gap identification & counselling.
2. Systems implementation to ensure zero compromise on safety through
'Work permit system' and ownership of adherence to the safety norms.
3. Regular safety drives coupled with effective trainings are conducted
to help spread awareness among employees on how to maintain a safe work environment.
4. The Company places equal emphasis on safety processes, behavioural
safety and strives to create safety positive culture towards achieving the ultimate goal
of zero accidents.
5. Increased focus on training & awareness, safety guidelines and
various audits like Internal Audit, SMAT Audit, theme-based safety inspection, safety
patrolling, fire equipment audit & emergency equipment audit.
6. Identification of safety hazards, near misses and accident-prone
areas through safety management audit.
7. Employees are also required to take a safety oath and are encouraged
to actively participate in various competitions like poster, slogan, poem, essay
competition during the national safety week celebration.
8. Various health programs were organized like blood donation camps,
neuropathy, eye check-up, tetanus toxoid vaccination camp and sessions on stress
management, brain stroke, etc.
9. World Environment Day and Earth Day are observed on an annual basis.
10. Environmental measures like planting saplings are conducted across
all the facilities.
11. Various green initiatives taken at our Aurangabad plant like
afforestation initiative by implementing the Japanese method of Miyawaki plantation,
around 1000 saplings planted in & around plant premises under the each one plant one
initiative. Further, green belts have been developed in the areas around other factory
premises.
12. Water conservation initiative undertaken by having an artificial
farm lake at our Aurangabad plant.
13. Reducing the carbon footprint & emission of greenhouse gases by
recycling & reusing the aluminium scrap briquettes by working with the supplier to
promote recycling.
14. Use of recyclable pallets for the transportation of finished goods.
15. Use of moulded pulp packaging for transportation of finished
components, which is recyclable as well as biodegradable.
16. Our factories are equipped with both Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP)
& Sewage Treatment Plant (STP). Water is re-used for gardening purposes after
treatment through these units.
17. Digitalisation of SOP's, check-sheets and reports at shop floor
imbibing culture of paperless operations.
18. Installation of 700 KW solar power plant at our Industrial Engines
Unit located at Chikalthana Aurangabad in April 2023. This solar power plant will generate
approx. 10 Lakh units of electricity annually.
HUMAN RESOURCES
Fit for purpose capability is pivotal to an organisation's growth and
success. At Greaves, we continued our focus on attracting, retaining and developing the
right talent to meet current and future business needs of the Company. The Company seeks
to create an environment of fairness, transparency and mutual respect, wherein the
aspirations of employees and goals of the enterprise are aligned to achieve mutual benefit
on a continuous long-term basis.
We have strengthened our efforts behind DEEP (Development, Education,
Empowerment, Progress), a Community Partnership intervention to empower socio-economically
underprivileged youth for independent livelihood by engaging them to acquire and apply fit
for purpose of vocational skills, thereby improving their employability for a better
future.
In Financial Year 2023-24, we had 48 DEEP Trainees available with us.
Till date we have inducted 467 DEEP Trainees.
In Financial Year 2023-24, the relations of the Company with all its
employees and trade unions remained harmonious. The payroll count of Company's permanent
employees was 990 as on 31st March 2024.
Disclosures pertaining to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013
Pursuant to the requirements under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Company has
enacted a Policy on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at
Workplace and constituted an Internal Complaints Committee which is in compliance with the
applicable statutory requirements. There were no cases with respect to sexual harassment
pending at the start of the year, however, one case was filed and resolved during the year
under review. There were no complaints pending as on 31st March 2024.
GREAVES COTTON - EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION PLAN 2020
In order to ring fence and incentivize key talent, for driving long
term objectives of the Company and ensuring that employee pay-offs match the long
gestation period of certain key initiatives whilst simultaneously fostering ownership
behaviour and collaboration amongst employees, the Shareholders of the Company through
Postal Ballot notice dated 11th June 2020 had approved the Greaves Cotton -
Employees Stock Option Plan 2020 ("the ESOP Scheme") on 11th July
2020 for grant upto 46,24,135 stock options ('the Options') to the eligible employees of
the Company, its holding company and subsidiaries.
