Dear Members,
Your Board of Directors ('the Board') are pleased to present the 77th
Integrated Annual Report of Saregama India Limited ('Saregama' or 'the Company') along
with the Audited Financial Statements (Standalone and Consolidated) for the financial year
ended on 31st March, 2024.
1. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
A) The performance of the Company for the financial year ended on 31st
March, 2024 is summarized below:
(' In Lakhs)
Particulars |
Consolidated |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Standalone |
Year ended 31st
March, 2024 |
Year ended 31st
March, 2024 |
Year ended 31st
March, 2023 |
Year ended 31st
March, 2023 |
Total income |
86,666.26 |
81,719.36 |
79,025.25 |
74,848.47 |
Profit from operations |
27,078.57 |
27,543.78 |
24,807.77 |
24,317.62 |
Exceptional item |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
Provision for Contingencies |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
NIL |
Profit before tax |
27,078.57 |
27,543.78 |
24,807.77 |
24,317.62 |
Provision for Taxation |
|
|
|
|
Current tax |
7,177.52 |
6,990.63 |
6,270.99 |
6,186.07 |
Deferred Tax Charged |
145.12 |
253.91 |
31.59 |
83.72 |
Profit for the year |
19,755.93 |
20,299.24 |
18,505.19 |
18,047.83 |
Interim Dividend |
7,712.38 |
7,712.38 |
5,784.28 |
5,784.28 |
Free Reserves |
1,34,196.23 |
1,34,058.02 |
1,22,253.76 |
1,21,582.17 |
Your Board is pleased to report a profit of ' 19,755.93 Lakhs on
a Consolidated basis for the financial year 2023-24.
The Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31st
March, 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the accounting principles generally
accepted in India, including the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) specified under
section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act') read with the Companies (Indian
Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015, as amended.
B) Reserves
During the year under review, there was no amount transferred to any of
the reserves by the Company.
C) Operations/ State of Company's Affairs/Nature of Business
The Operations/ State of the Company's Affairs/ Nature of Business
forms part of the Management Discussion and Analysis Report forming part of the Integrated
Annual Report.
D) Dividend
The Board of Directors of the Company at its Meeting held on Friday, 9th
February, 2024 had declared an Interim Dividend of ' 4/- per equity share (i.e. 400
% on the face value of ' 1/- per equity share), for the financial year ended on 31st
March, 2024. The total payout towards equity dividend for FY 2023-24 aggregated to '
7,712.37 Lakhs. The said Interim Dividend was paid on and from Monday, 4th
March, 2024.
The Dividend recommendation is in accordance with the Dividend
Distribution Policy of the Company. The Dividend Distribution Policy, in terms of
Regulation 43A of the Securities Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ('SEBI Listing Regulations') is available on
the Company's website and can be accessed at
https://r.sareqama.com/resources/pdf/investor/dividend_distribution_policv_saregama_india_limited.PDF
There has been no change in the policy during the year. The Notice
convening the 77th Annual General Meeting ('AGM') of the Members of the Company
includes an item for confirmation of the said Interim Dividend.
E) Subsidiaries. Associates and Joint Ventures
As of 31st March, 2024, the Company has six Subsidiaries,
including four International Subsidiaries and one Material Subsidiary, along with one
Joint Venture Company. There are no Associate companies within the meaning of section 2(6)
of the act.
The aforementioned Joint Venture ('JV') Company was directed to be
wound up by the Hon'ble High Court at Calcutta on 19th September, 2016.
Consequently, this entity has not been considered for consolidation by the Group.
The performance highlights of the subsidiary companies and their
contribution to the overall performance of the Company during the reporting period are
provided in note no. 44 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
F) Acquisition
a. The Company has executed (i) an Investment agreement dated 28th
September, 2023 with inter alios M/s Pocket Aces Pictures Private Limited ('Pocket Aces'),
Ms. Aditi Shrivastava and other shareholders of Pocket Aces; and (ii) shareholders'
agreement dated 28th September, 2023 with Pocket Aces, Ms. Aditi Shrivastava
and other shareholders of Pocket Aces. Through these agreements, the Company acquired a
controlling equity stake of Pocket Aces by way of secondary acquisition, in one or more
tranches, in the following classes of securities: (i) 1,14,723 equity shares; (ii) 69,231
seed compulsorily convertible preference shares; (iii) 77,238 series A compulsorily
convertible preference shares; (iv) 30,611 series B compulsorily convertible preference
shares; (v) 16,034 series C1 compulsorily convertible preference shares; (vi) 656 series
C3 compulsorily convertible preference shares; (vii) 30,144 series BB compulsorily
convertible preference shares, aggregating to 3,70,742 securities representing
approximately 51.82% of the issued and paid-up share capital (determined on a fully
diluted basis) of Pocket Aces for a total sale consideration of 165.61 Cr paid towards
various shareholders of Pocket Aces, as first tranche sale consideration.
