Dear Member,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 58th Annual Report on the business
and operations of the Company together with the audited financial statements of the
Company for the Financial Year ended March 31,2024.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
The financial performance of your Company for the Financial Year ended March 31,2024 is
summarized below:
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
2024 |
2023 |
2024 |
2023 |
Total Revenue From Operations |
327.83 |
386.17 |
330.08 |
388.24 |
Profit /(Loss) before interest, depreciation and tax |
(31.92) |
(32.79) |
(38.01) |
(32.78) |
Interest & Financial Charges (Net) |
95.18 |
73.35 |
95.53 |
73.35 |
Depreciation |
29.16 |
29.26 |
29.16 |
29.26 |
Exceptional Items (Loss) |
0 |
(15.85) |
0 |
(15.85) |
Profit/(loss) from Continuing Operations before tax |
(156.26) |
(151.25) |
(162.70) |
(151.24) |
Provision for tax including taxes for earlier years |
(0.33) |
0 |
(0.27) |
0.01 |
Net Profit/(loss) from Continuing Operations before tax |
(156.59) |
(151.25) |
(162.97) |
(151.25) |
Net Profit/(loss) from Discontinuing Operations |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Profit/(loss) after tax |
(156.59) |
(151.25) |
(162.97) |
(151.25) |
REVIEW OF OPERATION
During FY 2023-24, your Company was able to achieve consolidated revenue of Rs. 330.08
Crores. The revenue decreased by Rs. 58.16 Crores over last year. The Company is enjoying
strong brand equity in the market. Consolidated Profit/(loss) before interest,
depreciation and taxes was Rs. (38.01) Crores in FY 2023-24.
share capital and non-convertible debentures
During the year under review, there is no change in the Issued, Subscribed and Paid-up
Share Capital of the Company.
As on March 31, 2024, the Authorised Share Capital of the Company is Rs.
2,300,000,000/- divided into 80,000,000 Equity Shares of Rs. 10/- each and 150,000,000
Preference Shares of Rs. 10/- each.
Issued, Subscribed and Paid-up Share Capital of the Company as on March 31,2024 is Rs.
2,218,589,550/- divided into 71,858,955 Equity Shares of Rs. 10/- each and 150,000,000
Preference Shares of Rs. 10/- each.
As a part of restructuring, during the Financial Year 2018-19, the Company had issued
and alloted 500 unlisted, secured, redeemable, non-convertible debentures of the face
value of Rs. 10,00,000/- each aggregating to Rs. 50,00,00,000/- on private placement basis
to JM Financial Asset Restructuring Company Limited.
employee stock option plan (esop)
With a view to motivate, attract and retain key employees of the Company, the Company
introduced a "Nitco - Employees Stock Option Plan - 2019" ("ESOP -
2019") which was approved by the shareholders on March 30, 2019. The Plan is
introduced to create, grant, offer, issue and allot such number of Stock Options
convertible into Equity Shares of the Company ("Options"), in one or more
tranches, not exceeding 12,00,000 equity shares of face value of Rs. 10 each.
During the year under review, there are no material changes in the ESOP - 2019 and the
same is in compliance with SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 or SEBI
(Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity Shares) Regulations, 2021 ("the
Regulations"). The Disclosure pertaining to ESOPs required to be made under the
Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act") and the rules made thereunder and the
Regulations is provided on the website of the Company at
https://www.nitco.in/corporate/investors/esop.
TRANSFER To RESERVES
The Company has not transferred any amount to reserves for the Financial Year ended
March 31,2024.
borrowing
JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Company Limited ("JMFARC") acquired 98% of
the Company's debt from its lenders and sanctioned debt restructuring effective from the
Cut-Off date February 28, 2018. Interest on restructured loans has been provided in the
books as per the Restructuring agreement with JMFARC.
The Company is negotiating with Life Insurance Corporation ("LIC") for
restructuring of its facility (principal outstanding Rs. 18.87 Crores) on terms similar to
the restructuring done by JMFARC. Pending negotiations with LIC, no further adjustments in
respect of the LIC facility have been made.
There was a default in repayment of term loan installments fallen due and payment of
interest together aggregating Rs. 762.83 Crores as on March 31, 2024.
