To
The members,
SUTLEJ TEXTILES AND INDUSTRIES LIMITED
Your Directors are pleased to present the Nineteenth Annual Report,
together with the audited financial statements of your Company for the year ended 31st
March, 2024.
1. FINANCIAL RESULTS
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) notified under Section 133 of the
Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) read with The Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014. The
financial statements for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024 as well as
comparative figures for the year ended 31st March, 2023 are Ind AS compliant.
The financial highlights of your Company for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 are summarized as follows:
(Rs. in crore)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
Year ended 31st
March, 2024 |
Year ended 31st
March, 2023 |
Year ended 31st
March, 2024 |
Year ended 31st
March, 2023 |
Total Income |
2,695.95 |
3,063.89 |
2,727.22 |
3,100.46 |
EBITDA |
-5.25 |
289.06 |
-13.11 |
286.12 |
Less: Depreciation |
115.33 |
125.41 |
117.04 |
126.88 |
EBIT |
-120.58 |
163.65 |
-130.15 |
159.24 |
Less: Finance Cost Profit before exceptional items and tax |
63.15 -183.73 |
56.63 107.02 |
65.03 -195.18 |
57.92 101.32 |
Less: Exceptional items |
18.96 |
56.00 |
8.45 |
36.38 |
Profit Before Tax |
-202.69 |
51.02 |
-203.63 |
64.94 |
Less: Tax |
-68.08 |
28.18 |
-68.07 |
27.66 |
Profit after Tax |
-134.61 |
22.84 |
-135.56 |
37.28 |
There have been no material changes and commitments affecting the
financial position of the Company which have occurred between end of the financial year
and the date of this report. There has been no change in the nature of business of the
Company.
The Company has not transferred any amount to Reserves for the year
ended 31st March, 2024
2. FINANCE
2.1 Your Company continues to focus on judicious management of its
working capital. Receivables, inventories and other working capital parameters were kept
under strict check through a process of continuous monitoring.
2.2 Rating
Your Company has been assigned a rating of:
i. IND A+ Outlook: Negative for term loan bank facilities.
ii. IND A1+ for fund based and non - fund based working capital limits.
2.3 Particulars of Loans, Guarantees and Investments
Details of Loans, Guarantees and Investments made by your Company and
covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act are appended as notes to the
financial statements.
3. MODERNIZATION AND OTHER CAPITAL PROJECTS
During the financial year, your Company continued with various
modernization and de-bottlenecking activities.
Your Company during the year has invested an amount of Rs. 53.25 crore
on modernization, technology up-gradation and de-bottlenecking. This will result in
further improvement in efficiency and sustaining plant utilization and will result in
value addition and improvement in quality.
4. SUBSIDIARIES
The Company has a wholly owned subsidiary in the USA viz. Sutlej
Holdings Inc., which in turn has a wholly owned subsidiary viz. American Silk Mills, LLC.
Pursuant to the provisions of Indian Accounting Standard - 110 (Ind AS - 110) prescribed
under the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006, the Securities and Exchange Board
of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (Listing
Regulations, 2015) and as prescribed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India,
consolidated financial statements presented by the Company include financial information
of subsidiary companies, which forms part of the Annual Report. The highlights of
financial performance of the Company's subsidiaries for the financial year 2023 - 24 are
disclosed in form AOC - 1, which forms part of Financial Statements. Your Company has also
formulated a policy for determining material subsidiaries, which is available on the
website of the Company at the web link:
https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/Policies%20
&%20Codes/Material%20Subsidiary%20Policy.pdf
5. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
The detailed review of the operations, state of your Company's affairs,
performance and outlook of the Company is given separately in the Management Discussion
and Analysis Report as required under Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, 2015 by
way of "Annexure I" to this report.
6. DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
6.1 Change in Key Managerial Personnel
a) Mr. C. S. Nopany has been appointed as the Key Managerial Personnel
(KMP) of the Company w.e.f. 24th July, 2023.
b) Mr. Updeep Singh Chatrath resigned as the President and Chief
Executive Officer & KMP of the Company w.e.f. 21st July, 2023.
