Dear Stakeholders,
On behalf of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Ujjivan
Small Finance Bank Limited (the "Bank or Ujjivan SFB"), it is our immense
pleasure to present the 8th Annual Report of the Bank along with the Audited Financial
Statements and Auditor's Report thereon for the FY 2023-24.
OVERVIEW AND STATE OF AFFAIRS OF THE BANK
The Bank continued to progress in FY 2023-24 on the strong base laid in
the previous fiscal. Bank focussed on improving book quality, build business volumes,
customer acquisition and expand its geographical presence. Along with branch expansion,
the Bank further developed on its digital offerings and strengthened its IT infrastructure
making it more robust and proficient to effectively aid the growing business. Highlights
of achievements during FY 2023-24 were:
i. Disbursement:' 23,389 Crores for the FY 2023-24;
ii. Deposits: Crossed ' 31,000 Crores milestone and closed the year
with total deposits of ' 31,462 Crores. Total deposit accretion during the year was at '
5,924 Crores
iii. Asset Quality: GNPA/NNPA at 2.1%/0.3% as on March 2024; PCR at 87%
as on March 2024
iv. Microbanking cashless collections: 43% in Q4; among the highest in
industry
v. Launched a nation-wide brand campaign, a prominent step towards
establishing Ujjivan SFB as a mass market bank
vi. Introduced digital TD & SA to provide seamless experience to
our customers and help us to serve beyond brick-and-mortar branches
vii. Net profit for the FY 2023-24 is ' 1,281 Crores, continuing the
strong profitability trend picked up in last quarter.
Additionally, the Bank believes a robust IT infrastructure holds a
competitive advantage and is greatly beneficial for serving its customers. Bank continued
its investments in fortifying its digital landscape. These investment span across business
aspects from technology and digital platforms to new products and verticals to human
capital to infrastructure.
Technology and Digital Platforms:
Hello Ujjivan launched in FY 2022-23 has now crossed 7.8 Lakhs
downloads as on March 2024 aiding in paperless disbursements, digital repayments and
reducing TAT;
DigiMitra launched in FY 2023-24, a dedicated support service
aimed at helping customers navigate any technical issues they may encounter while
accessing digital products and services
CRM and Customer Deduplication systems have been upgraded,
resulting in refined user interfaces and data reliability. A pilot for the CRM mobile
application has been deployed enabling mobile user engagement
In digital banking front, Bank has introduced several
customer-centric innovations such as digital Fixed Deposit & Savings, which have been
highly appreciated for their convenience and accessibility
During the year, the Bank's IT facilitated launch of 11 new
applications across business verticals with requisite environments created across various
application stacks; Around 450+ projects and enhancements went live during the year
covering regulatory, new product lines, services for revenue generation, enhancing
customer experience, improving operational efficiency and cost savings
On data analytics, the Bank has adopted state of the art
"BI tool" (Both Web and Mobility channels) with interactive dashboards to
empower its employees at every level to adopt data driven proactive decision and boost
their productivity
New Products & verticals:
Introduced Semi-formal LAP & working capital facilities
during the year to expand MSME product suite
In vehicle finance introduced Trade advance facility for our
dealers
Introduced value added liability products, like Maxima CA &
SA to augment our liability product offering and gain market share; Focussed to improve
our digital offerings reintroduced Digital TD and Digital SA
Launched 3-in-1 Demat Trading Services through strategic
partnership
Upgraded APY by revamping back-end process has helped in
improved business flow
Human Capital:
Increase in staff count: field staff 15,857 from 13,077; others
6,709 from 4,793
Extensive training programmes being conducted to enhance
knowledge and productivity
Infrastructure:
Banking outlets: Expanding our physical presence adding 123
branches in FY 2023-24 with banking outlets reaching 752 as of March 2024
Retail Asset Centres: Opened 15 new retail asset centres taking
total count 18 as on March 2024 to optimise processes and improve efficiency
Other premises: expanded our other regional and corporate
offices to accommodate growing scale
This year's strong performance was led by increased business growth
across verticals. Under our microfinance segment - Micro Group Loans/ Individual Loans
gross loan book grew 13%/ 53% vs March 2022 with disbursement up 3%/41% as against FY
2022-23; disbursement growth in this segment was led by increased focus on Individual
Loans as customers graduated from Micro group loans to Individual loans and customer
acquisition. Housing segment continues to make newer highs growing by 45% vs March 2023
reaching ' 4,924 Crores gross loan book as on March 2024. Affordable Housing disbursements
grew strong by 64% vs FY 2022-23 owing to strong demand in the segment and increased
efficiency due to retail asset centres aiding in faster processing and quicker disbursals.
During the year, MSME business put its renewed business strategy into action the verticals
LAP business scaled up with Prime LAP and Elite LAP variants. Systems and processes were
revamped. All these deemed to have a positive impact on various critical metrics like
Productivity, Turn-Around Time and First-Time-Right (FTR). Additionally, new strategic
partnerships were entered with fintechs to lend towards supply chain finance. In FY
2024-25 this business is expected to deliver strong growth. Our Institutional lending
business grew 53% YoY to ' 1,731 Crores of gross loan book as of March 31, 2024 driven by
67% jump in disbursement vs FY 2022-23. Further the newer lines of businesses like Vehicle
Finance and Gold Loan have seen decent traction in last few months of FY 2023-24. This is
expected to scale up substantially in FY 2024-25. Overall, the secured book contribution
has improved in-line with Banks Strategy, to 30.2% of the total gross loan book vs 27.20%
in FY 2022-23 During FY 2023-24, Bank's deposit book grew by 23% to ' 31,462 Crores
crossing the bench mark of ' 31,000 Crores. CASA grew by 24% y-o-y, closing at 26.5% of
the total deposit book as of March 31, 2024. This year we undertook multiple initiatives
to achieve this growth like:-
a) Undertook our first nationwide brand campaign
b) Launched value added products to cater to customer demand
c) Entered into partnership for 3-in-1 Demat Trading Services accounts
d) launched digital TD & digital SA providing seamless onboarding
experience
All these efforts combine have helped us achieve this in FY 2023-24, We
will be building on this base in FY 2024-25. Margins: During the year the Bank continued
to have benefits from repricing of assets which helped us improve yield, and consequently
our NIMs which was under pressure due to rising CoF. The repricing benefit will continue
in H1FY25 supporting our margins. CoF however will remain elevated until interest rate
cycle turns. With asset quality remaining strong the bank expects to sustain its margins
in FY 2024-25.
Collection strategy: The bank continues to have strong and dynamic
collection team which played a critical role in containing credit cost and ensured timely
recovery of default loans. Our dedicated collections team employs strategic collection
methodologies to mitigate credit risk and minimise delinquencies. The collections efforts
would continue to be augmented with the intensified legal actions across various products.