DIVESTMENT IN JOINT VENTURE COMPANY
The Company is in the process of selling the entire stake in Mactile India Private
Limited (MIPL) [formerly known as New Vardhman Vitrified Pvt. Ltd. (NVVPL)]. The
Company has received the advance consideration amount towards the said divestment,
however, the transfer of shares of MIPL could not be completed due to the non-receipt of
no objection certificate from one of the lenders of the Company. As on March 31, 2024, the
shareholding of the Company in Mactile India Private Limited (MIPL) [formerly known as
New Vardhman Vitrified Pvt. Ltd. (NVVPL)] is 49%, however, the Company has no
influence over MIPL or its KMPs nor it controls the composition of its board.
SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURE COMPANIES
In accordance with the Act and Accounting Standard (AS-21) on consolidated financial
statements, the audited consolidated financial statements forms part of the Annual Report.
The Statement required under Section 129(3) of the Act in respect of the subsidiary
companies is provided in Annexure I of this report.
The annual accounts of the subsidiary companies and the related detailed information
will be made available to any member of the Company / its subsidiaries who request for the
same. The annual financial statements of the subsidiary companies will also be kept open
for inspection at the Company's/Subsidiary's Registered Office and/or Corporate Office.
During the year under review, there was no change in subsdiaries, Associates and/or
Joint Venture of the Company.
credit rating
The last credit rating issued to the Company by CARE Limited was on October 1, 2012.
However, the credit rating is under suspension at present as the Company was under
Corporate Debt Restructuring.
DIVIDEND
The Board does not recommend any dividend for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2024.
DEVELOPMENTS
Assignment of Debt
After the closure of the Financial Year 2023-24, JM Financial Asset Reconstruction
Company Limited ("JMFARC"), through its letter dated April 20, 2024, intimated
the Company w.r.t. assignment of all financial assets of the Company together with all
underlying rights, titles, interests, securities, guarantees etc. thereof in favour of
Authum Investment & Infrastructure Limited ("Authum"). Such assignment was a
result of an assignment agreement dated April 20, 2024 executed between JMFARC and Authum.
Consequently, Authum Investment & Infrastructure Limited has become the leading
lender of the Company. The Company is in the process of negotiating with Authum for
restructuring its facilities.
Debt Recovery Tribunal Proceedings
The Company had received an email on January 9, 2023 from Applicant JM Financial Asset
Restructuring Company Limited (acting in its capacity as trustee of JMFARC-Corporation
Bank Ceramics September 2015-Trust) w.r.t. filing of Miscellaneous Application (MA) under
Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest
Act, 2002 to initiate recovery proceedings. By way of the aforesaid MA, the Applicant is
praying issuance of Recovery Certificate of Rs.7,354.43 Lakhs due as on June 29, 2015
along with interest 3 14.45 per cent per annum compounded with monthly rests. The
aforesaid application was numbered as Misc. Application No. 4 of 2023. The Hon'ble Debt
Recovery Tribunal - I, Mumbai, after hearing both the sides, finally reserved the Order on
November 3, 2023 against the Company. On January 9, 2024 the Hon'ble Debt Recovery
Tribunal-1 uploaded the Order allowing the Miscellaneous Application and issued Recovery
Certificate to the tune of Rs. 7,354.43 Lakhs and stated this would be reduced by Rs.
215.61 Lakhs which has already been deposited by the Company.
For future course of action, the Company understands from its legal counsels that the
Remedy to file Appeal in Debt Recovery Appellate Tribunal shall be preferred within
reasonable time which triggers once the certified true copy of the order is received by
the Company from the Court. The Company through its Advocate has applied for certified
true copy of the aforesaid DRT Order on January 4, 2024. The Company has yet not received
the certified true copy of the said Order. The Company as Appellant is contemplating and
exploring all other legal options to stay the aforesaid DRT Order.
Lockout at Tiles manufacturing unit at Alibaug
On January 27, 2020 lockout has been declared at the tiles manufacturing unit at
Alibaug for a temporary period. The lockout was necessitated due to non-cooperation,
coercive and threatening tactics by workmen at the factory premises and with a view to
safeguard the interest of the organisation, the safety and security of the personnel and
the property of the Company.