b. Pursuant to such acquisition, Pocket Aces has become a Material
Subsidiary of the Company.
Pocket Aces is a Digital Entertainment Company. It is one of the few
companies with a holistic presence across digital media ecosystem. It manages influencers
across categories, produces long form content across platforms, and publishes snackable
short form content. The acquisition has been consummated on 11th November,
2023.
G) Scheme of Arrangement between Saregama India Limited and Digidrive
Distributors Limited
a. The Company filed an application before the Hon'ble National Company
Law Tribunal, Kolkata Bench ('NCLT') to obtain orders for convening and/or dispensing
meetings of shareholders and creditors of Saregama India Limited ('Demerged Company') and
Digidrive Distributors Limited ('Resulting Company') in connection with a Scheme of
Arrangement ('Scheme') proposed to be made between the Demerged Company and the Resulting
Company and their respective shareholders and creditors under sections 230 to 232 read
with other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act') for demerger of
the Demerged Undertaking, being the E-Commerce Distribution Business (as defined in the
Scheme) of the Demerged Company, to the Resulting Company in the manner and on the terms
and conditions stated in the said Scheme.
b. Pursuant to the Scheme, the E-commerce Distribution Business along
with identified non-core assets ('Demerged Undertaking') was demerged, transferred and
vested from the Company into the Resulting Company under the provisions of the Act. The
Company received the Certified Copy of the Order sanctioning the Scheme on 26th
June, 2023 and the Company filed Form INC-28 with the Registrar of Companies, Kolkata on
12th July, 2023. Accordingly, the Scheme was made effective on 12th
July, 2023 upon receipt of all requisite approvals, with the Appointed Date of the Scheme
being 1st April, 2022.
c. Further, in terms of Clause 7 of the Scheme, the Resulting Company
issued and allotted 3,85,61,898 Equity shares of ' 10/- (Rupees Ten only) each on 31st
July, 2023 to the eligible shareholders of the Company as on the Record Date, i.e. 27th
July, 2023.
d. The listing and trading approvals for 3,85,61,898 fully paid-up
Equity Shares of ' 10/- each of the Resulting Company were received from the
National Stock Exchange of India Limited ('NSE') vide letter No. NSE/LIST/118 dated 8th
January, 2024 and BSE Limited ('BSE') vide letter No. 20240108-16 dated 8th
January, 2024.
e. The above-mentioned equity shares are available for trading on NSE
and BSE both effective from 10th January, 2024. The details of the Equity
Shares with respect to the trading are hereunder:
Name of the Company |
: Digidrive Distributors Limited |
ISIN |
: INE0PSC01024 |
NSE Symbol |
: Digidrive |
BSE Scrip Code |
: 544079 |
H) Consolidated Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its
Subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Act read with the
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, applicable Accounting Standards and the SEBI Listing
Regulations and it forms part of the Integrated Annual Report. Pursuant to section 129 (3)
of the Act, a statement containing the salient features of the Financial Statements of the
subsidiary companies for the FY 2023-24 is attached to the Financial Statements in Form
AOC-1.
Further pursuant to the provisions of section 136 of the Act, the
Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, along with relevant
documents and separate audited accounts in respect of subsidiaries are available on the
website of the Company at www.saregama.com under the section 'Investor Relations'. Members
desirous of obtaining the Accounts of the Company's subsidiaries may obtain the same upon
request by email to the Company's email id - co.sec@ saregama.com.
2. SHARE CAPITAL
The Authorised Share Capital of the Company as on 31st
March, 2024 was ' 25,00,00,000 divided into 25,00,00,000 Equity Shares of Re. 1/-
each.