6.2 Re-appointment of Directors
a) In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of Companies Act,
2013 and the Company's Articles of Association, Mr. Rajib Mukhopadhyay (DIN 02895021) will
retire by rotation at the ensuing 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and being
eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
b) Mr. C. S. Nopany (DIN 00014587) Executive Chairman of the Company,
has been reappointed as the Executive Chairman of the Company with effect from 1st
July, 2024 for a period of three years.
6.3 Appointment of Directors
On the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee
(NRC), the Board of Directors have appointed the following Additional Directors on 9th
May, 2024, subject to approval of the members at the forthcoming 19th AGM of
the Company:
i) Mr. Arhant Vikram Nopany (DIN 07863206), Non-Executive Director;
ii) Mr. Sameer Kaji (DIN 00172458), Independent Director; and
iii) Ms. Deepa Kapoor (DIN 06828033),
Independent Director.
The Board on the recommendation of the NRC has also appointed Mr. Rohit
Dhoot (DIN 00016856) and Mr. Ashok Mittal (DIN 00016275), the current nonexecutive
Directors as Independent Directors w.e.f. from the date of the 19th AGM of the
Company, subject to the approval of the members of the Company.
The Independent Directors have been appointed for a period of 5 (five)
consecutive years from the date of their respective appointments.
In the opinion of Board, the aforesaid Directors are persons of
integrity and fulfil requisite conditions as per applicable laws. Except Mr. Arhant Vikram
Nopany, no other Directors are related to each other and are independent of the management
of the Company.
Necessary resolutions seeking approval of the members for the directors
proposed to be reappointed and appointed along with brief profile, has been incorporated
in the Notice of the ensuing AGM.
6.4 Independent Directors
AH Independent Directors of the Company have been appointed for a fixed
term of 5 (five) consecutive years from the date of their respective appointment /
regularization in the AGM and they are not liable to retire by rotation. All Independent
Directors have declared that they meet the criteria of independence as laid down under
Section 149(6) of the Act and Listing Regulations, 2015. The Independent Directors have
also confirmed that they have complied with Schedule IV of the Act and the Company's Code
of Conduct.
The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of the
Company possess requisite qualifications, experience and expertise in the fields of
strategy, planning and execution, management and leadership, legal and risk management,
corporate governance systems and practices, finance, banking and accounts and possess the
requisite functional and managerial experience and they hold highest standards of
integrity.
During the year under review, the non-executive directors of the
Company had no pecuniary relationship or transactions with the Company, other than sitting
fees, commission and reimbursement of expenses, if any.
6.5 Board Effectiveness
6.5.1 Familiarization Policy
Pursuant to Regulation 25(7) of Listing Regulations, 2015, the Board
has framed a policy to familiarize the Independent Directors about the Company. The policy
is available on the website of the Company at the weblink:
https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/csr/
FamiliarisationProgramme-2023-24.pdf
The Familiarization Policy of the Company seeks to familiarize the
Independent Directors with the working of the Company, their roles, rights and
responsibilities, vis a vis the Company, the industry in which the Company operates,
business model, etc.
6.5.2 Board Evaluation
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and Listing Regulations, 2015,
the Board has carried out an evaluation of its own performance and that of the Directors
individually, as well as the evaluation of the working of the Board Committees. The manner
of evaluation has been explained in the Corporate Governance Report.
6.5.3 Criteria for selection of Directors, KMPs and Senior Management
Personnel (SMPs) and their remuneration
The Board on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee (NRC) has framed a policy for selection and appointment of Directors, KMPs and
SMPs and their remuneration. The policy is available on the Company's website at the
weblink: https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/Policies%20
&%20Codes/Remuneration%20Policy.pdf
The policy contains, inter-alia, principles governing the appointment
and remuneration of Directors, KMPs and SMPs, including criteria for determining
qualifications, positive attributes, independence of Directors, etc.
6.5.4 Key Managerial Personnel
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 2(51) and 203 of the Act read
with The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the
following are the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company:
? Mr. C. S. Nopany, Executive Chairman (w.e.f. 24th July,
2023);
¦ Mr. Rajib Mukhopadhyay, Wholetime Director & CFO; and
¦ Mr. Manoj Contractor, Company Secretary & Compliance
Officer.
