FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st March, 2024 To, The Members,
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting their Twenty Fourth Annual
Report on the business and operations of the Company together with Audited Statement of
Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2024.
1 . FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
Year ended March 31, 2024 |
Year ended March 31, 2023 |
Year ended March 31, 2024 |
Year ended March 31, 2023 |
Total Income |
355.88 |
266.08 |
9,885.34 |
7,758.92 |
Total Expenditure |
219.03 |
198.40 |
5,965.98 |
5,019.93 |
Profit / (Loss)for the year before taxation |
136.86 |
67.67 |
3,919.36 |
2,738.99 |
Provision for tax (including Deferred Tax) |
35.99 |
9.95 |
884.28 |
172.47 |
Profit / (Loss) for the year after taxation |
100.87 |
57.73 |
3,035.08 |
2,566.52 |
Items of other comprehensive income (net of Tax) |
1.01 |
0.59 |
(5.61) |
2.22 |
Total |
101.88 |
58.32 |
3,029.47 |
2,568.74 |
Balance of profit / (Loss) from previous year |
1,192.67 |
1,134.35 |
3,112.23 |
530.81 |
Adjustments in other equity |
- |
- |
(60.94) |
12.68 |
Balance available for appropriation |
1,294.55 |
1,192.67 |
6,080.76 |
3,112.23 |
Appropriations - |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Surplus retained in statement of profit and loss |
1,294.55 |
1,192.67 |
6,080.76 |
3,112.23 |
2 . KEY FINANCIAL RATIOS
Details of changes in key financial ratios including significant
changes i.e. change of 25% or more as compared to the immediately previous financial year
along with detailed explanations:
Particulars |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
Explanation for significant change |
Debtors Turnover |
N A |
NA |
NA |
Inventory Turnover |
N A |
NA |
NA |
Interest Coverage Ratio |
N A |
NA |
NA |
Current Ratio |
1.63% |
1.18 % |
NA |
Debt Equity Ratio |
0.09% |
0.13% |
NA |
Operating Profit Margin (%) |
6.63% |
12.02% |
NA |
Net profit Margin (%) |
28.34% |
21.70% |
NA |
Details of any change in Return on Net Worth as compared to the
immediately previous financial year:
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
2023-24 |
2022-23 |
Return on Net Worth (%) |
6.80% |
4.18% |
48.41% |
77.76% |
Return on net worth is computed as net profit by average net worth. The
details for change, if any, in return on net worth are explained in relevant sections
above.
3 . SHARE CAPITAL
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on 31st March, 2024
stood at Rs.188.34 Million. During the year under review, the Company has not issued
shares with differential voting rights nor has granted any stock options or sweat equity.
As on 31st March, 2024, none of the Directors of the Company hold instruments
convertible into equity shares of the Company.
4 . DIVIDEND & RESERVES
Your Directors do not recommend any dividend on the equity shares for
the year ended 31st March, 2024. Particulars of the amounts proposed to be
carried to reserves have been covered as part of the financial performance of the Company.
5 . MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS a . Industry structure and
developments and outlook: International Scenario:
According to the latest Global Wind Report 2024, the world installed
117 gigawatts of new wind power capacity in 2023, a 50% increase from the year before.
Key Highlights of Global Wind Report 2024:
3 Year-on-Year Expansion: Observed across 54 countries on all
continents.
3 Cumulative Global Wind Power Capacity: Exceeded 1-terawatt (TW)
milestone, reaching 1021GW, with a 13% year-on-year increase.
3 Global Wind Report 2024 Yearly Growth Rate: Needs to triple to
install 320 GW of new capacity yearly by 2030 to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
Domestic Scenario:
India globally ranks fourth after China, the US and Germany, in terms
of installed wind energy capacity, with 42.8 GW (onshore wind) as of April 2024.
Assessment by the National Institute of Wind Energy reveals an
estimated wind power potential of 695.5 GW at 120 meters and 1,164 GW at 150 meters above
ground level.
b. Opportunities/Threats/Risks/Concerns in the Wind Energy Sector
3 Supply Chain Constraints: Global supply chain disruptions have
impacted the availability and cost of wind turbine components, especially from dominant
producers like China.
3 Permitting and Regulatory Hurdles: Slow and complex permitting
processes delay project deployments, significantly hindering growth in the wind sector.