In the year 2022-23, the Company had reached a settlement with the Alibaug Union
representing the 250 workmen of the plant, out of which 240 workers had accepted the
agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, the workers had been offered a Voluntary
Retirement Scheme (VRS) and an Exgratia amount in addition to their statutory dues that
were already paid by the Company. 10 workers who had not accepted the settlement filed a
case against the Management of the Company and the matter is still pending before the
Industrial Labour Court, Thane. The Lockout at the Alibaug Plant still continues.
Forensic Audit
The lenders i.e. JM Financial Asset Restructuring Company Limited (JMFARC) as a part of
process had initiated the Forensic Audit in the account of Nitco Limited. The Company had
received the Forensic Audit Report from JMFARC to provide its response to the observation
given by the auditor in the report and it had been duly replied.
MATERIAL DEVELOPMENTS
First International Experiential Centre Launched in Nepal
The launch of NITCO's first international experience centre in Nepal marks a
significant milestone in the region's design and architectural landscape. As a premier
destination for high-quality tiles and interior solutions, NITCO Le Studio brings a blend
of innovative design, superior craftsmanship, and premium materials to the Nepalese
market. The grand opening event showcased an impressive array of products that cater to
both modern and traditional aesthetic sensibilities, highlighting NITCO's commitment to
excellence and customer satisfaction. This expansion not only strengthens NITCO's presence
in South Asia but also provides architects, designers, and homeowners in Nepal with access
to world-class design solutions, fostering a new era of sophisticated and stylish
interiors in the country.
Dealer's Salesmen Meet
43 Dealer Salesmen Meets were organized to train the sales staff of our dealers on our
extensive product range. These meetings aimed to equip them with the essential knowledge
and skills to effectively promote and sell our products to the customers.
Engineers Meet
To highlight the technical superiority and design excellence of our brand and products,
we conducted 37 Engineers Meets. These meetings provided a platform for our technical
experts to showcase the unique features and advantages of our products to engineers,
fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our offerings.
Mason & Contractor Meetings
We held 54 meetings with masons and contractors to educate them about our products,
brand and market leadership. These interactions also provided a valuable forum for
gathering their opinions and suggestions, which were then shared with our research and
development team for consideration.
Cersaie Italy 2023
In September 2023, NITCO Limited had the privilege ofparticipating in the prestigious
international trade fair and exhibition, Cersaie, held in Bologna, Italy. As a leading
manufacturer in the ceramic and porcelain tile industry, NITCO showcased its exotic range
of tiles, attracting significant attention and generating numerous inquiries from overseas
visitors. The captivating display and innovative product offerings highlighted NITCO's
commitment to design excellence and innovation. NITCO's participation in Cersaie further
solidified its position as a key player in the global ceramic tile market, demonstrating
the Company's dedication in delivering high-quality products that inspire and captivate
customers worldwide.
Warehouse Keeper's Training
A noteworthy initiative that sets us apart in the industry is our extensive Warehouse
Training Program. We conducted 179 training sessions in collaboration with our technical
specialists, focusing on the best practices in logistics and product handling. This
comprehensive training aimed to optimize inventory management, reduce costs, and improve
overall efficiency. The technical training
initiatives undertaken by the NITCO team during the Financial Year 2023-2024 reflects
our dedication to empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel
in their roles. These efforts have not only enhanced product understanding but also
strengthened relationship with sales staff, engineers, dealers, masons and contractors,
reinforcing our position as a market leader.
changes in the nature of business
The Company continue in the business of manufacturing ceramic (floor/wall) tiles,
processing of marble, outsourcing of vitrified tiles and development of real estates and
hence, there was no change in the nature of business or operations of the Company, which
impacted the financial position of the Company during the year under review.
material changes and commitments affecting
FINANCIAL PoSITioN of THE CoMPANY
There are no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the
Company except as mentioned in the Annual Report, subsequent to the close of Financial
Year 2023-24 till the date of this Report.
DETAILS oF APPLICATioN MADE oR ANY PRoCEEDING PENDING UNDER THE INSoLVENCY AND
BANKRUPTCY CoDE, 2016
During the Financial Year 2022-23, JM Financial Asset Restructuring Company Limited
(acting in its capacity as trustee of JMFARC-LVB Ceramics September 2014 - Trust) -
Financial Creditor filed an Application under Section 7 of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code,
2016 read with Rule 4 of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy (Application to Adjudicating
Authority) Rules, 2016 with National Company Law Tribunal (Hon'ble NCLT) to initiate
corporate insolvency resolution process against the Company. The petition is at
pre-admission/not admitted stage.