The fruit of Bank's efforts in last FYs are bearing fruit in the form of significant
improvement in all the credit parameters. The Bank aims to proactively onboard quality
borrowers and manage repayments that were well-tested during FY 2023-24 and the bank
continues to monitor the portfolio quality with a focus on innovation, leveraging
technology and customer- centric approach. The bank is well poised for the next level of
banking growth in the aspiring middle-income segment. The Bank's Board comprised of 8
directors as at the end of FY 2023-24, with the MD & CEO being the Executive Director,
6 Independent Directors including 3 Women Independent Directors and 1 Non-Executive Non-
Independent Director.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Summary of Financial Performance
(Rs in Crores)
Particulars |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
Revenue from Operations |
3,409.45 |
2,697.90 |
Other Income |
786.75 |
589.19 |
Less: Operational Expenses |
997.63 |
791.53 |
Personnel Expenses |
1,183.18 |
920.25 |
Profit/loss before Depreciation, Finance Costs, Exceptional
items, Provisions and Tax Expense |
2,252.40 |
1,727.20 |
Less: Depreciation/ Amortisation/ Impairment |
98.29 |
90.28 |
Profit /loss before Finance Costs, Exceptional items,
Provisions and Tax Expense |
2,154.11 |
1,636.92 |
Less: Finance Costs |
237 |
151.89 |
Profit /loss before Provisions, Exceptional items and Tax
Expense |
1,917.11 |
1,485.03 |
Less: Provisions & Contingencies |
214.94 |
17.79 |
Add/(less): Exceptional items |
0 |
0 |
Profit /loss before Tax Expense |
1,702.17 |
1,467.24 |
Less: Tax Expense (Current & Deferred) |
420.67 |
367.32 |
Profit /loss for the year (1) |
1,281.50 |
1,099.92 |
Total Comprehensive Income/loss (2) |
0 |
0 |
Total (1+2) |
1,281.50 |
1,099.92 |
Balance of profit /loss for earlier years |
506.87 |
(72.35) |
Less: Transfer to Debenture Redemption Reserve |
0 |
0 |
Less: Transfer to Statutory Reserves |
463.66 |
274.98 |
Less: Transfer to investment Fluctuation Reserve |
4.37 |
46.79 |
Less: Transfer to Capital Reserves |
0 |
0 |
Less: Dividend paid on Equity Shares |
68.34 |
146.59 |
Less: Dividend paid on Preference Shares |
0 |
22.00 |
Less: Dividend Distribution Tax |
0 |
0 |
Less: Investment Reserve Account |
0 |
0.34 |
Less: Transfer to Special Reserve U/S 36 (1)(viii) Income tax
Act 1961 |
17 |
30.00 |
Balance carried forward |
1,378.27 |
506.87 |
Key Ratios: (Comparative ratios are annualised)
Particulars |
FY 2023-24 |
FY 2022-23 |
Interest income as a percentage to working funds |
15.38% |
15.28% |
Non-interest income as a percentage to working funds |
2.13% |
2.16% |
Operating profit as a percentage to working funds |
5.20% |
5.45% |
Business (deposits plus gross advances) per employee (Rs in
thousands) |
25,989 |
23,906 |
Profit per employee (Rs in thousands) |
633.82 |
632.78 |
EPS (Basic) (Rs) |
6.65 |
5.82 |
EPS (Diluted) (Rs) |
6.54 |
5.81 |
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
A. Statutory Reserve
The Bank has made an appropriation of Rs 320.37 Crores to the statutory
reserve for the year ended March 31, 2024 out of profits, to the Statutory Reserve,
pursuant to the requirements of section 17 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 and RBI
guidelines dated September 23, 2000. Also, the Bank has taken over the Statutory Reserves
of Rs 143.28 Crores in pursuant to the scheme of amalgamation as sanctioned by the
National Company Law Tribunal.
B. Investment Fluctuation Reserve ("IFR")
During the year ended March 31, 2024, the Bank has made an
appropriation of ' 4.37 Crores to IFR from the profit and loss account so as to reach the
figure of 2% of its HFT and AFS Investment portfolio.
DIVIDEND
The Bank has formulated and implemented a Dividend Distribution Policy
pursuant to Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing
Regulations") and RBI Requirements with an objective to appropriately reward
shareholders through dividends for reposing their confidence in the Bank while retaining
the capital required for supporting future business growth. The said Policy is available
on the website of the Bank at www.uiiivansfb.in/corporate-governance-policies.
Equity Dividend
During the FY 2023-24, the final dividend of ' 97.74 Crores (before
TDS) pertaining to FY 2022-23 was paid out to the equity shareholders on August 09, 2023.
For the FY 2023-24, the Board of Directors in its meeting held on May
18, 2024 has recommended a Final Dividend of 15% i.e. ' 1.5 per equity share, which on
approval of the shareholders in the 8th AGM will be distributed in the FY 2024-25 within
the stipulated time limit.
CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS
There was no change in the nature of business of the Bank during FY
2023-24.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS
No material changes and commitments have occurred after the closure of
the FY 2023-24 till the date of this report, which might have affected the financial
position of the Bank.
REVISION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENT OR THE DIRECTORS' REPORT
The Bank has not revised its financial statements or the directors'
report in respect of any of the three preceding financial years either voluntarily or
pursuant to the order of any judicial authority.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Detailed overview of the banking industry and important changes
therein, external environment and economic outlook have been elaborated in the Management
and Discussion Analysis Report which forms part of the Annual Report of the Bank for the
FY 2023-24.
CAPITAL AND DEBT STRUCTURE
A. CHANGES IN CAPITAL STRUCTURE
With the Scheme of Amalgamation between Ujjivan Financial Services
Limited (UFSL) and Ujjivan Small Finance Bank (Ujjivan SFB/ Bank) being effective from the
appointed date April 01, 2023, the authorised share capital of the Bank increased as a
result of transfer of ' 1,250,000,000 authorised capital from UFSL to the Bank. Further
the authorised preference share capital ' 2,000,000,000 of the Bank has also been added to
the authorised equity share capital, accordingly as on date the authorised share capital
of the Bank is ' 26,250,000,000 divided into 2,625,000,000 equity shares of ' 10/- each.
Following are details of increase in the paid-up capital during the
Financial Year 2023-24:
Sr Particulars |
Amount (in ') |
1 Paid-up Capital at the beginning of the Financial Year |
21,547,066,250 |
2 Equity Shares allotted under the ESOP Scheme 2019 during
the FY 2023-24 |
40,566,510 |
3 Paid-up Capital at the end of the Financial Year
(Pre-merger) |
21,587,632,760 |
4 Paid-up Capital at the end of the Financial Year
(Post-merger)* |
19,314,285,090 |
*Note: Pursuant to the effect of the Scheme of amalgamation,
1,440,036,800 equity shares and200,000,000preference shares of the Bank held by UFSL are
extinguished. Consequent to the aforesaid, the paid-up equity capital of the Bank is
revised to ' 19,314,285,090.
B. ISSUE OF EQUITY SHARES OR OTHER CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
During the FY 2023-24, following equity shares were issued and
allotted:
Sr Particulars of Equity Shares allotted under the ESOP
Scheme 2019 allotted on following dates: |
No. of shares |
Total Nominal Price (in ') |
Total Issue Price including premium (in ') |
1 April 12, 2023 |
21,974 |
219,740 |
412,844.25 |
2 May 08, 2023 |
22,332 |
223,320 |
445,523.40 |
3 June 09, 2023 |
25,444 |
254,440 |
515,539.15 |
4 July 03, 2023 |
79,285 |
792,850 |
1,852,891.60 |
5 August 04, 2023 |
195,990 |
1,959,900 |
5,598,565.35 |
6 September 15, 2023 |
539,651 |
5,396,510 |
16,148,840.95 |
7 October 09, 2023 |
283,989 |
2,839,890 |
8,293,461.45 |
8 November 16, 2023 |
364,321 |
3,643,210 |
11,522,327.25 |
9 December 12, 2023 |
303,243 |
3,032,430 |
9,313,374.49 |
10 January 09, 2024 |
366,450 |
3,664,500 |
11,160,328.20 |
11 February 09, 2024 |
1,019,002 |
10,190,020 |
25,936,742.65 |
12 March 12, 2024 |
834,970 |
8,349,700 |
22,342,167.15 |
TOTAL |
4,056,651 |
40,566,510 |
113,542,605.89 |
C. ISSUE OF EQUITY SHARES WITH DIFFERENTIAL RIGHTS AND/OR SWEAT EQUITY
SHARES
During the FY 2023-24, the Bank has neither issued any equity shares
with differential rights nor any sweat equity shares.
D. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS/ SHARE BASED EM- PLOYEE BENEFIT SCHEMES
The Bank has formulated and implemented ESOP 2019 Scheme and ESPS 2019
Scheme to reward the employees of the Bank, and employees of its present or future
subsidiary(ies) and/or holding company(ies), for their association and performance as well
as to motivate them to contribute to the growth and profitability of the Bank.
ESOP 2019 Scheme:
The Bank, pursuant to the resolutions passed by the Board on January
22, 2019 and by the Members on March 29, 2019, adopted the ESOP 2019 Scheme. The Bank in
its 4th Annual General Meeting held on September 02, 2020 has ratified the ESOP 2019
Scheme as required under the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014. The
Bank may grant an aggregate number of up to 144,000,000 stock options under the ESOP 2019
Scheme. Upon exercise and payment of the exercise price, the option holder will be
entitled for allotment of one equity share per stock option. Accordingly, the number of
equity shares that may be issued under the ESOP 2019 Scheme shall not exceed 144,000,000
equity shares of face value ' 10 each.
The ESOP 2019 Scheme is effective from March 29, 2019. The objectives
of ESOP 2019 Scheme are, among others, to attract and retain employees with stock options
as a compensation tool. Through ESOP 2019 Scheme, the Bank offers an opportunity of
sharing the value created with those employees who have contributed or are expected to
contribute to the growth and development of the Bank.
The ESOP 2019 Scheme has been framed and implemented in compliance with
provisions of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014, now SEBI (Share
Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, Companies Act, 2013 and rules
made thereunder and relevant guidance notes and accounting standards.