3 Technological Limitations: Existing wind turbine technologies face
limitations in efficiency, especially in lower wind speed regions.
3 Market and Financial Challenges: The wind sector often experiences
financial instability due to fluctuating policy support, market volatility, and
competitive pricing pressures.
3 Environmental and Social Impact Concerns: Wind projects can face
opposition due to their environmental impact on wildlife and the local community concerns
about noise and aesthetic disruption.
3 Interconnection and Grid Integration Issues: Integrating large-scale
wind power into the existing grid poses technical challenges due to the variability and
location-specific nature of wind energy.
c. Company's Performance:
The Company ensures maximum capacity utilization by reducing machine
downtimes. Preventive and regular maintenance of turbines is done to ensure machine
availability. The Company is putting maximum efforts to reduce operating costs.
d. Segment-wise or product-wise performance:
It is given in the Segment Report section of Annual accounts
6 . COMPANY PERFORMANCE
During the Financial Year under review, on a standalone basis, your
Company earned total income of Rs. 355.88 Mln. (previous year's Rs. 266.08 Mln.). The net
profit / (Loss) after tax is Rs 100.87 Mln. (previous year's Rs. 57.73 Mln).
During the Financial Year under review, on a consolidated basis, your
Company earned total income of Rs. 9,885.34 Mln. (previous year's Rs. 7,758.92 Mln.). The
net profit / (Loss) after tax is Rs. 3,035.08 Mlns. (previous year's Rs. 2,566.52 Mlns).
7 . BUSINESS OVERVIEW AND OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY
The working conditions for wind mill continue to be difficult. Despite
such problems, the Company was able to generate 23.96 Million (Net) Units of power. The
Company is making all efforts to maximize power generation and reduce costs.
8 . FINANCE AND CREDIT RATING
During the year under review, the liquidity and cash positions were
comfortable and were monitored with reinforced focus and utmost importance was given to
ensure the safety and liquidity of surplus cash.
Your Company has not done any Credit Rating.
9 . HUMAN RESOURCES
As on 31st March, 2024, the Company has 7 employees. The
relations with Company's employees are cordial.
10. CONCERNS AND THREATS
3 The Company operates in a highly regulated environment. Any change in
Government Policies will adversely affect the operations of the Company.
3 The Company depends on the service provider for operations and
maintenance of Wind Turbines. Certain litigations against the earlier service providers
are pending before the judicial / quasi-judicial authorities. Unfavorable outcome of these
litigations will adversely affect our operations.
3 The Company has only one customer for sale of power.
11. PROSPECTS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR
The Company is taking all efforts to improve wind power generation,
reduce cost and improve realization.
12. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTANABILITY REPORT
Pursuant to the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Business Responsibility
and Sustainability Report initiatives taken from an environmental, social and governance
perspective in the prescribed format annexed as "Annexure X" to this report. The
same is also available on the Company's website at
https://www.bfutilities.com/annual-report.html
13. INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
The Company has adequate internal control systems to ensure operational
efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting and compliance of various laws and
regulations.
The internal control system is supported by the internal audit process.
The internal audit is conducted by a Chartered Accountant in practice. The Audit Committee
of the Board reviews the Internal Audit process and the adequacy and effectiveness of
internal audit and controls periodically.
14. SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT
The Company ensures safety of all its employees working at different
places. Necessary safety gadgets are provided to the employees requiring the same.
15. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Statements in this Report, particularly those which relate to
Management Discussion and Analysis, describing the Company's objectives, projections,
estimates and expectations may constitute "forward looking statements" within
the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Actual results might differ materially
from those either expressed or implied.
16. SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
The Company has four subsidiary companies as on 31st March,
2024.
There has been no material change in the business of subsidiaries
except as disclosed elsewhere in the Annual Report and accounts of Subsidiaries.
The Company's Policy on determining material subsidiaries, as approved
by the Board, is uploaded on the Company's website at
https://bfutilities.com/pdf/Policies%20and%20Terms/Policy%20on%20Material%
20Subsidiary.pdf
According to this policy, there are three material subsidiaries of the
Company viz. Nandi Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited, Nandi Economic Corridor
Enterprises Ltd and Nandi Highway Developers Limited.
A report on the financial position of each of the Subsidiaries as per
the Act is provided in Form No. AOC-1 attached hereto as "Annexure III" and also
given in the Financial Statements.