As a result of assignment of financial assets of the Company from JM Financial Asset
Reconstruction Company Limited to Authum Investment and Infrastructure Limited, change in
the name of the applicant in the NCLT application has been submitted and substitution has
been allowed by the Hon'ble NCLT.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL oRDERS PASSED BY THE regulators or courts or TRIBUNALS
During the year under review, no significant and material orders have been passed by
any Regulator or Court or Tribunal which would impact the going concern status of the
Company and its future operations.
INTERNAL CoNTRoL SYSTEM
(i) Internal Control Systems and their adequacy
The Company has in place adequate internal controls which commensurate with the size of
the Company and nature of its business and the same were operating effectively throughout
the year. Internal Audit conducted periodically covers all areas of business. The Internal
Auditors evaluates the efficacy and adequacy of internal control system, its
compliance with the operating systems and policies of the Company and accounting
procedures at all the locations of the Company. Based on the report of the Internal
Auditors, process owners undertake corrective action in their respective areas and thereby
strengthen the controls. Significant audit observations and corrective actions thereon are
placed before the Audit Committee of the Board.
(ii) Internal Controls over Financial Reporting
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls which commensurate with
size and complexity of its operations. During the year, such controls were tested and no
reportable material weakness in the design or operations were observed. The Company has
policies and procedures in place for ensuring proper and efficient conduct of its
business, safeguarding of its assets, prevention and detection of frauds and errors,
accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable
financial information.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors confirm that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2024, the
applicable accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating
to material departures;
b) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made
judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view
of the state of affairs of the Company as on March 31,2024 and of the loss of the Company
for that period;
c) they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate
accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the
assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and
that such internal financial controls are adequate and operating effectively; and
f) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
MANAGEMENT OF THE COMPANY
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
As on March 31, 2024, the Company has six directors with an optimum combination of
Executive and Non-Executive Directors including two Women Directors out of which one is
Woman Independent Director. The Board comprises of five Non-Executive Directors, out of
which four are Independent Directors.
a) Appointments during the Year
Mr. Sitanshu Satapathy was appointed as Chief Financial Officer & Key
Managerial Personnel of the Company with effect from August 12, 2023.
b) Resignations during the Year
Mr. Anjanikumar Sharma resigned as Chief Financial Officer & Key Managerial
Personnel of the Company with effect from the closure of business hours of April 3, 2023.
However, he remained available to the Company during the transition period till May 25,
2023.
The Board places on record its sincere appreciation for the valuable contribution made
by Mr. Anjanikumar Sharma during his association with the Company as KMP of the Company.
c) Retire by Rotation
Ms. Poonam Talwar (DIN: 00043300) retires by rotation at the ensuing Annual General
Meeting and being eligible offers herself for re-appointment. The resolution for
reappointment of Ms. Poonam Talwar, on her retirement by rotation is forming part of the
Ordinary Business in the Notice of ensuing AGM.
d) Declaration by Independent Directors
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company
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 Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("the Listing Regulations"). Further, in terms
of Regulation 25(8) of the Listing Regulations, the Independent Directors have also
confirmed that they are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which exists or may be
reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their
duties with an objective independent judgement and without any external influence. Based
on the aforesaid declarations received from Independent Directors, the Board of Directors
confirms that Independent Directors of the Company fulfills the conditions specified in
Section 149(6) of the Act read with Rules made thereunder and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the
Listing Regulations and are Independent of the Management.
The Company has also received declarations from all the Directors and Senior Management
of the Company confirming that they have complied with the provisions of the Code of
Conduct for Board Members and Senior Management of the Company.
Performance Evaluation of the Board, its Committees and Individual Directors
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations, the Board has
carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance and that of its Committees as well
as the performance of the Directors individually. Feedback was sought covering various
aspects of the Board's functioning such as adequacy of the composition of the Board and
its Committees, Board culture,
execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance and the
evaluation was carried out based on responses received from the Directors.