As on March 31,2024, 149,009,776 stock options have been granted by the
Bank under ESOP 2019 Scheme to eligible employees of the Bank and its Holding Company.
During the FY 2023-24, following grants have been made to the eligible
employees with the approval of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Bank:
During the FY 2023-24, following grants have been made to the eligible
employees with the approval of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Bank:
Sr. Date of grant No |
Number of options |
Price (Rs) |
1. October 09, 2023 |
28,013,164 |
48.50 |
2. October 27, 2023 |
1,024,751 |
51.46 |
Total |
29,037,915 |
- |
No change has been made in the ESOP 2019 Scheme during the FY 2023-24
and following are the details of ESOP 2019 as on March 31, 2024:
Particulars |
Details |
Options granted and outstanding at the beginning of the year
(A) |
119,971,861 |
Options granted during the year (B) |
29,037,915 |
Options vested during the year |
10,447,702 |
Options exercised during the year (C) |
4,401,954 |
The total number of shares arising as a result of exercise of
options |
4,056,651 |
Options forfeited / lapsed during the year (D) |
10,658,473 |
Variation in terms of options |
None |
Money realised by exercise of options |
122,780,079.27 |
Total number of options in force = (A) + (B) - (C) - (D) |
133,949,349 |
Details of options granted during the year to: |
|
Key Managerial Personnel |
Mr. Ittira Davis, MD & CEO- |
|
1,024,751 options granted at a price of '
51.46 per option |
|
Mr. Sanjeev Barnwal, Company Secretary -
135,838 options granted at a price of ' 48.50 per option |
Any other employee who received a grant in any one year of
options amounting to 5% or more of the options granted during the year |
Nil |
Identified employees who were granted options during any one
year equal to or exceeding 1% of the issued capital (excluding outstanding warrants and
conversions) of the Bank at the time of grant |
Nil |
*21,974 options exercised in the month of March 2023 have been allotted
on April 12, 2023. 366,608 options exercised in the month of March 2024 have been allotted
on April 04, 2024.
The disclosures as required under Regulation 14 of the SEBI (Share
Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 read with Circular CIR/CFD/
POLICY CELL/2/2015 dated June 16, 2015 issued by SEBI are available on the website of the
Bank at www.uiiivansFb.in.
ESPS 2019 Scheme:
The Bank, pursuant to the resolutions passed by the Board on July 30,
2019 and by the Members on August 03, 2019, adopted the ESPS 2019 Scheme. The ESPS 2019
Scheme has been Framed and implemented in compliance with provisions of the SEBI (Share
Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 now, SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits &
Sweat Equity) Regulations 2021, Companies Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder and relevant
guidance notes and accounting standards.
The objective of the ESPS 2019 Scheme is inter-alia to reward the
eligible employees oF the Bank and its erstwhile Holding Company For their association and
performance as well as to motivate them to contribute to the growth and profitability of
the Bank.
Pursuant to the ESPS 2019 Scheme, the Board is authorised to issue up
to 72,001,840 Fully paid up equity shares of the Face value of ' 10 each with pari- passu
voting rights, to the eligible employees (as defined under the ESPS 2019 Scheme), in
accordance with the terms and conditions as may be decided by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee of the Bank.
The ESPS 2019 Scheme was implemented under two schemes, viz. Upfront
Scheme and Monthly Scheme. Under the Upfront Scheme, the employees made upfront payments
to purchase the equity shares and equity shares were allotted to them while under the
Monthly Scheme, the employees opened a monthly recurring deposit account and the equity
shares were allotted to such employees at the end of the 12 months.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has been entrusted with the
responsibility of administering the ESPS 2019 Scheme. As of March 31,2024, 14,075,166
shares were allotted at ' 35 per share (including premium of ' 25 per share) pursuant to
the exercise of options under ESPS 2019 Scheme. However, no ESPS was granted or exercised
during the FY 2023-24.
The disclosures as required under Regulation 14 of the SEBI (Share
Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021 read with Circular CIR/CFD/
POLICY CELL/2/2015 dated June 16, 2015 issued by the SEBI are available on the website of
the Bank at www.uiiivansFb.in.
Further as per Regulation 13 of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefit
and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, the Board of Directors have obtained the certificate
from the Secretarial Auditor of the Bank, K Jayachandran, certifying that the schemes have
been implemented in accordance with these regulations and in accordance with the
resolution of the Bank in the general meeting. The same has been enclosed as
"Annexure - 1" to this report.
E. ISSUE OF DEBENTURES, BONDS OR ANY NON-CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES OR
WARRANTS
During the FY 2023-24, the Bank has not issued any debentures, bonds or
any non-convertible securities or warrants. However, the Bank has duly carried out monthly
interest payments on the Non- Convertible Debentures (NCDs) having a Face value of '
100,000 (Indian Rupees One Lakh) aggregating to ' 3,000,000,000, issued during the FY
2022-23 as per the terms of the said issue.
DILUTION OF PROMOTER'S SHAREHOLDING AND REVERSE MERGER
Pursuant to the Guidelines For licensing of "Small Finance
Banks" in the private sector issued by RBI on November 27, 2014 ("SFB Licensing
Guidelines"), the Promoter of the Bank i.e. Ujjivan Financial Services Limited (UFSL)
was required to reduce its shareholding in the Bank to 40% of the paid-up Equity Share
capital of the Bank within a period of five years from the date of commencement of
business operations by the Bank i.e. by January 31, 2022 and thereafter required to reduce
its shareholding in the Bank to 30% and 26% of its paid-up Equity Share capital within a
period of 10 years and 12 years, respectively, From the date of commencement of the
business operations.
RBI vide its letter dated July 09, 2021 permitted the Bank to apply For
the amalgamation of holding company with small finance bank, in terms of provisions of
Master Direction on Amalgamation of Private Sector Banks, Directions, 2016 dated April
21,2016, Three (3) months prior to completing five years from the date of commencement of
business of small finance bank.
Further, recommendations of the Internal Working Group to Review Extant
Ownership Guidelines and Corporate Structure for Indian Private Sector Banks, dated
October 20, 2020 and November 20, 2020 that, no intermediate sub-targets between five to
15 years may be required and that promoters may submit a dilution schedule which may be
examined and approved by the RBI, were accepted by RBI without any modification vide its
circular dated November 26, 2021.
Accordingly, the Bank initiated necessary steps for the reverse merger
of Ujjivan Financial Services Limited with the Bank in accordance with applicable laws and
guidelines. Merger of the Promoter entity with the Bank will suffice the requirement of
promoter shareholding dilution.
The Board of the Bank in its meeting held on October 14, 2022,
considered and approved a Scheme of Amalgamation ("Scheme") between Ujjivan
Financial Services Limited (UFSL, promoter of the Bank) and the Bank and their respective
shareholders and creditors under Sections 230 to 232 and other applicable provisions of
the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules made thereunder. The following table highlights the
trajectory of the said Reverse Merger process:
Sr Process |
Date |
1. Approval of the Scheme of Amalgamation by the Board of
Directors of Ujjivan SFB and UFSL |
October 14, 2022 |
2. Filing of the Scheme and applications with the Stock
Exchanges |
October 19, 2022 |
3. Filing of the Scheme with the RBI for its No-Objection
Certificate |
October 19, 2022 |
4. Receipt of No-Objection Certificate from RBI |
February 01, 2023 |
5. Receipt of No-Observation Letters from the Stock Exchanges |
March 09, 2023 |
6. Filing of Joint Application with the Hon'ble National
Company Law Tribunal, Bengaluru Bench (NCLT) |
March 29, 2023 |
7. Receipt of the order from the Hon'ble NCLT to convene
meetings of equity shareholders of both, UFSL & Ujjivan SFB for approval of the said
scheme. |
September 11, 2023 |
8. Meeting of the equity shareholders of both, UFSL &
Ujjivan SFB where the scheme was duly approved with requisite majority. |
November 03, 2023 |
9. Filing of Joint Petition with the Hon'ble NCLT post
receipt of approval of the shareholders of both the Companies |
November 10, 2023 |
10. Receipt of the order pertaining to listing of the matter
of the said scheme for hearing with the Hon'ble NCLT on January 30, 2024. |
December 15, 2023 |
11. Adjournment of the case by the Hon'ble NCLT to February
29, 2024. |
January 30, 2024 |
12. Reservation of the order for pronouncement by the Hon'ble
NCLT. |
February 29, 2024 |
13. Receipt of final NCLT Sanction |
April 19, 2024 |
14. Filing of Forms INC-28 by both the Companies making the
Scheme effective |
April 30, 2024 |
15. Allotment of 1,412,702,033 equity shares of the Bank to
the eligible shareholders of UFSL as per the Share Exchange Ratio of 10:116 |
May 06, 2024 |
16. Receipt on Listing approval for the aforesaid allotment |
May 17, 2024 |
17. Receipt of Trading approval for the aforesaid allotment |
May 28, 2024 |
CAPITAL ADEQUACY
The Bank is subject to the Basel II Capital Adequacy guidelines (NCAF)
as stipulated by RBI. The Capital to Risk Assets Ratio (CRAR) of the Bank is calculated as
per the Standardised Approach (SA) for Credit Risk.