17. PARTICULARS OF INFORMATION FORMING PART OF THE BOARD'S REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION
197 (12) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013, READ WITH RULE 5 OF THE COMPANIES
(APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL) RULES, 2014
In terms of Section 136 of the Act, the Reports and Accounts are being
sent to the shareholders excluding the information required under Rule 5(2) and 5 (3) of
the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Any
shareholder interested in obtaining the same may write to the Company Secretary at
secretarial@bfulilities.com.
The information required pursuant to section 197(12) of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, as amended ,has been provided in Annexure 'IV'
18. NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
During the year under review, Seven Board Meetings were convened and
held. The details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report. The intervening
gap between the Meetings was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013.
19. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 134 (3) and (5) of the
Companies Act, 2013, in respect of Directors' Responsibility Statement, your Directors' to
the best of their knowledge and ability state that:
a) in the preparation of the Annual Financial Statements for the year
ended 31st March 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed
along with the proper explanation relating to material departures;
b) accounting policies as mentioned in Notes to the Financial
Statements have been selected and applied consistently. Further judgments and estimates
have been made 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 the year ended on that date;
c) proper and sufficient care has been taken 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 Annual Financial Statements have been prepared on a going
concern basis;
e) proper internal financial controls were in place and that the
financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively; and
f) proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws were in place and were adequate and operating effectively.
20. A STATEMENT ON DECLARATION GIVEN BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
All Independent Directors have given declarations that they meet the
criteria of independence as laid down under Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with Rule (6) of The Companies (Appointment and Qualifications) Rules, 2014 and Regulation
16(1)(b) of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and
also confirmed that they have complied with the Code of Independent Directors prescribed
in Schedule IV of The Companies Act, 2013.
The Company has laid down a Code for the Board of Directors and Senior
Management of the Company. The said Code is available on the website of the Company viz.
https://bfutilities.com/code-of-conduct.html
All the Board Members and Senior Management Personnel of the Company
have affirmed compliance with the Code of Conduct.
21. COMPANY'S POLICY ON DIRECTORS' AND KMP'S APPOINTMENT AND
REMUNERATION
Director's appointment and remuneration is done as per the policy for
selection and appointment of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management
Personnel and their remuneration. The Nomination & Remuneration Policy is available on
Company's website https://bfutilities.com/pdf/Policies%20and%20Terms/
Nomination_Renumeration_Policy.pdf
22. ACCOUNTS AND AUDIT
a . Statutory Auditors and Audit Report
M/s. G. D. Apte & Co. Chartered Accountant (Firm Registration
No.100515W), are the Statutory Auditors of the Company and will continue the audit for
Financial year 2024-25. The Audit report of M/s. G. D. Apte
& Co. on the Financial Statements of the Company for the Financial
Year 2023-24 is a part of the Annual Report.
b. Secretarial Auditor
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the
Company has appointed M/s. SVD & Associates, Company Secretaries, Pune to undertake
the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year 2023-24.
The Report of the Secretarial Audit is annexed herewith as Annexure 'V'
to this Report. The Secretarial Audit Reports of material subsidiaries viz. Nandi
Infrastructure Corridor Enterprise Limited, Nandi Economic Corridor Enterprises Ltd. and
Nandi Highway Developers Limited are enclosed in Annexure 'VI'
Further, as required under Section 204 of the Act and rules thereunder,
the Board has appointed M/s. SVD & Associates, Company Secretaries, Pune, to conduct
Secretarial Audit for the financial year 2024-25.
c. Cost Auditor
The maintenance of cost records and Cost Audit Rules are not applicable
to the Company.
d. Consolidated Accounts
The Consolidated Accounts for the year ended 31st March,
2024 are enclosed. Further, a statement containing the salient features of the financial
statements of subsidiaries in the prescribed Form AOC-1 is appended as Annexure to Note
No. 38 which forms part of this Report.