The issued, subscribed and paid-up Equity Share Capital of the Company
as on 31st March, 2024 was ' 19,28,09,490 divided into 19,28,09,490
Equity Shares of Re.1/- each.
There was no change in the Company's share capital during the year
under review.
3. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company has adopted a Code of Conduct ('the Code') for all members
of Board of Directors and Senior Management, who have affirmed compliance with the Code.
The adoption of the Code stems from the fiduciary responsibility that the Directors and
the Senior Management have towards the stakeholders of the Company. Your Board of
Directors are committed to good governance practices based on principles of integrity,
fairness, transparency and accountability for creating long-term sustainable shareholder
value.
Further, a separate Report on Corporate Governance as prescribed under
the SEBI Listing Regulations together with a certificate from M/s. M R and Associates,
Practicing Company Secretary is set out in the 'Annexure - E' forming part of this
Integrated Annual Report.
4. QUALIFIED INSTITUTIONAL PLACEMENT ('QIP')
During the year ended 31st March, 2022, the Company had
allotted and issued 18,50,937 Equity Shares of ' 10/- each at an issue price of '
4,052/- per equity share, aggregating to ' 750 Cr (including securities premium of '
748.15 Cr) on 10th November, 2021. The aforesaid issuance of equity shares was
made through a QIP in terms of the SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2018 as amended, section 42, section 62, and other relevant provisions of the
Act.
Out of the total funds raised through QIP, the unutilized funds
aggregating to ' 542.88/- Cr were temporarily invested in liquid investments i.e.,
mutual funds and bank deposits and that there was no deviation(s) or variation(s) in the
use of proceeds of the QIP.
5. ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to section 92(3) and section 134(3)(a) of the Act read with
Rule 12 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return of
the Company in form MGT-7 as on 31st March, 2024 is available on the website of
the Company and can be accessed at https://www.sareqama.com/static/investors.
6. DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
A) Change in Directorship
Mr. Arindam Sarkar ceased to be Non-Executive Independent
Director of the Company w.e.f. 5th October, 2023.
Ms. Suhana Murshed ceased to be Non-Executive Independent
Director of the Company w.e.f. 2nd November, 2023.
Ms. Kusum Dadoo was appointed as Non-Executive Independent
Director of the Company w.e.f. 1st November, 2023.
The Board, on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee ('NRC') and subject to the approval of the Members, has recommended:
The re-appointment of Mr. Vikram Mehra (DIN: 03556680) as the
Managing Director of the Company for a period of 5 (five) years with effect from 27th
October, 2024. His period of office shall be liable to determination by retirement of
directors by rotation. Necessary resolution for the above re-appointment(s) have been
included in the Notice for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting ('AGM') of the Company.
B) Retirement by rotation and subsequent re-appointment
I n accordance with the provisions of section 152 of the Act read with
the Articles of Association of the Company, Dr. Sanjiv Goenka (DIN: 00074796),
Non-Executive Director is liable to retire by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General
Meeting ('AGM') and being eligible, offer himself for re-appointment. The Board on the
recommendation of NRC has recommended the said re-appointment.
C) Key Managerial Personnel ('KMP')
During the year under review, there were no changes in Key Managerial
Personnel.
As on 31st March, 2024, the Company has the following KMP as
per section 2(51) of the Act:
S. No. Key Managerial Personnel |
Designation |
1. Vikram Mehra |
Managing Director |
2. Pankaj Chaturvedi |
Chief Financial Officer |
3. Priyanka Motwani |
Company Secretary &
Compliance Officer |
D) Remuneration / Commission drawn from Holding / Subsidiary Company:
None of the Directors of the Company have drawn any
remuneration/commission from the Company's Holding Company/ Subsidiary Companies.
E) Declaration by Independent Directors
The Company has received the necessary declarations from each of the
Independent Director under section 149(7) of the Act, that he/she meets the criteria of
independence laid down in section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 25(8) of the SEBI
Listing Regulations and there has been no change in the circumstances which may affect
their status as Independent Director during the year. The Board has taken on record these
declarations after undertaking the due assessment of the veracity of the same.
F) Board Evaluation
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the corporate governance
requirements as prescribed by SEBI Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out an
annual evaluation of its performance, and that of its Committees and individual Directors.
The Board evaluation was conducted through questionnaire designed with
qualitative parameters and feedback based on ratings.