There was no change in the ESOP Scheme during the Financial Year under
review. The ESOP Scheme is in compliance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and
Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021. Details of the ESOP Scheme have also been provided in
notes to the Standalone Financial Statements.
The ESOP Scheme is being administered and monitored by the Nomination
and Remuneration Committee ("NRC") of the Board of Directors of the Company.
During Financial Year 2023-24, no employee was granted options equal to or exceeding 1% of
the issued share capital of the Company.
In compliance with the requirements of the SEBI (Share Based Employee
Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, a certificate from Secretarial Auditors
confirming implementation of ESOP Scheme in accordance with the said regulations will be
available electronically for inspection by the Shareholders during the ensuing Annual
General Meeting ("AGM") of the Company.
During the year under review, 3,51,382 (Three Lakh Fifty-One Thousand
Three Hundred and Eighty-Two) equity shares of ' 2 each were allotted under the
ESOP Scheme.
The details of the ESOP Scheme, including terms of reference and the
requirement specified under the Act and the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat
Equity) Regulations, 2021, are available on the Company's website at
https://www.greavescotton. com/investors/financials
DIRECTORS
Executive Director Change in Designation
Based on the recommendations of the NRC and the Board, the shareholders
at the 104th AGM held on 10th August 2023 approved re-designation of
Mr. Nagesh Basavanhalli from Executive Vice Chairman to Non - Executive Vice Chairman of
the Company with effect from 12th May 2023 along with other terms and
conditions.
Independent Director Appointment
Based on the recommendation of the NRC, the Board appointed Mr.
Mangalath Unnikrishnan as an Additional Director (Non-Executive, Independent) of the
Company for a period of 5 (five) consecutive years with effect from 01st April
2024, subject to approval of the shareholders which shall be obtained within 3 months from
the date of appointment.
Cessation/Resignation
Mr. Arvind Kumar Singhal completed his second consecutive term as an
Independent Director and thus retired as an Independent Director of the Company with
effect from the close of business hours on 31st March 2024.
Mr. Kewal Handa resigned as an Independent Director of the Company with
effect from 05th April 2023 due to his professional commitments.
Retire by Rotation
Re-appointment of Director liable to retire by rotation
The shareholders at the 104th AGM held on 10th
August 2023 approved the re-appointment of Mr. Karan Thapar as a Director liable to retire
by rotation.
Mr. Karan Thapar retires by rotation at the ensuing AGM, and being
eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
Profile of Director to be re-appointed at the ensuing AGM, as required
by Regulation 36(3) of the Listing Regulations and Secretarial Standard - 2 on General
Meetings, is given in the notice of the ensuing AGM.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
As on the date of this report, the Company has the following Key
Managerial Personnel ("KMP") as per section 2(51) of the Act:
Sr. No. Name of the KMP |
Designation |
1. Dr. Arup Basu |
Managing Director |
2. Mr. Atindra Basu |
Group General Counsel and |
|
Company Secretary |
3. Mrs. Akhila Balachandar |
Chief Financial Officer |
Based on the recommendation of the NRC & Audit Committee, the Board
at its meeting held on 12th May 2023, appointed Mrs. Akhila Balachandar as the
Chief Financial Officer of the Company with effect from 13th June 2023.
Mr. Dalpat Jain, Chief Financial Officer of the Company resigned with
effect from 12th June 2023 and thus he ceased to be a KMP of the Company.
STATEMENT OF DECLARATION GIVEN BY THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
All the Independent Directors of the Company have submitted requisite
declarations confirming that they continue to meet the criteria of independence as
prescribed under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing
Regulations. The Independent Directors have also confirmed that they have complied with
Schedule IV of the Act and the Company's Code of Conduct.