The Company will make the said financial statements and related
detailed information available upon the request by any Member of the Company. These
financial statements will also be kept open for inspection at the Registered Office of the
Company. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, the
financial statements of the Company, consolidated financial statements along with relevant
documents and the financial statements of subsidiaries are available on the website of the
Company at https://bfutilities.com/financial-results.html &
https://bfutilities.com/annual-report.html
The Company has adopted a Policy for determining Material Subsidiaries
in terms of Regulation 16(1)(c) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing Regulations''). The Policy, as
approved by the Board, is uploaded on the Company's website at
https://bfutilities.com/pdf/
Policies%20and%20Terms/Policy%20on%20Material%20Subsidiary.pdf
e . Reporting of Fraud by auditors
During the year under review, the Statutory Auditors and Secretarial
Auditors of the Company have not reported any instances of frauds committed in the Company
by its officers or employees, to the Audit Committee under Section 143(12) of the Act.
23. EXPLANATION ON COMMENTS ON STATUTORY AUDITORS' AND SECRETARIAL
AUDITORS' REPORTS
a) M/s. G. D. Apte & Co., Statutory Auditors have given an adverse
opinion in their Audit Report on Consolidated Financial Statements. The Statutory
Auditors' adverse opinion and Board's explanation thereto are summarized as under:
Statutory Auditors' adverse opinion on Consolidated Financial
Statements |
Boards' explanation |
A ) Financial Audit - |
Boards' Explanation on the adverse opinion in the |
Consolidated Financial Statements |
Consolidated Audit report: |
Basis of Adverse opinion |
In respect of Nandi Economic Corridor |
As described in the note 39 to the accompanying consolidated
financial statements, the Step-down subsidiary viz. Nandi Economic Corridor Enterprises
Limited (NECE), had recorded equity of INR 3,113.00 million in earlier years which
includes securities premium of INR 2,772.54 million against original subscription amount
of INR 4,999.85 million paid by an Investor. NECE has continued to classify all equity
shares, including such subscription, as equity instruments basis re-evaluation performed
by the Management of NECE in the current year. However, in our opinion and based on the
adverse opinion on the standalone financial statements of NECE for financial year 2023-24
expressed by their statutory Statutory Auditors' adverse opinion on Consolidated Financial
Statements |
Enterprise Limited (NECE Ltd.)- During the year ended 31
March, 2011, NECE Ltd. issued Compulsory Convertible Preference Shares ("CCPS")
to the Investor (i.e. AIRRO Mauritius Holdings V, including its successors and assigns)
amounting to Rs. 4,999.85 Millions. These CCPS were recorded as a financial liability on
First-time Adoption of Indian Accounting Standards i.e. the Ind AS (i.e. AS 101)
transition date being 01 April 2016 at Rs. 3,113.00 Millions with the difference of Rs.
1,886.85 Millions recorded as adjustment to retained earnings of NECE Ltd. These CCPS were
converted into 3,40,45,692 (Three Crore, forty lakh, forty five thousand six hundred
ninety two) equity shares during the year ended 31 March 2017 and consequently Rs. 340.46
Boards' explanation |
auditors, basis the buyback option with minimum IRR of 18%
available with the Investor, in accordance with the terms of the Shareholders |
Millions was recorded as equity share capital and Rs.
2,772.54 Millions was recorded as share premium by NECE Ltd. |
Agreement, the buyback obligation should have been classified
and measured as liability in accordance with the principles enunciated under the Ind AS.