The criteria for performance evaluation of the Board included aspects
like Board composition and structure; effectiveness of Board processes, information and
functioning etc. The criteria for performance evaluation of Committees of the Board
included aspects like the composition of Committees, effectiveness of Committee meetings
etc. The criteria for performance evaluation of the individual Directors included aspects
on contribution to the Board and Committee meetings like preparedness on the issues to be
discussed, meaningful and constructive contribution and inputs in meetings etc.
In the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors of the Company
possess relevant expertise and experience (including the proficiency).
G) Independent Directors Meeting
A separate meeting of the Independent Directors without the presence of
the Chairman, the Managing Director or other Non-Independent Director(s) or any other
Management Personnel was held on Friday, 9th February, 2024.
The Independent Directors reviewed the performance of Non-Independent
Directors, Committees of the Board and the Board as a whole along with the performance of
the Chairman of the Company and assessed the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of
information between the management and the Board that is necessary for the Board to
effectively and reasonably perform their duties.
H) Familiarisation Programme for Independent Directors
All Independent Directors are familiarised with the operations and
functioning of the Company at the time of their appointment and on an ongoing basis. The
details of the training and familiarisation programme are provided in the Corporate
Governance Report and is also available website of the Company at:
https://r.saregama.com/resources/pdf/
investor/Familiarization_Proqramme_Policy_updated_Clean_Final_Version.pdf.
7. POLICIES
A) Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy
The Company promotes ethical behavior in all its business activities
and has established a robust vigil mechanism through its Whistle Blower Policy. The policy
was approved and adopted by the Board of Directors in compliance with the provisions of
section 177(9) of the Act and Regulation 22 of the Listing Regulations. It ensures
adequate protection for individuals reporting unethical practices and irregularities. The
vigil mechanism includes safeguards against any form of victimisation of Directors,
Employees, or any other person utilising the mechanism, and provides direct access to the
Chairman of the Audit Committee.
During the FY 2023-24, there was one reported instance under the vigil
mechanism, and no personnel was denied access to the Audit Committee. Furthermore, in
accordance with Clause 6 of Regulation 9A of SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading)
Regulations 2015, the Company ensures that employees are well-informed about the Whistle
Blower Policy to report any instances of leakage of unpublished price-sensitive
information. The said policy has been uploaded on the Company's website and can be
accessed at https://r.saregama.com/resources/pdf/investor/whistle_blower_policy.pdf
B) Remuneration Policy
The Board has, on the recommendation of the NRC, framed a policy for
the selection and appointment of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management
Personnel and their remuneration. The Remuneration Policy, including details of the
remuneration paid during the year, the salient features of the Nomination and Remuneration
Policy, and
highlights of any changes made during the year, are outlined in the
Corporate Governance Report, which is part of this Integrated Annual Report. The said
Policy is available on the Company's website and can be accessed at:
https://r.sareqama.com/resources/pdf/investor/Nomination_and_remuneration_policy.pdf
C) Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR')
Corporate Social Responsibility Report, pursuant to clause (o) of sub
section (3) of section 134 of the Act and Rule 9 of the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility) Rules, 2014 including salient features mentioned under outline of
Company's CSR policy forms part of this Report as 'Annexure - A'.
The Board has in place Corporate Social Responsibility Committee in
compliance with provisions of section 135 of the Act, details of which are provided in the
Corporate Governance Report forming part of the Integrated Annual report. During the FY
2023-24, the Company has undertaken the CSR initiatives in the fields of promoting
education. The Company, along with other companies of the Group, has set up the RP-Sanjiv
Goenka Group CSR Trust to carry out CSR activities. The detail of the CSR Policy is also
posted on the Company's website and may be accessed at: https://r.saregama.com/resources/
pdf/investor/csr_policy.pdf
D) Dividend Distribution Policy
The Company has adopted a Dividend Distribution policy in terms of
Regulation 43A of SEBI Listing Regulations which is available on the Company's website can
be accessed at: https://r.saregama.com/resources/pdf/investor/dividend_
distribution_policy_SIL.pdf
E) Risk Management Policy
The Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee consisting of
Board Members and Senior Management Personnel which is authorised to monitor and review
Risk Management plan and risk certificate. The Committee is also empowered, inter alia, to
review and recommend to the Board the modifications to the Risk Management Policy.