Further, in terms of Section 150 of the Act read with Companies
(Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, all Independent Directors of the
Company are registered with Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs. In the opinion of the
Board, the Independent Directors hold highest standard of integrity and possess the
requisite qualifications, experience and expertise.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
In terms of Section 134 (5) of the Act, the Directors state that to the
best of their knowledge and belief and according to the information and explanations
obtained by them:
1. In the preparation of the annual accounts for the Financial Year
ended 31st March 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed;
2. 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 31st March 2024 and of the
profit of the Company for that period;
3. Taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the
assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
4. Prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
5. Laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company
and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating effectively; and
6. Devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of
all applicable laws and that such systems were
POLICY ON APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS
Based on the recommendation of the NRC and approval of the Board, the
Company has adopted the policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors, KMPs and
Senior Management and formulated the criteria for determining the qualifications, positive
attributes and independence of a director. The said criteria include, inter alia, that a
person to be appointed on the Board of the Company should possess in addition to the
fundamental attributes of character and integrity, appropriate qualifications, skills,
experience and knowledge in one or more fields of engineering, banking, management,
finance, marketing, legal, ESG and a proven track record.
The NRC makes recommendations to the Board regarding the
appointment/re-appointment of Directors. The role of the NRC encompasses conducting a gap
analysis, wherever applicable, and identifying suitable candidates for Directorship. Based
on the recommendation of the NRC, the Board recommends the appointment of director to the
shareholders of the Company.
The policy of the Company on Directors remuneration as required under
sub-section (3) of Section 178 of the Act is given in Annexure 1 to this Board's
Report and also available on the Company's website at
https://greavescotton.com/wp-content/ uploads/2023/04/GCL-Remuneration-Policy
04.05.2021.pdf.
The Company recognizes and embraces the benefits of having a diverse
Board and sees increasing diversity at Board level as an essential element in maintaining
a competitive advantage. The Company believes that diverse board will leverage differences
in knowledge, perspective, skills, background, race and gender, which will help the
Company to retain its competitive advantage. The Board has adopted the Policy on Board
Diversity which sets out the approach to the diversity of the Board of Directors. The said
Policy is available on the Company's website at https://greavescotton.
com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Policy Board Diversity.pdf.
The NRC periodically reviews and oversees the succession planning for
the Board and select senior management positions as part of its talent management process.
Our focused approach on retaining the critical talent ensures that the business objectives
are achieved in line with overall purpose of the Company.
The details of Board and Committee composition, tenure of Directors,
areas of expertise, criteria for making payments to Non-Executive Directors and other
details are disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report which forms a part of this Annual
Report.
During the year under review, the Managing Director of the Company did
not receive any remuneration or commission from any subsidiary of the Company as required
under Section 197 (14) of the Act.
RATIO OF REMUNERATION OF EACH DIRECTOR TO THE MEDIAN REMUNERATION OF
THE EMPLOYEES
The information as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with
Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014, is given as Annexure 2 to this Board's Report.
The Annual Report except the statement of particulars of employees
pursuant to Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is being sent to the Shareholders of the Company and
others entitled thereto in terms of Section 136 of the Act. If any Shareholder is
interested in obtaining a copy of the said statement, they may write to the Company
Secretary at the Corporate Office of the Company or send an e-mail at
investorservices@greavescotton.com stating their Folio No./ DPID & Client ID.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR DIRECTORS
The Company follows a structured orientation programme including
presentations by key personnel to familiarize the Directors with the Company's operations.
Presentations made at the Board / Committee Meetings, inter alia, cover the business
strategies and performance, brand architecture, budgets, factory visits, CSR activities,
key risks in PESTLE format, operations of subsidiaries, update on regulatory requirements
etc. where the Directors get an opportunity to interact with the Senior Management.
The Directors' Familiarisation Programme is displayed on the Company's
website at https://greavescotton.com/
wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Familiarisation-Programmes- for-Directors-2022-23-1.pdf
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE OF BOARD, ITS COMMITTEES, AND INDIVIDUAL
DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors evaluated the effectiveness of their functioning
including that of its Committees and of individual directors, pursuant to the provisions
of the Act and the Listing Regulations.