The performance evaluation of the Non-Independent Directors, the Board as a whole and
the Chairman of the Company was carried out by the Independent Directors. The Directors
expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
Key Managerial Personnel (KMP)
As on March 31,2024, following are the KMPs of the Company:
> Mr. Vivek Talwar, Chairman & Managing Director;
> Mr. Sitanshu Satapathy, Chief Financial Officer;
> Mrs. Geeta Shah, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer.
Meetings of the Board
Six meetings of the Board of Directors were convened and held during the year. The
maximum gap between two meetings was not more than 120 days. The details of meetings of
the Board of Directors are provided in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of
the Annual Report.
Committee Composition
The details of the composition of the Committees, number of the meetings held,
attendance of the Committee members at such meetings and other relevant details are
provided in the Corporate Governance Report which forms the part of the Annual Report.
Recommendations of Committee
During the year under review, there were no instances of nonacceptance of any
recommendation of Audit Committee and Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Company
by the Board of Directors.
Remuneration Policy
On the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board has
framed a policy for the selection and appointment of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel,
Senior Management and their remuneration. This policy along with the criteria for
determining the qualification, positive attributes and independence of a director is
available on the website of the Company i.e.
https://www.nitco.in/corporate/investors/nitco-policy.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to Regulation 34 read with Schedule V to the Listing Regulations, a detailed
report on Corporate Governance forms part of the Annual Report. A certificate from the
Secretarial Auditors of the Company confirming compliance with the conditions of Corporate
Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations is given in a
separate statement which forms part of the Annual Report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Management Discussion and Analysis Report on the matters related to the business
performance, as stipulated in Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, is given in a
separate statement which forms part of the Annual Report.
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All contracts / arrangements / transactions entered by the Company during the Financial
Year with related parties were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length
basis. During the year, the Company had not entered into any material contracts /
arrangements / transactions with the related party/(ies) of the Company which may have a
potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large.
The related party transactions are placed before the Audit Committee for approval and
are reviewed on a quarterly basis. Prior omnibus approval is obtained for related party
transactions which are of repetitive nature and/or entered in the ordinary course of
business and are at arm's length basis.
There are no material related party transactions and hence disclosure of related party
transactions as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act in FORM AOC-2 is not
applicable for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2024.
The Policy on the materiality of related party transactions and dealing with related
party transactions as approved by the Board, is available on the Company's website
https://nitco.in/corporate/ investors/nitco-policy. Your Directors draw attention
of the members to Note 34 to the standalone financial statements which sets out related
party disclosures.
TRANSFER TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
During the year under review, the Company was not liable to transfer any amount to
Investor Education & Protection Fund (IEPF) account.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 124(6) of the Act and Rule 6(3)(a) ofthe
Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund)
Rules, 2016 ('IEPF Rules'), the Company in previous years had transferred 95,929 equity
shares of Rs. 10 each held by 258 shareholders to IEPF. The said shares correspond to the
dividend which had remained unclaimed for a period of seven consecutive years from the
Financial Year(s) 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09 and 2010-11 were also transferred to
IEPF. Subsequent to the transfer, the concerned shareholders can claim the said shares
along with the dividend(s) by making an application to IEPF Authority in accordance with
the procedure available on www.iepf.gov.in and on submission of such documents as
prescribed under the IEPF Rules. All corporate benefits accruing on such shares viz. bonus
shares, etc. including dividends shall be credited to IEPF.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company does not fall under the purview of Section 135 of the Act and hence it is
not required to contribute to the CSR activities as mandated under the the Act and the
Rules made thereunder.
RISK AND CONCERN
Changes in macro economic factors like GDP growth, inflation, energy cost, interest
rate, world trade, exchange rate, etc. play an important role in our industry thereby
affecting the operations of business. Any adverse change in the above may affect the
performance of your Company. Your Company periodically reviews
the risk associated with the business and takes steps to mitigate and minimize the
impact of risks involved.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
The Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposit from the public within the
meaning of Section 73 and 74 of the Act read with Companies (Acceptance of Deposits)
Rules, 2014 during the year ended March 31,2024.