CRAR of the Bank is calculated on the basis of RBI NCAF guidelines. The
CRAR of the Bank as at March 31, 2024 using Risk Weighted Assets for credit risk related
exposures only, as required under the operating guidelines of RBI for Small Finance Banks,
was 24.69% against a minimum requirement of 15% and Tier I capital ratio was 22.68%
against the minimum requirement of 7.5%.
CREDIT RATING
Credit ratings assigned to Long Term Bank Facilities, Subordinated
Non-Convertible Debentures and Certificate of Deposit Programme of the Bank as on March
31,2024 with details of changes as on date:
Instrument Name |
Name of Credit Rating Agency |
Amount (' In Crores) |
Rating |
Date of Credit Rating |
Revision in the Credit Rating |
Certificate of Deposit Programme |
CRISIL Ratings Limited |
2,500.00 |
CRISIL A1 + |
February 26, 2018 |
Reaffirmed on February 16, 2023 |
Long Term Bank Facilities |
CARE Ratings Limited |
500.00 |
CARE AA-; Stable |
September 06, 2017 |
August 03, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rating reaffirmed and outlook changed from
"stable" to "positive" |
|
|
|
|
|
December 28, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rating upgraded from CARE A+; Positive to
CARE AA-; Stable |
|
|
|
|
|
* May 23, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rating reaffirmed |
Subordinated Non-Convertible Debentures |
CARE Ratings Limited |
500.00 |
CARE AA-; Stable |
November 24, 2022 |
* August 03, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rating reaffirmed and outlook changed from
"stable" to "positive" |
|
|
|
|
|
* December 28, 2023 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rating upgraded from CARE A+; Positive to
CARE AA-; Stable * May 23, 2024 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rating reaffirmed |
Fixed Deposit |
CARE Ratings Limited |
10,000.00 |
CARE AA-; Stable |
May 23, 2024 |
Rating assigned |
TRANSFER OF UNPAID AND UNCLAIMED AMOUNT TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND
PROTECTION FUND
In terms of Section 124 & 125 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and
Refund) Rules, 2016 as amended from time to time, the dividend that remains unpaid or
unclaimed for a period of seven consecutive years from the date of transfer, are required
to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
As on March 31, 2024, the unclaimed dividend declared by Ujjivan
Financial Services Limited (merged with Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited) for the below
years is as under:
Sr. Financial Year |
Dividend Type |
Unclaimed Dividend (in ') |
1. FY 2016-17 |
Final |
156,920 |
2. FY 2017-18 |
Final |
143,215 |
3. FY 2018-19 |
Interim |
221,776.05 |
4. FY 2018-19 |
Final |
71,163.45 |
5. FY 2019-20 |
Final |
149,906.3 |
6. FY 2022-23 |
Interim |
421,858 |
7. FY 2023-24 |
Interim |
334,005.50 |
During the FY 2023-24 unclaimed dividend of' 40,189 for the FY 2015-16,
towards 2,634 equity shares of UFSL has been transferred to Investor Education and
Protection Fund (IEPF) Authority. Subsequent to the merger, 30,551 shares of the Bank in
lieu of the aforesaid 2,634 shares of UFSL (as per the share exchange ratio) have been
transferred to IEPF.
BOARD AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
Following changes took place in the Board Composition during the FY
2023-24:
Sr. Name of the Director |
Type of change |
Effective Date |
Remarks |
1 Mr. P N Raghunath (Nominee Director - RBI) DIN: 09428287 |
Cessation |
May 29, 2023 |
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) vide its
letter dated November 29, 2021, had appointed Mr. P.N. Raghunath, then General Manager,
RBI, Bengaluru, Regional Office as an Additional Director on the Board of the Bank for a
period of 2 (Two) years with effect from November 29, 2021 to November 28, 2023 or till
further orders, whichever is earlier. Further the RBI vide its letter dated, May 29, 2023
withdrew the nomination of Mr. P N Raghunath with immediate effect. |
2. Mr. Satyaki Rastogi (Nominee Director - SIDBI)
DIN:02189494 |
Cessation |
July 17, 2023 |
The Small Industries Development Bank of
India (SIDBI) vide its letter dated, July 17, 2023 withdrew the nomination of their
nominee director, Mr. Satyaki Rastogi with immediate effect. |
3. Ms. Raini Mishra (Independent Director) DIN: 08386001 |
Re- appointment |
December 16, 2023 |
Re-appointment as an Independent Director
for the second term of 5 (five) years. |
4. Mr. Rajesh Jogi (Independent Director) DIN: 03341036 |
Re- appointment |
March 25, 2024 |
Re-appointment as an Independent Director
for the second term of 5 (five) years. |
Note: During the current FY, following appointments have taken place in
the Board:
Sr Name |
Position |
Effective Date |
1. Mr. Sanjeev Nautiyal |
MD & CEO |
July 01, 2024 |
2. Ms. Carol Kripanayana Furtado |
Whole-Time Director |
May 01, 2024 |
3. Ms. Mona Kachhwaha |
Independent Director |
May 18, 2024 |
The Board in its meeting held on May 18,2024 has also accepted early
retirement request from Mr. Ittira Davis from his position of MD & CEO, w.e.f. June
30,2024 due to personal reasons.
The brief profiles of the Directors are available on the website of the
Bank at https://www.uiiivansfb.in/board- of-director.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
As on March 31, 2024, pursuant to Section 203 of the Companies Act,
2013, Mr. Ittira Davis, Managing Director and CEO, Mr. M D Ramesh Murthy, Chief Financial
Officer and Mr. Sanjeev Barnwal, Company Secretary and Compliance Officer are the Key
Managerial Personnel ("KMP") of the Bank.
There were no changes in the Key Managerial Personnel during the FY
2023-24.
The brief profiles of the Key Managerial Personnel are available on the
website of the Bank at https://www. uiiivansfb.in/management-team.
Further, basis the recommendation of the Board of the Bank at their
meeting held on January 11, 2024, the RBI, in terms of section 35B of the Banking
Regulation Act, 1949, vide its letter dated March 21, 2024, approved the appointment of
Ms. Carol Kripanayana Furtado (DIN: 07587305) as a Whole-Time Director (WTD) of the Bank
for
a period of 3 (three) years with effect from May 01, 2024. Accordingly,
Ms. Carol has assumed the office as a KMP w.e.f. from May 01, 2024 as well.
Furthermore, basis the recommendation of the Board of the Bank, the
RBI, in terms of section 35B of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, vide its letter dated
April 15, 2024, approved the appointment of Mr. Sanjeev Nautiyal (DIN: 08075972) as the MD
& CEO of the Bank for a period of 3 (three) years with effect from July 01, 2024. The
Board on recommendation of the NRC approved the aforesaid appointment on May 18, 2024.
Accordingly, Mr. Sanjeev shall assume the office as a KMP w.e.f. from July 01, 2024 as
well.
The Board in the same meeting has also accepted the early retirement
request of Mr. Ittira Davis from the position of MD & CEO w.e.f. June 30, 2024.
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS AND STATEMENT ON COMPLIANCE OF
CODE OF CONDUCT
The Bank has received declarations from all its Independent Directors
confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under Section 149(6)
of the
Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 16(1)(b) of SEBI Listing Regulations
and that they have complied with the code of conduct for independent directors as
prescribed under Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013.
Further, pursuant to Regulation 25(8) of the SEBI Listing Regulations,
the Independent Directors of the Bank have also confirmed that they are not aware of any
circumstance or situation, which exist or may be reasonably anticipated, to impair or
impact their ability to discharge their duties with an objective of independent judgment
and without any external influence.
In the opinion of the Board, all the Independent Directors meet the
criteria with regards to integrity, expertise and experience (including proficiency*) as
required under applicable laws.