Mr. Updeep Singh Chatrath, President & Chief Executive Officer was
a KMP upto 21st July, 2023.
7. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
A calendar of prospective meetings is prepared and circulated in
advance to the Directors. During the year, five meetings of the Board were convened. The
details of Board and Committee meetings held during the year under review, are given in
the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report. The gap between these
meetings was within the period prescribed under the Act and Listing Regulations, 2015.
8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All related party transactions that were entered into during the
financial year were on an arm's length basis and were in the ordinary course of business.
Your Company did not enter into any material related party transactions with Promoters,
Directors,
Key Managerial Personnel or other designated persons.
All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee
and also the Board for approval. Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained
on an annual basis for transactions which are of a foreseeable and repetitive nature. A
detailed statement of such Related Party Transactions entered into pursuant to the omnibus
approval so granted are placed before the Audit Committee for their review on a quarterly
basis. Suitable disclosures as required by the Indian Accounting Standards- 24 (Ind AS
-24) have been made in the notes to Financial Statements.
The Company has formulated a Related Party Transactions Policy for the
purpose of identification and monitoring of such transactions. The policy on Related Party
Transactions as approved by the Board is uploaded on the Company's website and is
available at the weblink: https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/Policies%20
&%20Codes/Policy-on-Related-Party-Transactions. pdf
The disclosure of related party transactions as required under Section
134(3)(h) of the Act in Form AOC-2 forms part of this report.
9. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL
SYSTEMS
Your Company's Internal Financial Control Systems are robust,
comprehensive and commensurate with the nature of its business, size, scale and complexity
of its operations. The system covers all major processes including operations, to ensure
reliability of financial reporting, compliance with policies, procedures, laws and
regulations, safeguarding of assets and economical and efficient use of resources.
The Internal Auditors continuously monitor the efficacy of internal
controls with the objective of providing to the Audit Committee and the Board of
Directors, an independent, objective and reasonable assurance on the adequacy and
effectiveness of the Company's risk management with regard to internal control framework.
The policies and procedures adopted by the Company ensures orderly and
efficient conduct of its business and adherence to the Company's policies, prevention and
detection of frauds and errors, accuracy and completeness of records and timely
preparation of reliable financial information.
The Audit Committee actively reviews adequacy and effectiveness of
internal control systems and suggests improvements, for strengthening them in accordance
with business dynamics, if necessary. It also reviews Internal Audit Reports on a
quarterly basis. The Audit Committee also meets the Company's Statutory Auditors to
ascertain their views on the Financial Statements, including the financial reporting
system and compliance of accounting policies and procedures followed by the Company.
10. AUDITORS
10.1 Statutory Auditor
The Company's Auditors, M/s. BSR & Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants,
(ICAI Firm Registration Number: 101248W/W-100022), were re-appointed as the Statutory
Auditors of the Company for a second term of five years commencing from the Company's
financial year 2022-23 to hold office from the conclusion of the 17th Annual
General Meeting of the Company till the conclusion of the 22nd Annual General
Meeting to be held in the year 2027. The Auditors have confirmed their eligibility under
Section 141 of the Act and Rules framed thereunder. As required under Regulation 33 of the
Listing Regulations, 2015 the Auditors have also confirmed that they hold a valid
certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
India.
The Report given by the Auditors on the Financial Statements of the
Company for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024 is part of the Annual
Report. There has been no qualification, reservation, adverse remark, reporting of any
fraud or disclaimer by the Auditors in their Report.
10.2 Internal Auditors
The Board of Directors on the recommendation of the Audit Committee of
the Board has appointed M/s. Singhi & Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration
Number: 302049E) as Internal Auditors of the Company. M/s. Singhi & Co. have confirmed
their eligibility and have granted their consent to act as Internal Auditors of the
Company for the financial year 2024 - 25.
10.3 Cost Records and Cost Auditors
In conformity with the provisions of Section 148 of the Act read with
The Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Amendment Rules, 2014, Cost Audit is applicable to
the Company. The accounts and records for the same are made and maintained by the Company
as specified by the Central Government under Section 148 (1) of the Act. The Board on the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, has appointed M/s. K. G. Goyal & Associates,
Jaipur, Cost Accountants (Firm Registration Number: 000024) to audit the cost records
relating to the Company's units for the financial year ending on 31st March,
2025, at a remuneration as specified in the Notice convening the 19th AGM.
