Your Directors are pleased to present the Forty Second Annual Report
along with the audited financial statements for the financial year ended 31st
March 2024:
PERFORMANCE |
|
(Rs. in Lakhs) |
FINANCIAL RESULTS |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Total Income |
128121.60 |
128011.84 |
PBIDT |
10653.90 |
9550.71 |
Profit Before Tax (PBT) |
6861.63 |
4031.70 |
Less: Provision for Tax |
1420.51 |
1058.16 |
Profit After Tax (PAT) |
5441.12 |
2973.54 |
Add: Profit brought forwarded from previous year |
13825.91 |
11153.72 |
Other Comprehensive Income |
(14.09) |
(40.35) |
Total Comprehensive Income |
|
|
available for Appropriation |
19252.94 |
14086.91 |
Appropriations: |
|
|
General Reserve |
- |
- |
Dividend on Equity Shares |
(348.01) |
(261.00) |
Surplus Carried to Balance Sheet |
18904.93 |
13825.91 |
DIVIDEND
Your Directors recommend a dividend of 20% ( 0.40/- per share) for the
financial year 2023-24. Payment of dividend is subject to the approval of shareholders at
the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The dividend distribution policy framed by the Company
in accordance with the Regulation 43A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (SEBI LODR) and approved by the Board of Directors is
available on the Company's website and is accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
No transfer to the General Reserves has been proposed for the financial
year 2023-24.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid up equity share capital as on 31st March 2024 was
1740.02 Lakhs.
OPERATIONS
During the year, the Company recorded Revenue from Operations of
1266.94 Crores as against
1263.97 Crores in 2022-23, a marginal increase compared to previous
year. Our Exports business registered a growth of 35% compared with previous year and
stood at 445.27 Crores. Profit After Tax made during the year including exceptional item
is 54.41 Crores as against 29.73 Crores in 2022-23, an increase of about 83%. The
production during the year was 85,366 MT, compared to the previous year's 84,238 MT.
During the year the sales were affected due to slow down in the tractor sector and
profitability improved due to better realization and increased exports.
EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS
During the year the Company has made a profit of 17.80 Crores on
account of sale of surplus land available with the Company. This amount has been grouped
under exceptional items.
MATERIAL CHANGES & EVENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE
COMPANY
There are no material changes and events affecting the financial
position of the Company occurred between the end of the financial year and the date of
this report.
OUTLOOK
Amidst a strong economic expansion of 7.6% underpinned by the Indian
government's supportive policies, the Indian automobile industry has exhibited a
commendable performance, with the domestic market registering a 12.5% increase over the
last fiscal year. As per the Society of Indian Automobile
Manufacturers (SIAM), there was a slight upturn in overall Commercial
Vehicles sales, which rose marginally from 962,468 units in FY2022-23 to 967,878 units in
FY2023-24. The segment for Medium and Heavy Commercial Vehicles saw a moderate
year-over-year growth of approximately 4%, with sales ascending from 359,003 units in
FY2022-23 to 373,194 units in FY2023-24. Conversely, Light Commercial Vehicles observed a
small dip in sales, going from 603,465 units in FY2022-23 to 594,684 units in FY2023-24.
The Commercial Vehicle sector experienced minimal growth, with certain setbacks in LCVs
and SCVs primarily attributed to a downturn in the CNG category. A shift towards trucks
with greater tonnage, which offer increased payload capacity, also influenced the growth
figures as this trend is not directly captured by unit sales numbers.
As the industry looks forward to the 2025 fiscal year, prospects for
advancement appear promising, especially with the anticipation of new launches, notably in
the Electric Vehicle (EV) market. The sector maintains a positive outlook, buoyed by the
country's economic trajectory, proactive government initiatives, and the expectations
of a beneficialmonsoon season that could further stimulate demand.
Nonetheless, the industry recognizes that it faces hurdles, including
intensifying competition and the persistent necessity for strategic market engagement,
both of which demand vigilant management. The Indian tractor industry declined by about 7%
in quantity terms in FY2023-24, after registering the highest ever annual production and
domestic sales in the previous year. Total volume stood at 874,504 compared with 940,985
units. The decline in domestic sales can be majorly attributed to moderate growth in the
coming high baseeffectof theprevious fiscal. years on the back of augmented financial
support to farmers through loans and subsidies, growth in agricultural productivity,
tremendous potential to grow in the export market, government initiatives regarding rural
development and farm mechanization along with various other factors, such as high rural
wages and scarcity of farm labour, are likely to increase the tractor volume over the long
term. The headroom for growth is immense and given that agriculture has huge weight in the
overall economy.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has prepared Consolidated Financial Statements of Nelcast
Limited and its subsidiary NC Energy Limited as at 31st March 2024, in
accordance with the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation
33 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and
prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards prescribed by the Institute of
Chartered Accountants of India. As required by the Listing Regulations, the audited
Consolidated Financial Statements are circulated with the Annual Report.
SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
In terms of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5
of the Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014, the salient features of the financial statements of
subsidiary company is set out in the prescribed form AOC-1, which is annexed with this
report as Annexure-A. The Company will make available the audited financial statements and
related information of its subsidiary, upon request by any of its shareholders and it has
also been placed on the website of the Company. The financial statements of the subsidiary
company will also be kept for inspection by any member at the Registered Office of the
Company and its subsidiary company. presented by the Company, which form part of this
annual report, include financialresults of its subsidiary company.
QUALITY AND CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
The Company adheres to IATF 16949 quality standards and continuously
strives to achieve world class quality by strictly adhering to the quality norms. The
Company has also been awarded ISO
14001 & ISO 45001 certifications for implementing Health, Safety
& Environmental Management
Systems.
The Company is a supplier to several leading OEM customers like Tata
Motors, Ashok Leyland, TAFE, Eicher Tractors (TMTL), Volvo-Eicher Commercial Vehicles,
SAME Tractors, Escorts Tractors, International Tractors (ITL), Daimler India, Caterpillar,
etc., Tier I customers like Automotive Axles, American Axles, Dana, Rane Madras, Rane-TRW,
ZF India, etc., and Export customers like Meritor, American Axles, Daimler, Dana, Comer,
ZF Industries etc. The Company is closely working with several of its customers in terms
of new product development, improvement in quality, etc. to improve our products.
DEPOSITS
The Company has not accepted any public deposits during the year and as
such, no amount on account of principal or interest on deposits from public was
outstanding as at 31st March 2024.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL Composition
The Corporate Governance Report annexed to this Board's Report
contains the composition of the Board of Directors of the Company.
Mr. Vinod K Dasari (DIN: 00345657) was appointed as an Additional
(Non-Executive Independent) Director of the Company with effect from 13th May
2024. On recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of
Directors have proposed the appointment of Mr. Vinod K
Dasari as a Non-Executive Independent Director, not liable to retire by
rotation, for a period of five (5) years from 13th May 2024 to 12th
May 2029. In the opinion of the Board, Mr. Vinod K Dasari fulfils the conditions specified
in the Companies Act, 2013, and Rules made thereunder for appointment as an Independent
Director and possesses integrity, necessary expertise, relevant experience and proficiency
and is independent of the management of the Company. The resolution seeking
shareholder's approval for his appointment forms part of the Notice.
Mr. A. Balasubramanian (DIN: 00490921) and Mr. D. Sesha Reddy (DIN:
00520448) were appointed as Independent Directors on the Board of the Company for the
second term of 5 years with effect from 6th August 2019 to 5th
August 2024 by the shareholders in the Annual General Meeting held on 1st
August 2019. Their term of officeexpires on 5 th August 2024. On the
recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors
appointed them as Non-Executive Non-Independent Directors of the Company, liable to retire
by rotation, with effect from 6th August 2024 subject to approval of the
shareholders in the forthcoming Annual General Meeting. The resolution seeking
shareholder's approval for their appointment forms part of the Notice.
Ms. P. Divya, Director (DIN: 05158352) is due to retire by rotation and
being eligible offers herself for reappointment.
Mr. P. Deepak, Managing Director & CEO and Mr. S.K. Sivakumar,
Chief Financial Officer & Company Secretary hold the office of Key Managerial
Personnel.
Independent Directors
The Independent Directors have fulfilled the criteria of Independence
as defined under Section
149(6) and requisite declarations in terms of Section 149(7) of the
Companies Act, 2013 have been received. During the year under review a separate meeting of
independent directors was held on 29th January 2024.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
In compliance with the provisions of Sections 135, 177, 178 of the Act
and Listing Regulations, the Board has constituted Corporate Social Responsibility
Committee, Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders
Relationship Committee, Risk Management Committee. The details of the composition of all
the committees are furnished in the Corporate Governance Report which is attached to this
report.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND COMMITTEES
During the year, four meetings of the Board of Directors were held. The
details of the meetings of the Board and its Committees are furnished in the Corporate
Governance Report which is attached to this report.