*All Independent Directors of the Bank have registered themselves in
the data bank as specified under Section 150 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 6
of Companies (Appointment and Qualifications of Directors) Rules, 2014. Few Independent
Directors have qualified the prescribed proficiency test. The Independent Directors (not
exempted under the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Fifth Amendment
Rules, 2020 as notified on December 18, 2020) are committed to qualify the online
proficiency self-assessment as required under aforesaid Rule within the prescribed
timeline.
The Bank has also received from its directors, a statement that they
have complied with the Code of Conduct for Directors and Senior Management of the Bank.
DIRECTOR E-KYC
MCA has vide amendments to the Companies (Appointment and Qualification
of Directors) Rules, 2014, mandated registration of KYC of all Directors. All the
Directors of the Bank have complied with said requirement in FY 2023-24.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS LIABILITY INSURANCE POLICY
The Bank has a Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Policy which
protects Directors and Officers of the Bank for any breach of fiduciary duty.
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The Board met 09 (Nine) times during the FY 2023-24. The meetings of
the Board of Directors were convened in accordance with applicable laws and standards and
the intervening gap between the said meetings was not exceeding 120 days. The details of
Board Meetings are available in the Corporate Governance Report which forms a part of the
Annual Report of the Bank for the FY 2023-24.
BOARD COMMITTEES
The Bank believes that the Board Committees are pillars of good
corporate governance. In pursuit of the highest standard of corporate governance and to
comply with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, SEBI Listing Regulations and RBI
guidelines, the Bank has constituted various statutory and regulatory Board Level
Committees. Further, in order to improve the Board effectiveness, efficiency and faster
decision making, the Bank has also constituted a few non-statutory and non-regulatory
Board Level Committees for better governance and supervision.
As on March 31, 2024, the Bank had 12 (Twelve) Board Committees which
are given below:
Sr. Financial Year |
Companies Act, 2013 |
SEBI Listing Regulations |
RBI Requirements |
1. Audit Committee |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
2. Risk Management Committee |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
3. Nomination and Remuneration Committee |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
4. Stakeholders Relationship Committee |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
5. IT Strategy Committee |
No |
No |
Yes |
6. Customer Service Committee |
No |
No |
Yes |
7. Fraud Committee (Special Committee of Board for Monitoring
High Value Frauds) |
No |
No |
Yes |
8. Review Committee of Willful defaulters |
No |
No |
Yes |
9. Corporate Social Responsibility Committee* |
Yes |
No |
No |
10. Committee of Directors |
No |
No |
No |
11. Business Strategy Committee |
No |
No |
No |
12. Merger and Placement Committee (earlier Promoter
Shareholding Dilution Committee)** |
No |
No |
No |
*The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee has been renamed as the
CSR & Sustainability Committee w.e.f. April 01,2024 in order to bring the ESG related
facets under the purview of the said Board Committee.
**On accomplishment of the Reverse Merger, this Committee was dissolved
w.e.f. May 18, 2024.
The details of composition, number of meetings held and date thereof
and terms of reference of the above Committees are available in the Corporate Governance
Report which forms a part of the Annual Report of the Bank for the FY 2023-24.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF AUDIT COMMITTEE
During the FY 2023-24, there was no incidence, where the Board has not
accepted any recommendations of the Audit Committee.
BOARD EVALUATION
The Board has carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance,
the performance of Board Committees and Individual Directors pursuant to the provisions of
Section 178 read with Schedule IV of Companies Act, 2013, Regulation 19 of the SEBI
Listing Regulations and applicable RBI guidelines.
The performance evaluation was carried out by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee and by the Board in their meetings held on March 23, 2024.
The approved evaluation formats and criteria are in line with the SEBI
Guidance Note on Evaluation dated January 05, 2017.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has laid down comprehensive
parameters for evaluation, a few of which are listed below:
I. The Board: Composition, structure, meetings, functions, management
and professional development, ethics and compliance among others.
II. The Committees: Mandate & Composition, effectiveness,
structure, meetings, independence of the committee, contribution to decision making of the
Board, among others.
III. Individual directors (including Chairperson, Independent Directors
and Non-Independent Directors): Leadership, Commitment, Contribution, Experience,
Expertise, Independence, Integrity, Attendance, Responsibility, Flow of Information among
others.
The performance of the Board and Board Committees was evaluated after
seeking inputs from all the directors.
The Board and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee reviewed the
performance of the Individual Directors on the basis of the approved criteria for
evaluation. In addition, the Chairman and Managing Director & CEO were also evaluated
on the key aspects of their roles.
Performance evaluation of Directors was done by the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee and entire Board, excluding the Director being evaluated. The
Committee evaluated the performance of Directors and noted that:
i. The Directors had requisite competency, qualification, commitment
and integrity.
ii. The Directors had long term vision, industry knowledge and
expertise and were wholly committed and provided ethical leadership to the Bank.
iii. The Directors had the ability to function as a team.
iv. Further, the Directors were regular in attending meetings and
contributed effectively during the discussions.
v. There was no apparent conflict of interest and that they expressed
their opinion freely.
Further, performance of Non-Independent Directors, the performance of
the Board as a whole, the performance of the Chairman and quality, quantity and timeliness
of the flow of information between the Bank's Management and its Board were also
evaluated.
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES
The remuneration being paid to the MD & CEO is in conformity with
the RBI approval.
The remuneration of Non-Executive Directors was paid only by way of
sitting fees which is within the limit prescribed under Section 197(5) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and RBI Guidelines on Review of Fixed Remuneration granted to Non-Executive
Directors (NEDs) dated February 09, 2024. Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other
details as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1),
(2) and (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014 are annexed to this Report as Annexure-2. In terms of Section 136(1) of the Companies
Act, 2013, the annual report and the financial statements are being sent to the Members
excluding the disclosures in terms of Rule 5(2) and (3) as mentioned above. The same is
available for inspection and any Member interested in obtaining a copy of the Annexure may
write to the Company Secretary of the Bank at corporatesecretarial@ujjivan.com
REMUNERATION RECEIVED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR/WHOLE-TIME DIRECTOR FROM
HOLDING OR SUBSIDIARY COMPANY
During the FY 2023-24, the MD & CEO, has not received any
remuneration or commission from Ujjivan Financial Services Limited, Holding Company of the
Bank.
The Bank had no subsidiary Company during the FY 2023-24.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Complying with Regulation 25(7) of SEBI Listing Regulations and RBI
guidelines, no introductory familiarisation programmes were conducted during the FY
2023-24 as there were no new Independent Directors appointed on the Board during this
period. However, the Bank has conducted various training programmes for its Directors
including the Independent Directors during the FY 2023-24.
The details of such programmes are available on the website of the Bank
at https://www.uiiivansfb.in/ corporate-governance-policies
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Based on the framework of internal financial controls established and
maintained by the Bank, work performed by the internal, statutory and secretarial
auditors, reviews performed by the Management and the relevant Board Committees, the
Board, in concurrence with the Audit Committee, is of the opinion that the Bank's internal
financial controls were adequate and effective as on March 31, 2024.
Pursuant to Section 134 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board, to
the best of its knowledge, hereby confirms and states that:
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material
departures;
(b) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made iudgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Bank at the end of the financial
year and of the profit and loss of the Bank 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 Bank 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 Bank and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively; and
(f) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The Bank pursuant to the provisions of Section 178(3) of the Companies
Act, 2013, Regulation 19 of SEBI Listing Regulations and RBI Requirements has formulated
and adopted a Nomination and Remuneration Policy on directors' appointment and
remuneration and the criteria for determining qualification, positive attributes and
independence of directors, which is available on the website of the Bank at
www.uiiivansfb.in/corporate- governance-policies.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Risk Management Committee ("RMC") of the Board comprises
of experienced directors from diverse backgrounds who bring in the best risk management
practices to the Bank. The RMC presently comprises of 6 (six) directors out of which 4
(four) are Independent Directors.
The RMC fulfils its roles and duties through various management level
risk committees. Risk-specific management level committees have also been constituted such
as the Credit Risk Management Committee (CRMC), Operational Risk Management Committee
(ORMC), Asset Liability and Market Risk Committee (ALCO), Enterprise Risk Management
Committee (ERMC), Information Security Committee and Business Continuity Management
Committee. These committees are entrusted with the task to identify, measure, mitigate and
monitor various risks on a day to day basis. There is also a National Controls and
Compliance Committee (NCCC) comprising of control function heads which meets at monthly
intervals to deliberate on common risks identified across the Bank. The frequency, members
and the quorum required for these management level committees are furnished in the
respective risk policies and the charter. These committees meet at regular intervals to
assess and monitor the levels of risk pertaining to market, credit and operations. In the
last FY, the number of meetings, both at Board committee level and at Management level,
far exceeded the required minimum, to review and address issues and risks that emerged in
a changing environment.