The criteria for performance evaluation included, inter alia, relevant
experience and skills, preparedness and constructive contributions, transparency,
participation in strategic long-term planning, integrity, focus on shareholder value
creation, monitoring corporate governance practices, relationship with the management and
Board/Committee culture and dynamics.
The Board evaluation process has been completed for FY 2023-24 and the
same was carried out by way of an internal assessments based on combination of a detailed
questionnaire and through verbal discussions.
The Independent Directors also at their separate meeting held for the
Financial Year 2023-24, met without the presence of the
management and Non-Independent and Non-Executive Director wherein they
evaluated the performance of the Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole. The
performance of the Chairman of the Company was also evaluated after considering the views
of Executive Director and Non-Executive Directors.
In the Board meeting held after the meeting of the Independent
Directors, the performance of the Board, its Committees, and individual Directors were
discussed after considering inputs from all the eligible Directors (excluding the Director
being evaluated).
The Board of Directors were satisfied with the performance of the
Board, its Committees and individual directors and noted that there is adequate flow of
information from Company to the Board and the suggestions and recommendations given by the
Board are considered for follow up action. The Board Committees are well-managed,
functioning adequately and the meetings are held on a timely basis giving attention to
each agenda item.
LOANS, GUARANTEES AND INVESTMENTS
Particulars of loans, guarantees and investments as per Section 186 of
the Act, as on the 31st March 2024 are given in the Notes to the Financial
Statements.
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All contracts, arrangements and transactions entered by the Company
with related parties during Financial Year 2023- 24 were in the ordinary course of
business and on an arm's length basis. All related party transactions that were approved
by the Audit Committee were reviewed by the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis. Prior
approval of the Audit Committee by way of omnibus approval was obtained periodically for
the transactions which were planned and/or repetitive in nature.
Necessary disclosure with respect to the material related party
transactions during the FY 2023-24, is given in the prescribed form AOC-2 which is annexed
as Annexure 3 to this report.
Details of transactions with related parties are disclosed in the Notes
to the Standalone Financial Statements, forming part of this Annual Report.
The policy on dealing with related party transactions is available on
the Company's website at https://greavescotton.com/wp-content/
uploads/2023/07/Draft-RPT-Policy-12.05.2023.pdf
ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Act, the
Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2024 is available on the Company's
website at https://www.greavescotton.com/ investors/financials
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Particulars of conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign
exchange earnings and outgo, as prescribed in Rule 8 (3) of the Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 are given in Annexure 4 to this Board's Report.
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The details of the number of meetings of the Board and other Committees
are given in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report.
The Company has devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company
Secretaries of India and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
As on 31st March 2024, the Board had five committees: the
Audit Committee, the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Environmental, Social and
Governance & Corporate Social Responsibility Committee ("ESG & CSR
Committee"), the Risk Management Committee and the Stakeholders Relationship and
Share Transfer Committee.
The details pertaining to composition of the Committees and brief terms
of reference of the Committees of the Board are disclosed in the Corporate Governance
Report which forms part of this Annual Report. All the recommendations made by the
Committees were accepted by the Board.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has a Risk Management Committee of Directors to oversee the
risk management efforts. The Company has put in place a robust Enterprise Risk Management
(ERM) Policy which covers strategic risks, operational risks, regulatory risks and
catastrophic risks and provides a clear identification of "Risks That Matter
(RTM)". These RTMs are periodically monitored by the Management and reviewed by the
Risk Management Committee. Implementation of this ERM Policy effectively supports the
Board and the Management in ensuring that risks, if any, which may significantly impact
the Company are adequately highlighted and mitigation actions are implemented in a
time-bound manner to reduce the risk impact. There are no material risks, which in the
opinion of the Board threaten the existence of the Company. However, the risks that may
pose a concern are set out in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report which forms
part of this Annual Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 135 of the Act and the Companies
(Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, the Company has adopted a Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR)
Policy, as recommended by the ESG & CSR Committee covering the
objectives, initiatives, outlay, implementation, monitoring, etc. The CSR Policy is
displayed on the Company's website at https://
greavescotton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/GCL-CSR- Policy 04.05.2021.pdf.