COMPANY'S POLICY RELATING TO DIRECTORS APPOINTMENT, PAYMENT OF
REMUNERATION AND DISCHARGE OF THEIR DUTIES
The provisions of Section 178(1) of the Companies Act, 2013 relating to
constitution of Nomination and Remuneration Committee are applicable to the Company and
hence, the Company has devised a policy relating to appointment of Directors, payment of
managerial remuneration, Directors' positive attributes, independence of Directors
and other related matters as provided qualifications, under Section 178(3) of the
Companies Act, 2013. The said policy is available on the Company's website and is
accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
In accordance with the provisions of Section 134(3)(c) read with
Section 134(5) of the Companies
Act, 2013 the Board of Directors, to the best of their knowledge
confirm that: a) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting
standards had been followed along with proper explanations relating to material
departures; b) the Directors had 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 at the end of the
financial year ended 31 st March 2024 and of the profit of the Company for that
period; c) the Directors had taken proper and sufficientcare for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013,
for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and
other irregularities; d) the Directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis; e) the Directors had laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the
Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively; f) 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;
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Company has been pro-active in following the principles and
practices of good Corporate Governance. The Company has taken adequate steps to ensure
that the conditions of Corporate
Governance as stipulated in the Listing Regulations are complied with
letter and spirit. A certificate issued by the auditors of the Company regarding
compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance is also annexed to this report. The
matters relating to Corporate Governance as per the Listing Regulations are attached to
this report. The management's discussion and analysis report as required by the
Listing Regulations is also annexed which forms part of this report.
CERTIFICATE FROM COMPANY SECRETARY IN PRACTICE
L. Dhanamjaya Reddy, Practicing Company Secretary,hasissued certificateas
required under the
Listing Regulations, confirming that none of the directors on the Board
of the Company has been debarred or disqualified from being appointed or continuing as
director of companies by the SEBI / Ministry of Corporate Affairs or any such
statutoryauthority.Thecertificateis enclosed with this section as Annexure-B.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (BRSR)
Pursuant to Regulation 34(2)(f) of the Listing Regulations and SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) (Second Amendment) Regulations, the
initiatives taken by the Company from an environmental, social and governance perspective
for the financial year 2023-24 has been given in the Business Responsibility and
Sustainability Report (BRSR) as per the format specified by
SEBI Circular is given as Annexure-C to this Report and is also
available on the Company's website and is accessible at
https://nelcast.com/sustainability.
PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All contracts/arrangements/transactions entered by the Company during
the financial year 2023-24 with related parties were in the ordinary course of the
business and at Arm's Length basis. There related party transactions made by the
Company with Promoters, Key arenomateriallysignificant Managerial Personnel or other
designated persons which may have potential conflict with interest of the Company at
large. The details of the transactions with related parties are given in the financial
statements. The Related Party Transaction Policy is available on the Company's
website and is accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has adopted a Whistle Blower Policy in line with the
provisions of Section 177(9) and 177(10) of the Act and Regulation 22 of the Listing
Regulations, to provide a formal mechanism to the Directors and Employees to report their
concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of the
Company's Code of Conduct or ethics policy. The Policy provides for adequate
safeguards against victimization of employees who avail of the mechanism and also provides
direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Itisaffirmedthat no personnel of the
Company have been denied access to the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy is
available on the Company's website and is accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
The Company has formulated the policy on dividend distribution with a
view to specify the external and internal factors including financial parameters that
shall be considered while declaring dividend and the circumstances under which the
shareholders of the Company may or may not expect dividend and how the retained earnings
be utilised etc. The dividend distribution policy framed by the Company in accordance with
the Regulation 43A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 and approved by the Board of Directors is available on the
Company's website and is accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
REMUNERATION POLICY OF THE COMPANY
The Company has adopted a Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key
Managerial Personnel and other employees, pursuant to Section 178(3) of the Companies Act,
2013 and as per the Listing
Regulations. The Company affirms remuneration is as per the
remuneration policy of the Company.
The said policy is available on the Company's website and is
accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required
under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are given in
"Annexure-D" to this Report.
The information required pursuant to Section 197(12) of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of employees of the Company forms part of
this report.