The Company has prepared a Risk Management policy to identify, evaluate
the internal and external risks and opportunities in particular financial, operational,
sectoral, sustainability (particularly, ESG related risks), information and cyber security
risks. The policy also includes the business continuity plan and the measures to be
undertaken for risk mitigation including systems and processes for internal control of
identified risks.
Risk Management Policy enables the Company to proactively manage
uncertainties and changes in the internal and external environment to limit negative
impacts and capitalise on opportunities. The Company has laid down a comprehensive Risk
Assessment and Minimisation Procedure in accordance with the requirements of the Act and
the SEBI Listing Regulations, which is reviewed by the Risk Management Committee, and
approved by the Board from time to time.
The Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy in terms of SEBI
Listing Regulations which is available on the Company's website can be accessed at:
https://r.sareqama.com/resources/pdf/investor/Revised_Risk_Management_ Policv_Saregama.pdf
8. BOARD MEETINGS AND AUDIT COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
During the period under review, 4 (four) Board Meetings were held,
details of which are given in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this
Integrated Annual Report as 'Annexure - E'. The intervening gap between the meetings was
within the period prescribed under the Act and Regulation 17 of SEBI Listing Regulations.
Currently, the Board had 9 (nine) committees, namely, Audit Committee,
Nomination and Remuneration Committee ('NRC'), Corporate Social Responsibility ('CSR')
Committee, Stakeholders' Relationship Committee ('SRC'), Risk Management Committee
('RMC'), Finance Committee, Sub-Committee(Share transfer Committee), Committee of
Independent Directors and Scheme Implementation Committee ('SIC').
Details of the composition of the Board and its Committees and changes
therein, and details of the Meetings held, attendance of the Directors and Members at such
Meetings and other relevant details are provided in the Corporate Governance Report as
'Annexure - E'.
Further there were no instances where the Board has not accepted the
recommendations made by the Audit Committee during the year under review.
The Audit Committee comprises of following members:
Name of the Member |
Position |
Category of Director |
Mr. Umang Kanoria |
Chairperson |
Non-executive Independent
Director |
Mr. Noshir Naval Framjee |
Member |
Non-executive Independent
Director |
Mr. Santanu Bhattacharya |
Member |
Non-executive Independent
Director |
Note - Further, details relating to the Audit Committee are provided in
the Corporate Governance Report forming part of the Integrated Annual report.
9. 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 annexed to the Report as 'Annexure -
B'.
Details of employee remuneration as required under provisions of
section 197 of the Act and the Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the aforesaid Rules are provided in
the Annexure forming part of the Report. In terms of the proviso to section 136 (1) of the
Act, the Report and Accounts are being sent to the Members excluding the aforesaid
Annexure. The said annexure is also available for inspection by the Members at the
Registered Office of the Company during business hours on working days of the Company. Any
Member interested in obtaining a copy of the same may write to the Company Secretary at
co.sec@saregama.com.
None of the employees listed in the said Annexure are related to any
Director of the Company.
10. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
Particulars of the loans given, investments made, guarantees given or
securities provided during the year and the purpose for which the loans / guarantees /
securities are proposed to be utilised by the recipient of such loan / guarantee /
security is given in Note 11.5 and 35 to the Standalone Financial Statements.
11. PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
All contracts or arrangements or transactions entered by the Company
with the Related Parties during the financial year were in compliance with the applicable
provisions of the Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations. All such contracts or
arrangements, were entered into in the ordinary course of business and at arm's length
basis and approved by the Audit Committee.
Further, there were no material contracts or arrangements or
transactions entered by the Company with the Related Parties during the financial year.
Therefore, the Form AOC-2 is not applicable on the Company.
12. RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk management is an integral part of the business practice of the
Company. The framework of risk management concentrates on formalising a system to deal
with the most relevant risks, building on existing management practices, knowledge and
structures. Risk Management is the process of identification, assessment and
prioritisation of risks followed by coordinated efforts to minimise, monitor and
mitigate/control the probability and/or impact of unfortunate events or to maximise the
realisation of opportunities.
The Company is exposed to inherent uncertainties owing to the sectors
in which it operates. A key factor in determining a Company's capacity to create
sustainable value is the risks that the Company is willing to take (at strategic and
operational
levels) and its ability to manage them effectively. Many risks exist in
a Company's operating environment and they emerge on a regular basis. The Company's Risk
Management process focuses on ensuring that these risks are identified on a timely basis
and addressed.