The Bank has identified the following risks as Pillar I risks, in line
with the RBI NCAF guidelines:
Credit Risk
Operational Risk
Market Risk
In addition to the above-mentioned Pillar-I risks, the Bank also
monitors the following second order or derived risks (Pillar II Risks) using specialised
methodologies. The Bank has onboarded specialised personnel for monitoring the same and a
comprehensive analysis is undertaken under its Internal Capital Adequacy and Assessment
Process (ICAAP).
Liquidity Risk
Interest Rate Risk in Banking Book
Concentration Risk
Outsourcing Risk
Strategic Risk
Reputational Risk
Underestimation of credit risk
Compliance risk
People Risk
IT and Information Security risks
Emerging Risks such as Climate Risk, ESG risk, Model risk and
Fintech risks.
The Bank's Risk Management Framework is based on a clear understanding
of the above risks, disciplined risk assessment and measurement procedures and continuous
monitoring. The policies and procedures established for this purpose are continuously
benchmarked with international best practices. The Bank has oversight on all the risks
through regular monitoring of Key Risk Indicators and benchmarks/tolerance/appetite
against each type of risk.
Further, the Board reviews the Risk Management Framework of the Bank
and verifies adherence to various risk parameters and compliances at least at quarterly
intervals or more frequently if the situation so warrants. The RMC provides a
recommendation to approve risk- related policies, including the
quarterly/half-yearly/annual review reports of major risks.
From a governance perspective, the Bank has in place an effective risk
management policy(s) which is duly approved by the Board, that highlights the functions,
implementation and role of the Risk Management Committee of the Board and the Board of
Directors. The Chief Risk Officer of the Bank is the highest ranking person overseeing the
Risk Management function of the Bank and reports to the MD & CEO with direct dotted
line reporting to the Risk Management Committee of the Board.
In compliance to the Pillar-III requirements, the Bank has in place a
Board approved policy on Disclosures that addresses its approach for determining what
disclosures it will make and the internal controls over the disclosure process.
WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY/VIGIL MECHANISM
The Bank's Whistle Blower Policy allows employees, directors, other
stakeholders of the Bank such as customers, NGOs, the Group (if any), Joint Ventures (if
any), Suppliers, Contractors, NGOs and members of the public to report matters such as
genuine grievances, corruption, fraud, misconduct, and instances of leakage of unpublished
price sensitive information, misappropriation of assets and non-compliance of code of
conduct of the Bank or any other unethical practices.
Utmost protection has been accorded to the whistle blowers and their
identities are kept confidential.
The Policy also further provides an adequate safeguard against
victimisation to the Whistle Blower and enables them to raise concerns and also provides
an option of direct access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
Name and Address of the Whistle and Ethics Officer Ms. Chandralekha
Chaudhuri
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited
Grape Garden, No. 27, 3rd A Cross, 18th Main, 6th Block,
Bangalore - 560095, Karnataka
Email- chandralekha.chaudhuri@uiiivan.com
Protected disclosures against the Whistle and Ethics Officer need to be
addressed to the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank and the protected disclosure
against the Managing Director and CEO of the Bank are required to be addressed to the
Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
Name and Address of MD & CEO of the Bank
Mr. Ittira Davis
Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited
Grape Garden, No. 27, 3rd "A" Cross, 18th Main,
6th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru - 560095,
Karnataka
Email: ittira.davis@uNivan.com
Name and Address of the Chairperson of the Audit Committee
Ms. Sudha Suresh,
C1, Farvella Apartments, 92/1 Lavelle Road 3rd Cross,
Bangalore - 560001
Email: sudha.suresh@uiiivan.com
During the FY 2023-24, no one has been denied access to the Chairperson
of the Audit Committee.
The Whistle Blower Policy is available on the website of the Bank at
www.ujjivansfb.in/corporate-governance- policies
The confidentiality of those reporting violations is strictly
maintained and they are not subjected to any discriminatory practice.
The status of the whistle blower complaints received and resolved by
the Bank:
Particulars for FY 2023-24 |
Number of Complaints |
Number of Whistle Blower Complaint at the beginning |
1 |
Number of Whistle Blower Complaint received during the year |
15 |
Number of Whistle Blower Complaint resolved during the year |
16 |
Number of Whistle Blower Complaint at the end |
0 |
ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL
The Bank has laid down certain guidelines, policies, processes and
structures to enable the implementation of appropriate internal financial controls across
the Bank.
These control processes enable and ensure orderly and efficient conduct
of the Bank's business, including the safeguarding of assets, prevention and detection of
frauds and errors, accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and timely
preparation of reliable financial information. There are control assessments for both the
Bank's critical operating processes and IT applications, including ERP applications,
wherein the transactions are approved and recorded. These controls are both manual and
automated. Review and control mechanisms are built in to ensure that such control systems
are adequate and operating effectively.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal financial controls,
including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls,
material mis- statements in financial reporting due to error or fraud may occur and may
not be detected. Also, evaluation of the internal financial controls is subject to the
risk that the internal financial control may become inadequate because of changes in
conditions or that the compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
The Bank has, in all material respects, an adequate internal financial
controls system which was considerably enhanced during the FY 2023-24 and such internal
financial controls were operating effectively based on the internal control criteria
established by the Bank considering the essential components of internal control stated in
the guidance note on audit of internal control over financial reporting issued by the
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.
FRAUDS REPORTED BY THE AUDITORS
During the FY 2023-24, neither the Statutory Auditors nor the
Secretarial Auditor has reported to the Audit Committee/Board or Central Government any
instances of material fraud in the Bank by its officers or employees under Section 143(12)
of the Companies Act, 2013. However, the Bank identified and intimated the Statutory
Auditors about the instance of high value fraud (in excess of ' 1 Crore) through misuse of
office GL sundry accounts at Peenya Branch. This matter was also duly reviewed by the
Special Committee for Monitoring High Value Frauds, Risk Management Committee and Audit
Committee.
The Statutory Auditors sought queries/information on the aforesaid case
and detailed management response was duly submitted to them, further necessary regulatory
reporting to RBI has also been done by the Bank.
DISCLOSURES RELATING TO SUBSIDIARIES,
ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
A. REPORT ON PERFORMANCE AND FINANCIAL PO- SITION OF THE SUBSIDIARIES,
ASSOCIATES AND JOINT VENTURES
There were no Subsidiary Company, Associate Company and Joint Venture
of the Bank during the FY 2023-24.
B. COMPANIES WHICH HAVE BECOME OR CEASED TO BE SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES
AND JOINT VENTURES
No Company became or ceased to be Subsidiary Company, Associate Company
and Joint Venture of the Bank during FY 2023-24.
DEPOSITS
The Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 does not apply to the Bank.
During the FY 2023-24, the Bank has accepted deposits from the public in the ordinary
course of its banking business. The details of the deposits are enumerated in the
Financial Statement for the FY 2023-24. Being a banking company, the disclosures required
as per Rule 8(5)(v) & (vi) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, read with Section
73 and 74 of the Companies Act, 2013 are not applicable to the Bank.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES AND/OR INVESTMENTS
The provisions of Section 186 of Companies Act, 2013 except sub-section
(1) do not apply to a loan made, guarantee given or security provided by a banking company
in the ordinary course of business.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND CONTRACTS/ ARRANGEMENTS
There was no materially significant related party transaction entered
between the Bank and its related parties, except for those disclosed in the financial
statement.
All the contracts/arrangements/transactions entered by the Bank with
the related parties during the FY 2023-24 were on arm's length basis; accordingly, the
disclosure of particulars of contracts/ arrangements entered into by the Bank with related
parties referred to in sub-section (1) of section 188 of the Companies Act, 2013 in Form
AOC-2 is not applicable.
The Bank has formulated a Policy on 'Materiality of Related Party
Transactions' which forms part of the Policy on dealing with 'Related Party Transactions'
is available on the website of the Bank at www.uiiivansfb.in/corporate-
governance-policies.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ("CSR")
As per Section 135 (1) of the Companies Act, 2013 "Every company
having net worth of rupees five hundred Crores or more, or turnover of rupees one thousand
Crores or more or a net profit of rupees five Crores or more during the immediately
preceding financial year shall constitute a CSR Committee of the Board consisting of three
or more directors, out of which at least one director shall be an independent
director".