However, in terms of Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the
Annual Report and financial statements are being sent to the members and others entitled
thereto, excluding the aforesaid information. The said information is available for
inspection by the members at the Registered office of the Company during business hours on
working days of the Company up to the date of ensuing Annual General Meeting and any
member interested in obtaining such information may write to the company secretary and the
same will be furnished.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
In terms of Section 134(5)(e) of the Act, the term Internal Financial
Control means the policies and procedures adopted by a company for ensuring orderly and
efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to company's policies,
safeguarding of its assets, prevention and detection of frauds and errors, accuracy and
completeness of the accounting records, and timely preparation of reliable financial
information. The Internal Audit is in place in the Company and the Internal Auditors are
conducting the Internal Audit periodically and the same is reviewed by the Audit
Committee. The
Company has in place adequate internal financial controls.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
At the Annual General Meeting of the Company held on 3rd
August 2022, M/s. K. Nagaraju & Associates, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration
No.002270S) were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the
Company for a period of 5 (five) years from the conclusion of40 th
Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the 45th Annual General Meeting.
They have confirmed that their appointment is in accordance with Section 139 read with
Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Reports given by M/s. K. Nagaraju &
Associates, Chartered Accountants on the Financial
Statements of the Company for the financial year 2023-24 do not contain
any qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks and forms part of the Annual Report.
No frauds have been reported by the Statutory Auditors during the
financial year 2023-24 pursuant to the provisions of Section 143(12) of the Act.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to the Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 read Rule 9 of
the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel), Rules, 2014, the
Board of Directors had appointed M/s. L.D. Reddy & Co., Practicing Company Secretaries
as Secretarial Auditors of the Company to conduct the Secretarial Audit for the financial
year 2023-24. The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended 31st
March 2024 in Form No. MR-3 is annexed with this report in Annexure-E.
The Secretarial Audit report does not contain any qualification,
reservation, adverse remark, or any disclaimer.
Pursuant to Regulation 24(A) of SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company
has obtained Annual Secretarial Compliance Report from M/s. L.D. Reddy & Co.,
Practicing Company Secretaries and the same has been submitted to the stock exchanges
within the prescribed time.
COST AUDITORS AND COST RECORDS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 148(3) of the Act, the Board of
Directors had appointed M/s. Jayaram & Associates, Cost Accountants as Cost Auditors
of the Company, for conducting the audit of cost records under Companies (Cost Records and
Audit) Rules, 2014 for the financial year ended 31st March 2024. The audit is
in progress and the report will be filed with the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs within the prescribed period.
On recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board at its meeting held
on 13th May 2024, has appointed M/s. Jayaram & Associates (Firm
Registration No. 101077), Cost Accountants as Cost
Auditors to audit the cost accounts of the Company for the financial
has also received thenecessarycertificateunder Section 141 of the Act, 2013 from them
conveying their eligibility to act as a cost auditor. A sum of 2 lakhs plus applicable
taxes have been fixed by the board as remuneration in addition to reimbursement of all
applicable taxes, travelling and out-of-pocket expenses payable to them, which is required
to be approved and ratified by the members, at the ensuing AGM as per Section 148(3) of
the Act, 2013.
The cost records as specified by the Central Government under
subsection (1) of Section 148 of the
Act, as required is maintained by the Company.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has devised proper systems and processes for complying with
the requirements of applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company
Secretaries of India and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
The details regarding shares and dividend transferred / proposed to be
transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) and other relevant
details in this regard, have been provided in the Corporate Governance section of this
Annual Report.
ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) and 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Rule 12(1) of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014 (as amended) the
Annual Return of the Company is available on the Company's website and is accessible
at https://nelcast.com/extract-of-annual-return.
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
The employee relations have remained cordial throughout the year and
industrial harmony was maintained. Measures for the safety, training and development of
the employees continued to receive top priority. The Directors wish to place on record
their appreciation of the valuable contribution made by the employees of the Company at
all levels towards the performance and growth of the Company.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
The Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee. Details of
constitution of the Committee are set out in the Corporate Governance Report. Pursuant to
Section 134(3)(n) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 17(9) of SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015, the Company has implemented a mechanism for risk management and has
formulated a Risk Management Policy. The company has devised its risk management policy
commensurate with its size and operations.
The Policy provides for identification of risks and mitigation
measures. The Risk Management Policy includes identifying types of risks and its
assessment, risk handling, monitoring, and reporting. Your Company maintains an adequate
and effective Internal Control System commensurate with its size. The internal control
system is supplemented through an extensive internal audit program besides periodic review
by the Management and the Audit Committee. Risk Management policy is available on the
Company's website and is accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS MADE UNDER SECTION 186
OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
The Company has not given any loans or guarantees covered under the
provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013. The details of the investments made
by Company are given in the financial statements.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
In accordance with the requirements of Section 135 of the Act, the
Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee and also
formulated a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy. The CSR Policy of the Company and
details about the initiatives taken by the Company on CSR during the year as per the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 have been disclosed as part
of this report in Annexure-F. Further details of composition of the Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee and other details are provided in the Corporate Governance Report
which forms part of this report. CSR policy is available on the Company's website and
is accessible at https://nelcast.com/policies.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
/ material orders passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals
during the Therewerenosignificant financial year 2023-24, impacting the going concern
status and Company's operations in future.
CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS
During the year under review, there has been no change in the
Company's nature of business.
NAMES OF COMPANIES WHICH HAVE BECOME OR CEASED TO BE COMPANY'S
SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES OR ASSOCIATE COMPANIES DURING THE YEAR
No Company has become or ceased to be Company's subsidiary, joint
venture or associate company during the financial year 2023-24.
THE DETAILS OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OF THE VALUATION DONE AT THE
TIME OF ONE TIME SETTLEMENT AND THE VALUATION DONE WHILE TAKING LOAN FROM THE BANKS OR
FINAN-CIAL INSTITUTIONS ALONG WITH THE REASONS THEREOF DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR
No onetime settlement was done with any Bank / Financial Institutions
during the financial year under review.
DETAILS OF APPLICATION MADE OR ANY PROCEEDING PENDING UNDER THE
INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016 DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR:
No application was made or any proceeding pending under the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code,
2016 (31 of 2016) during the financial year 2023-24.
DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
(PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company has in place an Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy in line with
the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act, 2013. An
Internal Complaints Committee has also been constituted for this
purpose. During the financial year 2023-24, there were no cases filed pursuant to the
above
DETAILS OF ESTABLISHMENT OF CODE OF CONDUCT FOR REGULATING, MONITORING
AND REPORTING OF TRADING BY INSIDERS
The Company has a Code of Conduct for Regulating, Monitoring and
Reporting of Trading by Insiders ("PIT Policy") for connected persons,
designated persons, and the insiders (collectively "Insiders") as definedunder
the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 ("PIT Regulations").
The Audit Committee reviews the Institutional Mechanism for prevention
of insider trading. The aforementioned policy is available on the Company's website
and is accessible at https://nelcast. com/policies.
STATEMENT REGARDING OPINION OF THE BOARD WITH REGARD TO INTEGRITY,
EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE (INCLUDING THE PROFICIENCY) OF THE INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
APPOINTED IN THE BOARD
In the opinion of Board of Directors of the Company, Independent
Directors on the Board of Company hold highest standards of integrity and are highly
qualified, recognized, and respected individuals in their respective fields. It's an
optimum mix of expertise (including financial expertise), leadership and professionalism.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE BOARD, ITS COMMITTEES AND DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and under
regulation 25 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015, during the year, the Board has carried out an evaluation of its own performance,
performance of the Directors as well as the evaluation of the working of its committees.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has defined time schedule for
the Performance Evaluation process for the Board, its Committees and Directors. Directors
were evaluated on aspects such as attendance and contribution at Board / Committee
Meetings and guidance / support to the management outside Board/ Committee Meetings.
Areas on which the Committees of the Board were assessed included
degree of fulfilment of key responsibilities, adequacy of Committee composition and
effectiveness of meetings. The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors was
carried out by the entire Board, excluding the Director being evaluated. The performance
evaluation of Non-Independent Directors was carried out by the Independent Directors who
also reviewed the performance of the Board as a whole. The Nomination and Remuneration
Committee also reviewed the performance of the Board, its Committees and of the Directors.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, RESEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The information pertaining to conservation of energy, technology
absorption, research and development, foreign exchange earnings and outgo as required
under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014 is given in the Annexure-G forming part of this Report.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
The electronic copies of the 42nd Annual Report and the
Notice convening the 42nd AGM would be sent to all shareholders whose e-mail
addresses are registered with the Company or their respective Depository Participants (DP)
in accordance with the circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) read
with circulars issued by the SEBI. The full Annual Report is available on the website of
the Company and shall also be disseminated to the stock exchanges.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Directors place on record their sincere appreciation for the
dedicated efforts of the employees and co-operation of associates, suppliers and
customers. We also express our sincere thanks to Company's Bankers namely State Bank
of India, Standard Chartered Bank, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd.,
Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd. and HDFC Bank Ltd. for their trust and continued support.
|
For and on behalf of the Board |
Place : Chennai |
D. Sesha Reddy |
Date :13th May 2024 |
Chairman |