Had the buy-back obligation been classified as liability and measured according to
applicable accounting standards, there would have been a material and pervasive impact on
total equity and non-current liabilities as at April 1, 2022, March 31, 2023 and March 31,
2024 and profit for the years ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2024 along with
consequential effects thereof on the Standalone Financial Statements of NECE and on the
accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, which we are unable to quantify due to
absence of valuation of aforesaid financial liability as at the respective reporting
yearends. |
During the current year, the management of NECE Ltd. has
re-evaluated the provisions of the shareholders agreement between NECE Ltd., the
Promoters, the Sponsors and the Investor("SHA") and concluded that despite the
buy back rights for the Investor under SHA, NECE Ltd. need not recognise any financial
liability because the Investor has not exercised the buy back which is triggered upon
issuance of a buy back notice containing a clear intention to exercise the buy back along
with prescribed details, following the procedure outlined under the SHA and in accordance
with the procedure prescribed by applicable law. NECE Ltd. is also aware that the
Investor, Promoters and Sponsors are in advanced discussions with regards to exploring
alternative exit options. Therefore, the management of NECE Ltd. continues to believe that
none of the equity shares issued by NECE Ltd. need to be classified as a financial
liability. |
b) M/s. SVD & Associates, Practicing Company Secretary, in their
Secretarial Audit Report have made certain qualifications. The auditor's qualifications
and Board's explanation thereto are summarized as under:
Secretarial Auditors' Qualifications |
Boards' explanation |
1. There has been delay in submission of consolidated
financial results along with the standalone results under Regulation 33 of LODR for the
quarter and year ended March 31, 2023. Consequently, the Company received notices from BSE
Limited (BSE) vide email dated June 30, 2023 and National Stock Exchange of India Limited
(NSE) vide letter dated June 30, 2023 imposing a fine of INR. 1,29,800/- each. The Company
has duly paid the fine imposed. |
The delay was for reasons beyond the control of the Company
and the Company has taken necessary action for submission of financial results and has
paid the fine amount within prescribed time. |
2. There has been a delay in intimation under Regulation 30
of LODR read with Schedule III and SEBI Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/CFD-PoD-1/P/CIR/ 2023/123
dated July 13, 2023 filed with the BSE Limited (BSE) and National Stock Exchange of India
Limited (NSE) regarding appointment of Director dated November 29, 2023 beyond 30 minutes
from the conclusion of Meeting of Board. |
The delay was inadvertent and management shall take necessary
measures to avoid such delay in future. |
3. The standardized reporting of violation related to code of
conduct under SEBI (PIT) Regulations in the matter of one of the KMP of the subsidiary has
been submitted to SEBI instead of stock exchanges where securities of the listed entity
are listed. |
The submission was inadvertent and management shall take
necessary measures to avoid such error in future. |
4. The Company has filed e form-CSR 2 on May 04, 2023 for the
financial year 2021-2022 which was beyond the prescribed time. |
The observation is self-explanatory. |
5. Pursuant to requirements of Regulation 24(1) of LODR the
Board has approved appointment of Independent Director Mr. Jayant Hemade on the Board of
Material subsidiaries viz Nandi Economic Corridor Enterprises Ltd. and Nandi Highway
Developers Ltd. However the appointment was effected after close of the Financial Year. |
The management took necessary measures to appoint Independent
Director and shall avoid such delay in future. |
24. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENT UNDER SECTION 186
During the year, the Company has not made any investments, other than
the Current Investments. The closing balances of investments which would be covered under
Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, are disclosed in the Schedule of Non-Current
Investments in the Financial Statements. The details of loans and guarantees, if any, are
disclosed in the financial statement of 2023-24.
25. PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
REFERRED TO IN
SUB-SECTION (1) OF SECTION 188 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013,
read with Rule 8 (2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the particulars of contracts
or arrangements entered into by the Company with Related Parties have been done at arm's
length and are in the ordinary course of business. Particulars are being provided in Form
AOC - 2 in Annexure 'VII'. Related Party Disclosures as per AS -18 have been provided in
to Note No.29 to the Standalone Financial Statements.
The Company has formulated a Policy on Related Party Transactions which
is available on the Company's website at
https://bfutilities.com/pdf/Policies%20and%20Terms/Related%20Party%20Transaction%20Policy.pdf
. All related party transactions entered into during FY 2023-24 were on arm's length basis
and in the ordinary course of business.
All transactions with related parties were reviewed and approved by the
Audit Committee. Omnibus approval is obtained for related party transactions which are of
repetitive nature and entered in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length
basis. A statement giving details of all related party transactions entered pursuant to
omnibus approval so granted is placed before the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis for
its review. The related party transactions entered into pursuant to the omnibus approval
so granted are also reviewed by the internal audit team on a half-yearly basis.
The details of the transactions with related parties are also provided
in the accompanying Financial Statements.
26. STATE OF COMPANY'S AFFAIRS
Discussion on state of Company's affairs has been covered in the
Management Discussion and Analysis above
27. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS BETWEEN THE DATE OF THE BALANCE
SHEET AND THE DATE OF REPORT
There have been no material changes and commitments affecting the
financial position of the Company which have occurred between the end of the Financial
Year of the Company to which the Financial Statements relate and the date of the report,
except as disclosed in the Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2024 and
elsewhere in this report.
28. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
Conservation of Energy and Technology Absorption
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology
absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed under Section
134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014 are annexed herewith as Annexure 'VIII' to this report.
29. DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY :
In term of Regulations 43A of SEBI Listing Regulations, the Board of
Directors of the Company has adopted a Dividend Distribution Policy which can be accessed
on the website of the Company at https://bfutilities.com/pdf/
Policies%20and%20Terms/Dividend%20Distribution%20Policy.pdf
30. RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
Risk Management at BF Utilities Ltd. forms an integral part of
Management focus.
The Risk Management Committee (RMC) oversees the risk management
process in the Company. The RMC is chaired by an Independent Director and the Chairperson
of the Audit Committee is also a member of the RMC.
Some of the risks identified are set out in the Management Discussion
and Analysis and this report which forms part of this Integrated Annual Report.
The Company has in place a mechanism to identify, assess, monitor and
mitigate various risks to key business objectives. Major risks identified are
systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis. These are
discussed at the meetings of the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors of the
Company. The Risk Management Policy is available on Company's website:
https://www.bfutilities.com/pdf/
Policies%20and%20Terms/Risk%20Management%20Policy%2001042019.pdf
31. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
The Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR') activities of the Company
are governed through the Corporate Social Responsibility Policy ('CSR Policy') approved by
the Board. The CSR Policy guides in designing CSR activities for improving quality of life
of society and conserving the environment and biodiversity in a sustainable manner. The
CSR Committee of the Board oversees the implementation of CSR Projects in line with the
Company's CSR Policy. The CSR Policy is available on Company's website
https://bfutilities.com/pdf/Policies%20and%20Terms/
Corporate%20Social%20Responsibility%20Policy.pdf
The Annual Report on CSR activities for FY 2023-24 is enclosed as
'Annexure I' to this Report.
32. PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL POSITION OF EACH OF THE SUBSIDIARIES,
ASSOCIATES AND
JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES:
The details in prescribed format of 'Form AOC-1' are given in Annexure
'III' and at the relevant places in the Financial Statements
33. CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS, IF ANY
There has been no change in the nature of business during the Financial
Year under review.
34. DETAILS OF DIRECTORS OR KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL WHO WERE APPOINTED
OR HAVE
RESIGNED DURING THE YEAR
Directors appointed during the year
Name of Director |
Designation |
Term of appointment |
Mr. B. S. Mitkari |
Executive Director |
Appointed in Annual General Meeting held on September 27,
2023 as Director, liable to retire by rotation |
Mr. B. N. Kalyani |
Non-Executive Director |
Reappointed in AGM dated September 27, 2023 as Director for
continuation of holding of office of Director upon attaining the age of 75 (Seventy Five)
years |
Mr. Jayant K. Hemade |
Independent Director |
Appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director for 5(five)
consecutive years with effect from November 29, 2023 to November 28, 2028 by way of Postal
Ballot notice dated December 07, 2023 |
Mr. B. B. Hattarki |
Independent Director |
Ceased as Non-Executive Independent Director with effect from
end of business hours on March 31, 2024 after completing his 2nd Consecutive Term as
Independent Director |
None of the Directors of the Company resigned during the year.
Independent Directors
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent
Directors confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under
Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI Listing Regulations and are
independent of the management. In terms of Regulation 25(8) of the SEBI Listing
Regulations, they have confirmed that they are not aware of any circumstance or situation,
which exist or may be reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to
discharge their duties with an objective independent judgment and without any external
influence. The Board of Directors of the Company has taken on record the declaration and
confirmation submitted by the Independent Directors after undertaking due assessment of
the veracity of the same. They are not liable to retire by rotation in terms of Section
149(13) of the Act.
The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of the
Company possess requisite qualifications, experience and expertise in the fields of
technology, strategy, finance, engineering and Law, etc. and that they hold highest
standards of integrity
The Independent Directors of the Company have confirmed that they have
enrolled themselves in the Independent Directors' Databank maintained with the Indian
Institute of Corporate Affairs ('IICA') in terms of Section 150 of the Act read with Rule
6 of the Companies (Appointment & Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. They are
exempt from the requirement to undertake the online proficiency self-assessment test
conducted by IICA.
Details of Familiarisation Programme for the Independent Directors are
provided separately in the Corporate Governance Report which forms a part of this
Integrated Annual Report.