Pursuant to the above, as on March 31,2024 the Bank had duly
constituted CSR Committee with 5 (Five) Directors out of which 4 (Four) are Independent
Directors. The details of the changes in the composition of the CSR Committee during the
FY 2023-24 have been provided in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of the
Annual Report for the FY 2023-24.
The Bank has formulated CSR policy pursuant to Section 135(4) of the
Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules,
2014, as amended, in accordance with the approach and direction given by the Board of the
Bank, taking into account the recommendations of its CSR Committee, and including guiding
principles for selection, implementation and monitoring of activities as well as
formulation of the annual action plan.
The said Policy is available on the website of the Bank at
www.uiiivansFb.in/corporate-qovernance-policies.
The detailed Annual Report on the CSR activities for the FY 2023-24 is
annexed to this Report as Annexure-3.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
A. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY
With our foray into ESG initiatives, the bank has made deliberate
efforts and implemented sufficient measures to gauge and reduce energy consumption.
Alongside fostering continual awareness among employees about the importance of energy
conservation through email campaigns, ESG training, and posters, the bank has replaced
conventional bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs, upgraded outdated appliances, and
integrated 5-star rated appliances into new infrastructure wherever feasible. Furthermore,
in pursuit of introducing alternative energy solutions, the bank has installed solar panel
in a URC branch and 2 more branches are underway.
B. TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
In FY 2023-24, we have automated 15 new processes and enhanced 6
existing processes. The results have been remarkable- increased efficiency, reduced errors
and significant time and cost saving.
With the help of RPA, we have saved ' 8.2 Crores cost and 51000+ Man
hours. Operations, Micro Banking, Vigilance, Finance, Credit, IT, Risk, HR departments are
actively using RPA to increase operational efficiency and reduce operating cost.
Below are few critical projects done which have significant impact.
1) RPA implementation of UPI lite reconciliation has been successfully
achieved from the day one of the product launch, addressing data storage challenges and
enhancing operational efficiency seamlessly.
2) RPA implementation for TDS computation significantly enhanced
accuracy in tax calculation while managing vast customer data effortlessly.
3) Creation of ID's across different applications using RPA has
significantly reduced manual efforts and ensures ID's are created without any delay.
4) RPA automation of sending mails to FIO's saves manual efforts and
enables FIO to focus on acquiring more business opportunities.
5) Agent model reconciliation automation is extended for Fintech
partner "Paynearby" reduced efforts employed manually.
C. FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
During the FY 2023-24, 314 transactions (Inward & Outward) were
processed adding up to USD44.53 Lakhs during the period. It resulted in an exchange income
of ' 29.48 Lakhs for the Bank. Total Foreign Exchange Outward was USD 40.30 Lakhs during
the FY 2023-24.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR
TRIBUNALS
During the FY 2023-24, there were no significant and material orders
passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status of the
Bank and its operations in future.
However, basis the joint petition filed by the Bank and UFSL with the
Hon'ble NCLT, Bengaluru Bench on March 29, 2023, for Scheme of Amalgamation, the Hon'ble
NCLT vide its order dated September 08, 2023 directed to both the companies to convene
general meetings for shareholders' approval on the Scheme. Accordingly, the Extra-Ordinary
General Meetings by both the companies were held on November 03, 2023 and the Scheme was
approved by requisite maiority in both the meetings. Basis the said approval a second
motion petition was filed with the Hon'ble NCLT for final sanction of the Scheme. Further,
the Hon'ble NCLT, Bengaluru Bench granted its final sanction vide its order dated April
19, 2024.
AUDITORS
A. STATUTORY AUDITORS
The Members of the Bank, in the 5th Annual General Meeting held on
September 27, 2021, appointed M/s. Mukund M Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants (FRN
106655W) and M/s. B. K. Ramadhyani & Co. LLP,
Chartered Accountants (FRN 002878S/ S200021), as the Joint Statutory
Auditors of the Bank for a period of 3 (three) consecutive financial years until the
conclusion of 8th AGM of the Bank to be held in the FY 2024-25, subject to approval of RBI
on an annual basis, pursuant to the RBI Guidelines for Appointment of Statutory Central
Auditors (SCAs)/ Statutory Auditors (SAs) of Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs), UCBs and
NBFCs (including HFCs).
The policy of the Bank on "Appointment of Statutory Auditors"
is available on the website of the Bank at www.uiiivansFb.in/corporate-governance-policies
Further, as the term of the Joint Statutory Auditors shall conclude in the upcoming 8th
Annual General Meeting of the Bank, the Board of Directors of the Bank had shortlisted
four Chartered Accountants Firms and the Bank had made an application to RBI for the
appointment of Joint Statutory Auditors.
RBI, vide its letter dated April 12, 2024 approved the appointment of
M/s Deloitte Haskins & Sells, Chartered Accountants (FRN 117365W) and M/s Abarna &
Ananthan, Chartered Accountants (FRN 000003S) as the Joint Statutory Auditors of the Bank
for the FY 2024-25 for their first year. Basis the said approval the Board in its meeting
held on May 18, 2024 has approved the aforesaid appointment, furthermore, the said
appointment is being placed for approval of members in the ensuing 8th Annual General
Meeting of the Bank (please refer item no.3 of the AGM Notice, for further details).
Report of the Statutory Auditors
The Statutory Audit of the Bank for the FY 2023-24 was conducted
jointly by M/s. Mukund M Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants and M/s. B. K.
Ramadhyani & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants. The Auditor's Report on the financial
Statements of the Bank for the FY 2023-24 does not contain any qualification, reservation
or adverse remark. The Auditor's Report, enclosed with the financial statement, forms part
of the Annual Report for the FY 2023-24.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR
Mr. K. Jayachandran, Practicing Company Secretary (ACS No.: 11309 and
Certificate of Practice No.: 4031) was appointed as the Secretarial Auditor of the Bank in
the meeting of the Board held on July 27, 2023 to conduct Secretarial Audit of the Bank
for the FY 2023-24 as required under Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the rules
made thereunder and Regulation 24A of SEBI Listing Regulations. The Bank provided all
assistance and facilities to the Secretarial Auditor for conducting the audit.
The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed to this Report as Annexure - 4.
ANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with Section 134(3) and Section 92(3) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and pursuant to Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017, a copy of the Annual Return for
the FY 2023-24 is available on the Bank's website at www.uiiivansfb.in/annual-return
DESPATCH OF ANNUAL REPORT
Pursuant to the latest applicable circulars issued by the MCA and SEBI,
in relation to 'Relaxation from compliance with certain provisions of the SEBI Listing
Regulations' relaxing the requirement of dispatching physical copies of the Annual Report
and the Notice convening the AGM to Shareholders. Members who wish to have physical copy
may write to the Company Secretary of the Bank at corporatesecretarial@uiiivan.com or
submit a written request to the Registered Office of the Bank. In accordance with the
aforesaid circulars, the weblink of the Annual Report and the Notice convening the AGM of
the Bank is being sent in electronic mode only to members whose e-mail address is
registered with the Bank or the Depository Participant(s). Those members, whose email
address is not registered with the Bank or with their respective Depository Participant(s)
and who wish to receive the Notice of the AGM and the Annual Report for the financial year
ended March 31, 2024, can get their email address registered by following the steps as
detailed in the Notice convening the AGM. The Annual Report of your Bank shall be
available on the Bank's website viz., https://www.uiiivansfb.in/annual-report
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Bank has complied with the provisions of Secretarial Standards
specified by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and notified by the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs under Section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013. The Bank has also
complied with the provisions of Secretarial Standard-4 on voluntary basis.
HUMAN RESOURCES
The Bank prioritises service mantra both internally and externally.
While technology plays a pivotal role in the effort, its employees are the catalyst of
change and progress at the Bank. People practices are derived from the Bank's core values;
integrity, responsible, fairness, respect, professionalism and teamwork. The Bank is
driven to build better lives both for its customers and employees. This drive has bestowed
many accolades to the Bank. Ujjivan SFB has been recognised as one of India's TOP 25 best
places to work in the BFSI sector for 2024 as per the study conducted by Great Place To
Work? Institute In the calendar year 2023 the bank was placed in the 45 th Rank within
the TOP 100 Great Place to Work in India as per the study conducted by Great Place To
Work?