During the year under review, the nomenclature of CSR Committee was
revised to ESG & CSR Committee to cover Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG')
roles and responsibilities while ensuring it complies with the requirement of the Act.
A report on the CSR activities in the format prescribed under the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, is given in Annexure 5 to
this Board's Report.
The Company is committed to help people live better and to make
communities stronger. The focus of our CSR project is skill building and employability
enhancement that can create a positive impact in the society we operate in while also
ushering in meaningful change. The objective is to empower youth from underprivileged
communities by providing technical skills to get employed and support their families to
have more inclusive society.
Under Upskilling Theme
The Company's flagship programme DEEP (Development, Education,
Empowerment and Progress) is focused on upskilling and training the youth from
socio-economically deprived families for better employability and earning opportunities.
Under this CSR initiative, the Company is helping to empower the youth
from the local communities by imparting the required technical skills. Till date, the
Company has helped 157 youths to successfully complete their training to upskill
themselves and to enable them taking up jobs in the fast-growing manufacturing sector.
During the year under review, Greaves along with the National
Employability Enhancement Mission (NEEM) has been imparting training to 48 youths from
underprivileged families in and around Aurangabad District through various upskilling work
and empowering the local rural communities to get employment and support their families.
Under DEEP upskilling project through our local NGO partner Yuvashakti Foundation, Greaves
ensured Development, Education, Empowerment and Progress of the youths residing in various
villages of Aurangabad District. Through this initiative, we will continue to encourage
diversity and till date, we have also trained more than 45 girls so that they become
economically independent. This programme is a part of skill development initiative
launched by the Central government under NEEM- a program through All India Council for
Technical Education.
Outcome for DEEP Training
These DEEP trainees undergo the exhaustive and comprehensive training
module which is mainly focuses on below areas:
Identify parts of automotive engines and understand their
function / importance.
Assemble & dissemble engines independently.
Plan and organise work requirements deliverables in the given
time.
Use resources in a responsible manner.
Interact & communicate effectively with cross functional
team.
VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has established a vigil mechanism through a Whistle Blower
Policy, where under, the Directors, Employees and Other Persons can voice their genuine
concerns or grievances about any unethical or unacceptable business practice. A
whistle-blowing mechanism not only helps the Company in detection of fraud but is also
used as a corporate governance tool leading to prevention and deterrence of misconduct.
The Company regularly provides Code of Conduct trainings to create awareness on the
whistle-blower mechanism available across various locations. It provides direct access to
the Directors, Employees and Other Persons to approach the Compliance Officer or the
Chairperson of the Audit Committee, wherever necessary. The Company ensures that genuine
Whistle Blowers are accorded complete protection from any kind of unfair treatment or
victimisation. The Board at its meeting held on 12th May 2023 amended the
Whistle Blower Policy to extend its scope to the subsidiary companies and to deal with
matters involving leak or suspected leak of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information as per
Insider Trading Regulations. The Whistle Blower Policy is available on the Company's
website at https:// greavescotton.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Whistle-Blower-
Policv-for-website-upload.pdf.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS RELATED TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To safeguard its assets and ensure efficient productivity at all
levels, the Company has robust internal control systems in place, commensurate with the
size and industry in which it operates. The internal control systems and benchmarks
conform to the globally accepted framework as issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organisations of the Treadway Commission Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013).
The Company ensures that the systems are periodically upgraded to keep pace with changing
norms and ensures their effectiveness.
The internal controls are designed to ensure that the following
conditions are met with:
Operations are performed effectively and efficiently;
Assets are adequately safeguarded;
Frauds and errors are prevented and detected within time;
Accounting records are accurate and complete across all
businesses;
Financial information is prepared on time and are reliable.
In addition, standardised operating procedures, policies and
guidelines, regular monitoring procedures and self-assessment exercises are also followed.
All employees are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct in their regular work.
Employees are benefited by a well-defined whistle blower policy that
ensures and encourages reporting of any misconduct, unethical behaviour or any behaviour
with possibility of conflict of interest. Highest standards of integrity and transparency
are adhered to and further encouraged by a self-monitoring mechanism.