AUDITORS
Statutory Auditor and Audit report
M/s. M M Nissim & Co LLP - Chartered Accountants (FRN: 107122W / W100672), were
appointed as Statutory Auditor of the Company by the Members at the 56th Annual
General Meeting (AGM) held on September 30, 2022 to hold the office upto the conclusion of
61st AGM to be held in the Financial Year 2027-28.
The Board has duly examined the Statutory Auditor's Report and clarifications, wherever
necessary, have been included in the Notes to Accounts section of the Annual Report. The
Notes on the Financial Statements referred to in the Auditor's Report are self-explanatory
and do not call for any comments. The Statutory Auditor has issued a qualified Audit
Report for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2024.
As regards the Auditors' qualified opinion, the Company is continuing its efforts to
negotiate with LIC for one time settlement/
restructuring of its facility on similar terms to restructuring done by JMFARC on
January 23, 2018. Pending negotiations with LIC, no further adjustments is not made in the
books. Further, the Company is in the process to initiate its negotiation with Authum
Investment & Infrastructure Limited for the restructuring/ extension of restructuring
of its facilities. Pending negotiations, no further adjustment is made in the books.
There was no instance of fraud during the year under review, which was required by the
Statutory Auditors to report to the Audit Committee, Board and/or Central Government under
Section 143(12) of the Act and Rules framed thereunder.
Secretarial Auditor and Secretarial Audit Report
In terms of the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and Rule 9 of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board has
appointed M/s. Mihen Halani & Associates (CP No.:12015; FCS:9926), Practicing Company
Secretaries, to conduct Secretarial audit for Financial Year 2023-24. The Secretarial
Audit Report for the Financial Year ended March 31, 2024 is annexed herewith marked as Annexure
II to this Report.
The Company has also obtained Secretarial Compliance Report for FY 2023-24 from M/s.
Mihen Halani & Associates (CP No.:12015; FCS:9926), Practicing Company Secretaries in
relation to the compliance of all applicable SEBI Regulations/circulars/guidelines issued
thereunder, pursuant to the requirement of Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations.
The Secretarial Audit Report/ Annual Secretarial Compliance Report does not contain any
qualification, reservation or adverse remarks except the Following:
Observations made by the Secretarial Auditor |
Management Response |
Out oftotal shareholding ofpromoter and promoter group, 4242 Equity shares i.e. 0.01%
of the total shareholding of promoter category is not in the dematerialized form as
required under Regulation 31(2) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. |
The Company along with its promoters is taking appropriate steps for dematerialization
of 4242 promoter's shares. Please note that the Promoters entities whose shares are not in
demat form were formed decades ago. Further, in one of the cases their senior most member
who formed the entity expired and PAN was not available for them. The same resulted in
nonconversion of physical shares into demat form. |
The Company has received a show cause notice from the SEBI stating; |
The Company is in receipt of Show Cause Notice and as provided in Show Cause Notice,
the Company has opted for settlement mechanism under the SEBI (Settlement Proceeding)
Regulations, 2018 and has filed a settlement application through the consultant. The
Company has paid the requisite settlement application processing fee to the SEBI. |
(i) Non-complying with provisions of IND-AS 36,109 and 24; |
|
(ii) violation of few clauses of provisions of Regulations Regulations 4, 17 r/w
Regulations 33,34 and 48 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and Section 27 of the SEBI
Act, 1992 |
|
The company is in the due process of updating its following Policies as required under
Regulations 23, 24, 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015, as amended from time to time. |
The Company is in due process of updating the policies in lines with the provisions of
Regulations 23, 24, 30 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. |
I. Policy of Materiality of Related Party Transactions and on dealing with Related
Party Transactions; |
|
II. Policy for Determining Material Subsidiaries; |
|
III. Policy on Criteria for Determining Materiality of Events |
|
No instance of fraud has been reported by the Secretarial Auditor.