As required under the Act, the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditor
is required to be placed before the members in a general meeting for their ratification.
Accordingly, a resolution seeking member's ratification for the remuneration payable to
M/s. K. G. Goyal & Associates, Cost Accountants is included in the Notice convening
the 19th AGM.
10.4 Secretarial Audit
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and The Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board had
appointed M/s. R. Chouhan & Associates, Company Secretary in Practice, to undertake
the Secretarial Audit of the Company for the year under review. The Secretarial Audit
Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark or disclaimer and
is annexed to this Report.
In addition to the above and pursuant to SEBI circular dated 8th
February, 2019, a report on Secretarial Compliance for the financial year 2023 - 24 has
been submitted to stock exchanges.
11. BUSINESS RISK MANAGEMENT
Pursuant to Regulation 17(9) of the Listing Regulations, 2015, the
Company has laid down a robust risk management framework to inform the Board about the
risk assessment and minimization procedures undertaken by the Company. Your Company has
formed a Risk Management Committee, for timely identification and mitigation of risks as a
good governance practice.
The risk management framework is designed to identify, evaluate and
assess business risks and their impact on Company's business. The risk assessment and
minimization procedures are reviewed by the Board periodically to ensure that executive
management controls risk through the mechanism of a properly defined framework. The
framework is aimed at creating and protecting stakeholder value by minimizing threats and
losses and identifying and maximizing opportunities.
The Risk Management Policy is available on the Company's website at the
weblink: https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/Policies%20
&%20Codes/Risk-Management-Policy.pdf
12. ENERGY CONSERVATION, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The requisite information with regard to conservation of energy,
technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo, as required to be disclosed
pursuant to Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of The Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 is given to the extent applicable in "Annexure II", to this Report.
13. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Your Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of ethics
and governance, resulting in enhanced transparency for the benefit of all stakeholders.
Your Company has implemented all the stipulations enshrined in the Listing Regulations,
2015, and the requirements set out by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. The
Report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 27 of the Listing
Regulations, 2015 forms part of this Report as "Annexure III". The requisite
Certificate from M/s. R. Chouhan & Associates, Company Secretary in Practice,
confirming compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance stipulated under
Regulation 27 of the Listing Regulations, 2015 is annexed to the Report on Corporate
Governance, which forms part of this Report.
14. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of your Company's
ethos and policy and it has been pursuing this on a sustained basis. In conformity with
Section 135 of the Act and Rules made thereunder, your Company has formed a Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee to oversee the CSR activities undertaken by the
Company. The details of the Committee and its terms of reference are set out in the
Corporate Governance Report forming part of the Board's Report. Your Company has adopted a
CSR Policy for the Company which provides a broad framework with regard to implementation
of CSR activities carried out by the Company in accordance with Schedule VII of the Act.
The CSR Policy is available on the Company's website at the weblink:
https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/Policies%20
&%20Codes/CSR%20Policy2022.pdf
During the financial year 2023-24, your Company has spent Rs. 2.17
crore towards CSR activities. Your Company's key objective is to make a difference to the
lives of the underprivileged and local communities and is committed to CSR engagement. A
report on CSR activities as prescribed under the Act and Rules made thereunder is annexed
herewith as "Annexure IV".
15. VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
Your Company has in place a vigil mechanism for directors and employees
to report concerns about unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of
your Company's Code of Conduct.
Under the vigil mechanism of the Company, which also incorporates a
Whistle Blower Policy in terms of Regulation 22 of the Listing Regulations, 2015,
protected disclosures can be made by a whistle blower through an e-mail, or dedicated
telephone line or a letter to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Adequate safeguards are
provided against victimization to those who avail of the vigil mechanism.
The Whistle Blower Policy is available on the Company's website at the
weblink : https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/Policies%20
&%20Codes/Whistle%20Blower%20Policy.pdf
16. BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Your Company does business that delivers longterm shareholder value and
benefits society. Your Company continue to focus on its commitments which are aligned with
national priorities and United Nations Sustainability Development Goals.