The Company is well aware of the above risks and as part of business
strategy has put in a mechanism to ensure that they are mitigated by timely action. The
Company has a Risk Management framework to identify, evaluate business risks and
opportunities. This framework seeks to create transparency, minimize adverse impact on the
business objectives and enhance the Company's competitive advantage. In the opinion of the
Board, there are no such risks, which may threaten the existence of the Company.
In compliance with the Regulation 21 of the SEBI Listing Regulations,
the Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee ('RMC') which consists of 5 (Five)
members, with majority of members being Directors of the Company. The Company has a well
laid out Risk Management Policy, covering the process of identifying, assessing,
mitigating, reporting and reviewing critical risks impacting the achievement of Company's
objectives. There is an ongoing process to track the evolution of risks and delivery of
mitigating action plans, that fosters business resilience. The risk assessment and
mitigation procedures are periodically updated to the Board through the Audit Committee/
Risk Management Committee.
13. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY
The Company has adequate internal financial control systems in all
areas of operation. The Board has adopted policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly
and efficient conduct of business, including adherence to the Company's policies,
safeguarding of its assets, prevention and detection of frauds and errors, ensuring
accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and timely preparation of reliable
financial information. The services of internal and external auditors are utilised from
time to time, in addition to the in-house expertise and resources. The Company
continuously upgrades these systems in line with the best practices in the industry.
14. AUDITORS
A) Statutory Auditors
M/s B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, (ICAI Registration No.
101248W/W-100022) were re-appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a 2nd
term of five consecutive years from the conclusion of the 75th AGM till the
conclusion of the 80th AGM of the Company to be held in the year 2027, by the
members at the 75th AGM of the Company held on 4th August, 2022.
The Report given by M/s B S R & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants on
the Financial Statements of the Company for the FY 2023-24 is part of the Integrated
Annual Report. The Notes on Financial Statements referred to in the Auditors' Report are
self-explanatory and do not call for any further comments. The Auditors' Report does not
contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark, or disclaimer. During the year
under review, the Auditor have not reported any matter under section 143 (12) of the Act.
B) Internal Auditors
The Board, in their meeting held on 19th May, 2023 appointed
M/s PricewaterhouseCoopers Services LLP ('PwC') as the Internal Auditor to conduct the
internal audit of the Company for the FY 2023-24. However, due to the acquisition of
Pocket Aces by the Company, a conflict of interest arose as PwC also served as Statutory
Auditor of Pocket Aces. Relevant professional standards, restricted PwC from acting as the
Internal Auditor of the Company.
Hence, pursuant to the provisions of section 138 of the Act read with
the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the Board of Directors in their meeting held on 9th
February, 2024 appointed Mr. Ravishankar Chandran (Designation - Senior Vice President -
Internal Audit and Risk Management - RPSG Group), Chartered Accountant, as the Chief
Internal Auditor with immediate effect to undertake the internal audit of the Company for
FY 2023-24.
C) Secretarial Auditor
Pursuant to the provisions of section 204 of the Act, read with the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, M/s M R and
Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, were appointed as the Secretarial Auditor to
undertake Secretarial Audit of the Company for the FY 2023-24.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the FY 2023-24 as required under the
Act read with Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014
and Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations, is set out in 'Annexure - C' to this
Report.
D) Cost Auditor
The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee,
has appointed M/s. Shome & Banerjee, Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No 000001) as
Cost Auditor to conduct the audit of Company's cost records for the financial year ended
on 31st March, 2024.
Further, Pursuant to section 148 and applicable provisions of the Act,
read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, the Company is required to
appoint a Cost Auditor for audit of Cost Records maintained by the Company in respect of
the financial year ending 31st March, 2025. On the recommendation of Audit
Committee, the Board of Directors of the Company in their meeting held on 23rd
May, 2024 have appointed M/s. Shome and Banerjee, Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditor of
the Company to audit the cost records for the financial year ending 31st March,
2025. Remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor is subject to ratification by the Members
of the Company. Accordingly, a resolution seeking members' ratification for the
remuneration payable to M/s. Shome and Banerjee, Cost Accountants, is included in the
Notice as item no. 4 convening the 77th Annual General Meeting, along with
relevant details, including the proposed remuneration.
15. MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
Pursuant to the provisions of section 148 of the Act, read with the
Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, as amended from time to time, the Company
is required to maintain Cost Records under Rule 3 of the said Rules. Accordingly, the
Company has duly maintained the Cost Records in the format prescribed under Rule 5 of the
said Rules.
16. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Board of Directors acknowledges the responsibility for ensuring
compliances with the provisions of section 134(3)(c) read with section 134(5) of the Act
in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the financial year ended on 31st
March, 2024 and to the best of their knowledge and ability, confirm that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the financial year
ended on 31st March, 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed and there are no material departures;
b) appropriate accounting policies have been selected and applied
consistently and 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 at the end of the
financial year and of the profit and loss of the Company for the period;
c) proper and sufficient care has been taken 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) the annual accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
e) internal financial controls laid down by the Directors have been
followed by the Company and such internal financial controls are adequate and were
operating effectively; and
f) proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws are in place and such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
17. FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The Foreign Exchange earned in terms of actual inflows during the year
and the Foreign Exchange outgo during the year in terms of actual outflows is given below:
(' In Lakhs)
Particulars |
Current Year |
Previous Year |
Foreign Exchange used |
5,183.14 |
6,233.61 |
Foreign Exchange earned |
19,828.51 |
27,798.58 |
18. RATIO ANALYSIS
KEY RATIOS |
STANDALONE |
|
March 2024 |
March 2023 |
Net Profit Margin |
27.0% |
26.0% |
Operating Profit Margin |
29.0% |
29.0% |
Debt to Equity Ratio2 |
- |
- |
Interest Coverage Ratio2 |
376 |
860.9 |
Current Ratio |
4.6 |
4.1 |
Debtor Turnover (Days) |
69.1 |
79.5 |
Inventory Turnover (Days)1 |
313.50 |
209.08 |
Return on Networth |
14.9% |
14.6% |
Note:
1 Inventory turnover ratio is higher due to increase in investment in
music content and higher number of digital films under production.
2 Interest Coverage ratio and Debt-Equity Ratio are not relevant for
the current year as Company has zero debt as on 31st March, 2024.
19. EMPLOYEES STOCK OPTION SCHEME 2013
The Company grants share-based benefits to eligible employees with a
view to attract and retain the best talent, encourage employees to align individual
performances with Company objectives, and to promote increased participation by the
employees in the growth of the Company. With a view to providing an opportunity to the
employees of the Company to be a part of the growth story of Company, the Company had
introduced the 'Saregama Employee Stock Option Scheme 2013' ('Scheme'). The Scheme is
applicable to all eligible employees and Directors of the Company and its subsidiary
companies. The Scheme is in compliance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and
Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, as amended ('SBEB&SE Regulations').
The Members of the Company, at their 76th AGM held on 31st
August, 2023, approved the following amendments to the Scheme:
(i) Introduction of definition of nominee;
(ii) Increase in 'Pool' size;
(iii) Expansion of administration powers of the NRC;
(iv) Removal of fixed vesting schedule;
(v) Provision of option to the Optionee to surrender Option of their
own volition;
(vi) Increase in the number of options available for grant under the
Scheme from 5% of the issued and subscribed share capital of the Company on the date of
the introduction of the Scheme, 26th July, 2013 to 5% of the issued and
subscribed share capital of the Company on the date of this special resolution, that is as
on 31st August, 2023; and
(vii) changes to certain clauses in order to bring the provisions of
the Scheme in line with the SBEB&SE Regulations, including the manner in which options
are to be dealt with in the event of death or permanent disability of an employee.
During the period under review, the NRC granted 14,00,000 stock options
to the eligible Employees under the Scheme. Applicable disclosures relating to Employees
Stock Options as at 31st March, 2024, pursuant to SBEB&SE Regulations, have
been placed on the website of the Company at https://www.sareqama.com/static/investors.
The Certificate from the Secretarial Auditor of the Company certifying
that the Scheme is being implemented in accordance with the SBEB&SE Regulations shall
be placed at the forthcoming AGM.