Cost Audit
In terms of the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with Rule 14 of the Companies
(Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the cost records, in respect of the marble business, are
required to be audited by a qualified Cost Accountant. The Board of Directors, upon the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, had appointed M/s. R. K. Bhandari & Co. (Firm
Registration No.: 101435), Cost Accountants, as cost auditor for conducting the audit of
cost records of the Company for the applicable segment for the Financial Year 202324.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Company has in place an Audit Committee in terms of the requirements of the Section
177 of the Act read with the rules made thereunder and Regulation 18 of the Listing
Regulations. The Audit Committee details are given in the Corporate Governance Report
forming part of the Annual Report.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has complied with mandatory applicable Secretarial Standards as prescribed
by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE BLOWER MECHANISM
The Vigil Mechanism, as envisaged in the provisions of sub-section (9) of Section 177
of the Act, the rules framed thereunder and Regulation 22 of the Listing Regulations, is
implemented by the Company through a Whistle Blower Policy to enable the Directors, its
employees to voice their concerns or observations without fear, or raise reports of
instance of any unethical or unacceptable business practice or event of
misconduct/unethical behavior, actual or suspected fraud and violation of Code of Conduct
etc. to the Audit Committee.
Under the Whistle Blower Policy, confidentiality of those who are reporting
violation(s) is protected and they shall not be subject to any discriminatory practices.
The Policy also provides for adequate safeguards against victimization of persons who use
such mechanism and make provision for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee
in appropriate and exceptional cases. The Policy on vigil mechanism and whistle blower
policy is available on the Company's website https://www.nitco.in/corporate/investors/
nitco-policy.
During the year under review, the Company has not received any complaint through Vigil
Mechanism.
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
As required under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act, 2013 and rules framed thereunder, the Company has implemented a policy
on prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at the workplace. This has
been widely communicated internally and is uploaded on the Company's intranet portal. The
Company has constituted Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) to redress the complaints
received regarding sexual harassment. During the year under review, no complaints were
received by the Committee for Redressal.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS GIVEN, INVESTMENTS MADE, GUARANTEES GIVEN And SECURITIES Provided
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantees given and securities provided
along with the purpose for which the loan or guarantee or security is proposed to be
utilized by the recipient are provided in the Notes to the standalone financial statement.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The particulars relating to conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign
exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed under the Act, is annexed
herewith as Annexure III.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(3)(a) and Section 92(3) of the Act read with
Rule 12 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the draft Annual
Return of the Company having all the available information for the Financial Year ended
March 31, 2024 is hosted on the website of the Company and can be accessed at
https://www.nitco.in/corporate/inves tors/ PDFFiles/Annual-Return-2023-24.pdf.
DIRECTOR'S FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME
An appropriate and ongoing training for Directors is a major contributor in maintaining
high standards of Corporate Governance in the Company. The management provides such
information and training either at the meeting of Board of Directors/Committees or
otherwise. The details of the familiarisation programme are provided in the Corporate
Governance Report and is also available on the website of the Company at
https://www.nitco.in/corporate/ investors/nitco-policy.
Number of familiarisation programmes held during Financial Year 2023-24:
Sr No. Subject Matter of the Programme |
Day/ Date |
Time Duration |
No. of programmes attended |
No of hours spent |
|
|
|
During the year |
Cumulative till date |
during the year |
Cumulative till date |
1 Nature of business and the products of the Company |
Friday, March 1,2024 |
50 minutes |
FY 2023-24 |
1 |
2023-24 |
50 minutes |
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details 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 are provided as Annexure - IV.
In terms of the provisions of Rules 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 read with second proviso of the rules, a
statement showing the names of employees and other particulars of the top ten employees
and employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits as provided in the said rules
will be provided on a request made in writing to the Company.
GENERAL
Your Directors confirm that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the
following matters/ events as no such matter/ event has taken place during the year under
review:
1. Issue of equity shares with differential voting rights as to dividend, voting or
otherwise.
2. The Whole-time Directors of the Company do not receive any remuneration or
commission from any of its subsidiaries.
3. Issue of Sweat Equity Shares.
4. Details of difference between the amount of valuation at the time of one time
settlement and valuation done while taking loan from banks or financial institutions are
not applicable.
APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors wish to place on record their appreciation for the valuable co-operation
and support received from the employees, various Government Authorities, Banks/ Financial
Institutions and other stakeholders such as members, customers and suppliers, among
others. Your Directors look forward to their continued support in future.
|
For and on behalf of the Board |
|
Vivek Talwar |
|
Chairman & Managing Director |
|
Din: 00043180 |
date: may 29, 2024 |
|
Place: Mumbai |
|