Key Managerial Personnel ('KMP')
In terms of the provisions of Section 2(51) and Section 203 of the Act,
the following is the KMP of the Company:
3 Mr. B. S. Mitkari - CEO / CFO & Company Secretary
Employees designated as Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) during the year
NIL
Directors and KMP's resigned during the year
None of the Directors and KMPs resigned during the year ended March 31,
2024.
Procedure for Nomination and Appointment of Directors.
The NRC is responsible for developing competency requirements for the
Board based on the industry and strategy of the Company. The Board composition analysis
reflects in-depth understanding of the Company, including its strategies, environment,
operations, financial condition and compliance requirements.
The NRC conducts a gap analysis to refresh the Board on a periodic
basis, including each time a Director's appointment or re-appointment is required. The
Committee is also responsible for reviewing the profiles of potential candidates vis-a-vis
the required competencies and meeting the potential candidates, prior to making
recommendations of their nomination to the Board. At the time of appointment, specific
requirements for the position including expert knowledge expected is communicated to the
appointee.
The list of core skills, expertise and competencies of the Board of
Directors as are required in the context of the businesses and sectors applicable to the
Company are identified by the Board and are available with the Board. The Company has also
mapped each of the skills, expertise and competencies against the names of the Board
Members possessing the same. The same is disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report
forming part of this Integrated Annual Report.
Criteria for determining Qualifications, Positive Attributes and
Independence of a Director
The NRC has formulated the criteria for determining qualifications,
positive attributes and independence of Directors in terms of provisions of Section 178(3)
of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations. The relevant information has been given in
'Annexure II' which forms part of this Report. The Policy on Nomination & Remuneration
Policy is available on the website of the Company https://bfutilities.com/pdf/
Policies%20and%20Terms/Nomination_Renumeration_Policy.pdf
Board Evaluation
The Board has carried out the annual evaluation of its own performance
and that of its Committees and individual Directors for the year pursuant to the
provisions of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations.
The performance of the Board and individual Directors was evaluated by
the Board after seeking inputs from all the Directors. The criteria for performance
evaluation of the Board included aspects such as Board composition and structure,
effectiveness of Board processes, contribution in the long-term strategic planning, etc.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from the
Committee Members. The criteria for performance evaluation are broadly based on the
Guidance Note issued by SEBI on Board Evaluation which included aspects such as structure
and composition of Committees, effectiveness of Committee Meetings, etc.
The Chairman of the Board had one-on-one meetings with each Independent
Director and the Chairman of the NRC had one-on-one meetings with each Executive and
Non-Executive, Non-Independent Directors.
In a separate meeting, the Independent Directors evaluated the
performance of Non-Independent Directors and performance of the Board as a whole including
the Chairman of the Board. The NRC reviewed the performance of the Board, its Committees
and of the Individual Directors. The same was discussed in the Board Meeting that followed
the meeting of the Independent Directors and the NRC, at which the feedback received from
the Directors on the performance of the Board and its Committees was also discussed.
The Company follows a practice of addressing each of the observations
and suggestions by drawing up an action plan and monitoring its implementation through the
Action Taken Report which is reviewed by the Board of Directors from time to time.
35. Directors proposed to be appointed and re-appointed at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting
1) Mr. A.B. Kalyani (DIN: 00089430) retires by rotation at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
The brief resumes and other details relating to Directors who are
proposed to be appointed / re-appointed, as required to be disclosed under 'Regulations
2015', form part of the Notes setting out material facts annexed to the Notice of the
Annual General Meeting.
36. NAMES OF COMPANIES WHICH HAVE BECOME OR CEASED TO BE ITS
SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT
VENTURES OR ASSOCIATE COMPANIES DURING THE YEAR
There were no new companies which have become or ceased to be its
subsidiaries, joint ventures or associate companies during the year
37. DETAILS OF DEPOSITS WHICH ARE NOT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE
REQUIREMENTS OF CHAPTER
V OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
The Company has not accepted Public Deposits under chapter V of The
Companies Act, 2013.
38. DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS
OR COURTS OR
TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS AND COMPANY'S OPERATIONS
IN FUTURE
The Company has neither received nor is aware of any such order from
Regulators, Courts or Tribunals during the year.
There are no application made or proceeding pending under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 as at the end of the financial year, nor has the
Company done any one time settlement with any Bank or Financial Institutions.