Your Company aims to create a positive business environment and
empowering your Company's employees to make sustainable business decisions.
In terms of Regulation 34 of Listing Regulations, 2015 read with
relevant SEBI Circulars, new reporting requirements on ESG parameters were prescribed
under "Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report" ('BRSR'). The BRSR
seeks disclosure on the performance of the Company against nine principles of the
"National Guidelines on Responsible Business Conduct" ('NGRBC').
The BRSR is annexed as "Annexure V" and forms an integral
part of this Report.
17. PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE
Your Company has in place a Policy on prevention, prohibition and
redressal of sexual harassment at workplace as required under the Sexual Harassment of
Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH) and Rules
framed thereunder. Our POSH Policy is inclusive and gender neutral, detailing the
governance mechanisms for prevention of sexual harassment issues relating to employees
across genders. This has been widely communicated internally. Your Company has constituted
an Internal Complaints Committee as per the requirement of the Act to redress complaints
relating to sexual harassment at its workplaces. No complaints were received during the
year under review.
18. 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, a
copy of the Annual Return of the Company for the financial year ended 31st
March, 2024 is uploaded on the website of the Company and can be accessed at
www.sutlejtextiles.com
19. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other required information
pursuant to Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5 of The Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, in respect of employees of the Company,
is provided herewith as "Annexure VI" and forms part of this Report.
20. COMPLIANCE OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
As per requirements of the Listing Regulations, 2015 and applicable
Accounting Standards, your Company has made proper disclosures in the Financial
Statements. The applicable Accounting Standards have been duly adopted pursuant to the
provisions of Sections 129 and 133 of the Act.
21. COMPLIANCE OF SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has complied with the Secretarial Standards issued by the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India and forming part of the Act, on meetings of the
Board of Directors and General Meetings.
22. DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
As required under Regulation 43A of Listing Regulations, 2015, your
Company has formulated a Policy on Distribution of Dividend which can be accessed at the
weblink:
https://www.sutlejtextiles.com/pdf/Policies%20
&%20Codes/Dividend-Distribution-Policy.pdf
23. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
To the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the
information and explanations obtained, your Directors make the following statements in
terms of Section 134(3)(c) of the Act :
a. that in the preparation of the annual financial statements for the
year ended 31st March, 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been
followed alongwith proper explanation relating to material departures, if any;
b. that such accounting policies have been selected and applied
consistently and judgment 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. that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance
of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for
safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other
irregularities;
d. that the annual financial statements have been prepared on a going
concern basis;
e. that proper internal financial controls were in place and that the
financial controls were adequate and were operating effectively; and
f. that systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws were in place and were adequate and operating effectively.
24. OTHER DISCLOSURES
During the year under review:
? no significant and material orders were passed by the regulators or
courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status of the Company and / or it's
operations in future;
¦ no proceedings are made or pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and there is no instance of one-time settlement with any Bank or
Financial Institution;
¦ no shares with differential voting rights and sweat equity
shares have been issued; and
¦ no public deposits as defined under Chapter V of the Act have
been accepted by the Company.
25. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Statements in the Directors Report and the Management Discussion and
Analysis describing the Company's objectives, expectations or predictions, may be forward
looking within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. Actual results
may differ materially from those expressed in the statement. Important factors that could
influence the Company's operations include global and domestic demand and supply
conditions affecting selling prices, new capacity additions, availability of critical
materials and their cost, changes in government policies and tax laws, economic
development of the country, and other factors which are material to the business
operations of the Company.
26. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your Directors would like to express their sincere appreciation for the
assistance and co-operation received from various stakeholders including financial
institutions and banks, government authorities and other business associates who have
extended their valuable support and encouragement during the year under review.
Your Directors take this opportunity to place on record their
appreciation for the committed services rendered by the employees of the Company at all
levels, who have contributed significantly towards the Company's performance and for
enhancing its inherent strength.
Your Directors also acknowledge with gratitude the encouragement and
support extended by our valued shareholders.
|
For and on behalf of the Board |
|
(C. S. Nopany) |
Place: Mumbai |
Executive Chairman |
Dated: 09th May, 2024 |
DIN 00014587 |