During Financial Year 2023-24, key controls were adequately tested and
appropriate measures were initiated where deviation from standard practices was
identified. The Internal Auditors and Corporate Assurance Department monitors and controls
the effectiveness of the internal control systems. The implementation of the corrective
actions and improvements in business processes are regularly followed up by the Corporate
Assurance Department. The Company is also committed in ensuring that the operations are
carried out within the purview of applicable laws and statutory requirements.
In the opinion of Statutory Auditors, the Company has in all material
respects, an adequate internal financial controls system over financial reporting and such
internal financial controls over financial reporting were operating effectively as at 31st
March 2024.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (FRN.:
117366W / W-100018) were re-appointed as Statutory Auditor of the Company at the 101st
AGM to hold the office until the conclusion of the 106th AGM of the Company.
The Audit Committee at its meeting held on 07th May 2024,
evaluated the performance of the Statutory Auditors along with the Management and was
satisfied with their performance. In the opinion of the Audit Committee, the Statutory
Auditor is competent, qualified and is independent of the Board and the Management.
The Statutory Auditor continue to remain eligible to act as the
Statutory Auditor of the Company.
STATUTORY AUDITORS' REPORTS
Reports issued by the Statutory Auditors on the Standalone and
Consolidated Financial Statements for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2024
does not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
DETAILS IN RESPECT OF FRAUDS REPORTED BY AUDITORS
The Statutory Auditor, Secretarial Auditor and Cost Auditor of the
Company has not reported any instances of fraud to the Audit Committee, under the Section
143(12) of the Act.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS, IF ANY, AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL
POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There are no material changes and commitments which affect the
financial position of the Company that have occurred between the end of the Financial Year
to which the Financial Statements relate and the date of this report.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act read with Rule 9
of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 and
Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations:
a. the Company had engaged the services of M/s. Purwar & Purwar
Associates LLP, Company Secretary in Practice, to conduct the Secretarial Audit of the
Company and provide annual secretarial compliance report for the Financial Year ended 31st
March 2024.
b. Greaves Electric Mobility Private Limited, Material Subsidiary of
the Company, had engaged the services of M/s. SGGS & Associates for conducting the
Secretarial Audit for the Financial Year ended 31st March 2024.
The Secretarial Audit Report (Form MR - 3) of the Company and its
material subsidiary are attached as Annexure 6 and 7 respectively to this Board's
Report. The Annual Secretarial Compliance Report to be issued by the Secretarial Auditor,
was submitted to the stock exchanges within the statutory timelines and is available on
the Company's website at http://www.greavescotton.com/investors/ corporate-announcements
The Secretarial Audit Report of the Company does not contain any
qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with clause
(ix) of Rule 8(5) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, adequate cost accounts and
records are made and maintained by the Company as specified by the Central Government. The
Cost Audit Report for the year ended 31st March 2023, was filed with the
Central Government within the prescribed time and for the
year ended 31st March 2024, the audit report will be filed
within prescribed timeline.
COST AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 148(3) of the Act, the Board has
appointed M/s. Dhananjay V. Joshi & Associates, Cost Accountants (Firm Registration
Number: 000030), as the Cost Auditors of the Company to conduct an audit of the cost
records maintained by the Company for the financial year ending 31st March
2025.
As required under Section 148 of the Act read with the Companies (Audit
and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor is required to be
ratified by the Shareholders. The Board of Directors recommends the same for ratification
by Shareholders at the ensuing AGM.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
The Directors confirm that during the Financial Year under review:
there were no significant material orders passed by the
Regulators or Courts or Tribunals impacting the going concern status of the Company and
its operations;
there was no issue of equity shares with differential rights as
to dividend, voting or otherwise;
there was no issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to
the employees of the Company under any scheme other than ESOP Scheme and there are no
shares held in trust for the benefit of the employees of the Company.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Board wishes to place on record its appreciation for all the
employees for their hard work, solidarity, co-operation and dedication during the year.
The Board sincerely conveys its appreciation to other stakeholders for
their continued support.