20. SHARES IN ABEYANCE
Out of 53,38,628 equity shares of face value ' 10/- each issued
for cash at a premium of ' 35/- (issue price- ' 45/-) pursuant to the Rights
Issue in 2005, allotment of 5,290 equity shares of face value ' 10/- each
(equivalent to 52,900 equity shares of face value ' 1/- each as on 31st
March, 2024 after considering the effect of sub-division) (relating to cases under
litigation/ pending clearance from the concerned authorities) are kept in abeyance as on
31st March, 2024.
21. LOAN FROM DIRECTOR OR DIRECTOR'S RELATIVES
During the year under review, there is no loan taken from the Directors
or their relatives by the Company.
22. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (BRSR)
Regulation 34 of SEBI Listing Regulations requires top 1000 listed
entities based on market capitalization (calculated as on 31st March of every
financial year), a BRSR describing the initiatives taken by them from an environmental,
social and governance perspective, in the format as specified by the Board from time to
time.
The BRSR seeks disclosure on the performance of the Company against
nine principles of the 'National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct' ('NGRBCs').
Since Saregama India Limited falls in Top 1000 listed entities as on 31st
March, 2024, BRSR for the financial year ended on 31st March, 2024 as
stipulated under Regulation 34(3) of SEBI Listing Regulations is separately given and
forms part of the Integrated Annual report as 'Annexure - D'.
23. CHANGE IN REGISTRAR AND SHARE TRANSFER AGENT
During the year under review, the Company has changed its Registrar and
Share Transfer Agent from M/s. MCS Share Transfer Agent Limited (SEBI Registration No.
INR000004108) to M/s. Link Intime India Private Limited (SEBI Registration No.
INR000004058) by entering into a Tripartite Agreement dated 16th June, 2023.
24. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
In compliance with Regulation 34 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the
Management Discussion and Analysis for the year under review is presented in a separate
section forming part of this Integrated Annual Report.
25. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS, IF ANY, AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL
POSITION OF THE COMPANY
There have been no significant material orders passed by Regulators,
Courts, or Tribunals that would impact the going concern status of the Company and its
future operations.
Furthermore, there have been no material changes or commitments that
could affect the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year
to which the Financial Statements relate and the date of this report.
26. COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has complied with the Secretarial Standards i.e. SS-1 and
SS-2, relating to 'Meetings of the Board of Directors' and 'General Meetings',
respectively issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
27. PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Company has complied with the provisions relating to the
constitution of the Internal Complaints Committee under The Sexual Harassment of Women at
the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The said Committee has
been set up to redress complaints received regarding sexual harassment at the 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.
Furthermore, there was no pending complaint/ case at the beginning as well as at the end
of financial year.
28. GENERAL
Your Directors state that:
a) the Company has not accepted any deposits from the public falling
within the ambit of section 73 of the Act read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits)
Rules, 2014.
b) during the year under review, there were no significant or material
orders passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunal, which would impact the going
concern status of the Company and its future operation.
c) there are no instances of fraud reported by the Auditors during the
financial year ended on 31st March, 2024.
d) during the year under review, there were no transaction requiring
disclosure and reporting related to pendency of any proceeding under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
e) during the year under review, there was no instance of one-time
settlement with any bank or financial institution.
f) since the Company is not a manufacturing company, the disclosure
related to conservation of energy and technology absorption is not applicable.
g) the Company has not issued any shares with differential voting
rights as per the Act.
h) the Company has not issued any sweat equity shares under the Act.
i) there were no instances of non-exercising of voting rights in
respect of shares purchased directly by employees under a scheme pursuant to section 67(3)
of the Act read with Rule 16(4) of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014.
29. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Company has been able to operate responsibly and efficiently
because of the culture of professionalism, creativity, integrity, ethics, good governance
and continuous improvement in all functions and areas as well as the efficient utilisation
of the Company's resources for sustainable and profitable growth.
Your Directors would like to express their sincere appreciation to its
stakeholder's, financial institutions, bankers and business associates, Government
authorities, customers and vendors for their co-operation and support and looks forward to
their continued support in future. Your Directors also place on record, their deep sense
of appreciation for the committed services by the employees of the Company.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS |
|
Dr. Sanjiv Goenka |
Vikram Mehra |
Chairman and Non-Executive Director |
Managing Director |
DIN: 00074796 |
DIN: 03556680 |
Date: 23rd May, 2024 |
Date: 23rd May,
2024 |
Place: Kolkata |
Place: Kolkata |