39. DISCLOSURE REGARDING MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS AS SPECIFIED BY
THE CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT UNDER SUB-SECTION (1) OF SECTION 148 OF THE COMPANIES ACT,
2013
The Company is not required to comply with the provisions of Section
148 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013 with respect to maintenance of cost records.
40. DETAILS IN RESPECT OF ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS WITH
REFERENCE TO
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company has suitable internal control system comprising of proper
checks and balances, policies and procedures. This includes code of conduct, whistle
blower policy, MIS and internal audit mechanism.
The Audit Committee along with Management review the internal audit and
internal controls on a regular basis. The internal audit is conducted by an Independent
Chartered Accountant.
The Audit Committee deliberated with the members of the management,
considered the systems as laid down and met the internal audit team and statutory auditors
to ascertain, their views on the internal financial control systems. The Audit Committee
satisfied itself as to the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal financial control
system as laid down and kept the Board of Directors informed. However, the Company
recognizes that no matter how the internal control framework is, it has inherent
limitations and accordingly, periodic audits and reviews ensure that such systems are
updated on regular intervals.
41. COMPOSITION OF BOARD AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
The composition of the Board and Audit Committee has been mentioned in
the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Report.
42. COMPOSITION OF CSR COMMITTEE
The CSR Committee comprises 3 Members out of which 1 is Independent
Director. During the year under review, 2 meetings of the CSR Committee were held, details
of which are provided in the Corporate Governance Report. The CSR Policy is available on
the website of the Company at https://bfutilities.com/pdf/Policies%20and%20Terms/
Corporate%20Social%20Responsibility%20Policy.pdf During the year under review, there were
no instances when the recommendations of the CSR Committee were not accepted by the Board.
Since the Company is not satisfying any of the conditions of Section
135 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013, there is no CSR obligation on the Company for the FY
2023-24.
43. WHISTLEBLOWER POLICY AND VIGIL MECHANISM
The Company has formulated and implemented the Whistle Blower Policy /
Vigil Mechanism. This has provided a mechanism for directors and employees of the Company
and other persons dealing with the Company to report to the Chairman of the Audit
Committee; any instance of unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud or violation of
the Company's Code of Conduct. The aforesaid policy has also been uploaded on the
Company's website
https://bfutilities.com/pdf/Policies%20and%20Terms/Whisle%20Blower%20Policy.pdf
44. CASH FLOW
A Cash Flow Statement for the year ended 31st March 2024 is
attached to the Balance Sheet.
45. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
A report on the Corporate Governance, along with the certificate of
compliance from the Auditors, forms part of the Annual Report. The Chief Executive
Officer, the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary of the
Company have certified to the Board on financial statements and other
matters in accordance with the Regulation 17 (8) of the Listing Regulations pertaining to
CEO/CFO certification for the financial year ended March 31, 2024.
46. OBLIGATION OF COMPANY UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT
WORKPLACE
(PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
In terms of provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Company has formulated a Policy to
prevent Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace. During the year under review, there were
no cases filed pursuant to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. No cases were pending at the beginning of the year
and no complaint was pending at the end of the financial year.
The Company has constituted Internal Complaints Committee under the
POSH Act and during the year under review, no complaints were received by the Committee
47. SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
During the year under review, the Company has complied with Secretarial
Standards issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India and approved by the
Central Government under Section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013, to the extent
applicable.
48. CERTIFICATE FROM PRACTICING COMPANY SECRETARY:
The Company has received a certificate from M/s. SAW & Associates,
Company Secretaries confirming that none of the Directors on the Board of the Company have
been debarred or disqualified by MCA or SEBI or any such statutory authority from being
appointed / continuing as Director and the same is appended as 'Annexure 'IX' to the
Directors' Report.
49. ANNUAL RETURN:
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Act, the
Annual Return as on March 31, 2024 is available on the Company's website at
https://bfutilities.com/annual-return.html
50. ACKNOWLEDGMENT:
Your Directors wish to place on record, their appreciation for the
contribution made and support provided to the Company by the shareholders, employees and
bankers, during the year under the report.
|
For and on behalf |
of the Board of Directors For BF Utilities
Limited |
|
A. B. Kalyani |
B.S. Mitkari |
Pune |
Director |
Whole-time Director |
November 23, 2024 |
DIN: 00089430 |
DIN:03632549 |