Institute. The bank in FY 2023-24 continued to focus on the employee
engagement activities like employee family day engagements, milestones celebrations,
branch representative meetings, chai pe charcha (corporate employee connect) and town
halls, has kept the employees positively motivated. Additionally, to ensure real time
employee feedback and identifying high risk employees, an AI chatbot called Amber that was
launched in February 2023 has been well received across the organisation with an
engagement score of 85% as on March 31, 2024. Wellbeing of employees has been another
important area for the Bank, where physical and emotional wellness of employees were
emphasised. Annual health checkups at branch levels for staff and discounted rates for
checkups for their families that was initiated in FY 2022-23 was completed with 100%
branch coverage in FY 2023-24. The annual health check-ups were also followed up by
partner organisations to telephonically connect and inform the employees on high risk
matters and provide medical advice. The launch of "Emotional Wellness Advisors"
a confidential connect for emotional wellness related concerns that was addressed by
professional guidance to employees and their families in FY 2022-23 also saw a
considerable engagement in FY 2023-24 as confirmed by our partner Connect & Heal.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND BUSINESS RESPONSBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
REPORT
The Bank recognises its role as a corporate citizen and endeavours to
adopt the best practices and the highest standards of Corporate Governance through
transparency in business, ethics and accountability to its shareholders, customers,
government, regulators and all other stakeholders. The Bank's activities are carried out
following good corporate practices and the Bank is constantly striving to make them better
and adopt the best practices.
The Bank believes that timely reporting, transparent accounting
policies and a strong Independent Board go a long way in preserving shareholders' trust
and maximising long-term corporate value.
In pursuing the mission "to provide financial services to the
unserved and underserved customers as a responsible mass market bank focussed on building
a sustainable tomorrow", the Bank has been balancing its dual objectives of
"social" and "financial goals since its inception. "Responsible
financing", "ethical values" and "transparency" in all its
dealings with its customers, lenders, investors and employees have been the cornerstone of
its operations. Transparency in the decision-making process has been providing comfort to
all stakeholders, particularly the customers, lenders and investors.
The Report on Corporate Governance for FY 2023-24 as per Regulation
34(3) read with Schedule V of the SEBI
Listing Regulations forms part of the Annual Report for FY 2023-24. The
disclosure as required under Section II of Part II of Schedule V of the Companies Act,
2013 have been provided under the heading of Remuneration of Directors in the aforesaid
Corporate Governance Report.
A Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report containing the
requisite details as per Regulation 34 (2) of the SEBI Listing Regulations forms part of
the Annual Report for the FY 2023-24 and is also disclosed on the Bank's website at
www.uiiivansfb.in.
Further, as a responsible bank, Ujjivan SFB believes in creating a
sustainable environment and making a positive social impact. The Bank understands the
importance of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into its
operations and decision-making processes. Thus, the bank disclosed its maiden voluntary
report to disclose its sustainability performance which is a testament to transparency and
accountability for FY 2022-23. The report for the FY 2023-24 will be published shortly and
the same will be made available at the website of the Bank at
https://www.uiiivansfb.in/sustainability- initiatives.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
As required under Regulation 34 and Schedule V of SEBI Listing
Regulations, the Management Discussion and Analysis Report forms part of the Annual Report
for the FY 2023-24.
DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 22 OF THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT
WORKPLACE
(PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Bank has a strict Prevention of Sexual Harassment
("POSH") Policy in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. This
Policy applies to all categories of employees of the Organisation, including permanent
employees, permanent management, workmen, temporary employees, trainees (interns),
consultants, advisers, ad hoc employees, daily wage earners, probationers, apprentices,
contract employees, etc., at its workplace or visits to partner organisations. This Policy
recognises the right of privacy of every individual and will strive to protect the privacy
of the individuals involved and ensure that the complainant and the respondent are treated
fairly. The Policy ensures that the career interest of the parties involved in any
proceedings under this Policy will not be adversely affected merely on account of the
complaint made to the Internal Committee or any evidence provided in connection with any
enquiry; however strict action will be taken against the Respondent if proven guilty post
the enquiry process.
The Status on the Complaints received and resolved by
Internal Committee during the FY 2023-24:
Number of Complaints |
Number of Complaints Resolved |
Number of Complaints Pending for Resolution |
14 |
12 |
2 |
Composition of Internal Committees
Bank has constituted Internal Committees (IC) in each of the regions
for all administrative units/branches/regional offices of the Bank. All complaints of
Sexual Harassment at the Workplace are enquired into by the IC having jurisdiction over
the establishment where the Respondent is posted. The IC forwards a report of its findings
to the Employer for action. Each Regional IC consists of the following members:
Presiding Officer: who shall be a woman employed at a senior
level in the region.
Secretary: who shall be the Regional HR Manager.
2 Members: From amongst Employees in the region, preferably
committed to the cause of women/having legal knowledge/experience in social work.
1 Independent Member: Nominated from amongst NGOs/associations
committed to the cause of women or a person familiar with the issues relating to Sexual
Harassment.
Other Members: Additional members may be co- opted, if required, from
amongst Employees working in senior positions in the region, especially from business,
operations and control functions
Functions of IC
The Committee is expected to conduct a fair, prompt and impartial
process of investigating all the complaints it receives. During a redressal process, the
Complaints Committee/s are required to assure confidentiality, non- retaliation and
recommend interim measures as needed to conduct a fair enquiry.
POLICIES
To ensure better corporate governance, adherence to various laws and
regulations as applicable to the Bank and better management of the organisation as a
whole, the Bank has formulated various policies including the policies mentioned below.
These policies are available on the Bank's website at www.ujjivansfb.in/corporate-
governance-policies.
A brief description of below mentioned policies/code have been given in
Annexure-5 of this Report.
1. Policy for Determination of Materiality of Event/ Information for
Disclosures
2. Code of Conduct for Prevention of Insider Trading and Code of Fair
Disclosure and Conduct
3. Corporate Social Responsibility Policy
4. Nomination and Remuneration Policy
5. Policy on Board Diversity
6. Policy on Code of Conduct
7. Related Party Transactions Policy
8. Dividend Distribution Policy
9. Familiarisation Programme
10. Policy on Archival of Documents
11. Record Retention Policy
12. Whistle Blower Policy
13. Terms and Conditions of Appointment of Independent Directors
14. Policy on Appointment of Statutory Auditors
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
The Bank has obtained a certificate from K. Jayachandran, Practicing
Company Secretary, certifying that the Bank has complied with the conditions of the
Corporate Governance as stipulated in Regulations 17 to 27 and clauses (b) to (i) of
Regulation 46 (2) and other applicable regulations of Chapter IV pertaining to Corporate
Governance and paragraphs C, D and E of Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations for the
FY 2023-24.
The certificate is annexed to this Report as Annexure-6.
KEY INITIATIVES WITH RESPECT TO STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIP, CUSTOMER
RELATIONSHIP, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY, HEALTH AND SAFETY
While key initiatives on customer relationship and health and safety
have been detailed below. Information on initiatives concerning stakeholders'
relationship, environment and sustainability, have been elaborated in the Business
Responsibility and Sustainability Report of the Bank which forms part of the Annual Report
for the FY 2023-24.
We believe that excellence in customer service has paramount
importance, the Bank's commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience remains
unwavering. We believe in responding to every evolving need of the customers to make
ourselves a most customer centric organisation, by continuously nurturing our people,
process and technology basis customer feedback and competitive landscape. To put this
intent into practice, the Bank has established a dedicated Service Quality department
which has been instrumental in enhancing customer experience, addressing grievances
efficiently, maintaining rigorous service standards and ensuring customer service
compliance.
Improved Customer Service Standards: The focus on delivering superior
service standards for our customers has enabled us to maintain high level of quality and
consistency across all offerings. The Bank has demarcated, established and re-defined the
Service Index, both for external and internal customer service i.e., for each business
verticals and key support functions. The Service Index programme incorporates key
parameters which impacts customer service delivery standards and customer satisfaction.
The programme has advanced over last 6 years and unique in the industry. A strong
governance structure for customer service has been established which includes a commitment
to targets for improving Service Index scores by each function and at Bank level. These
targets form part of key performance metrics for MD & CEO, Heads of Business/
functions, frontline managers, sales and service staffs.
The various cross-functional initiatives at people, process and
technology level have helped in achieving substantial improvements in Bank Level Service
Index, from 66 points in March 2022 (out of a 100 points scale) to 85 points in March 2023
and to 89 points in March 2024.
The number of complaints in FY 2023-24 had decreased by 14% when
compared to previous FY 2022- 23.
Resolution of customer service requests within standard
turn-around-time has improved from 88% in FY 2021-22 to 90% in FY 2022-23 and to 94% in FY
2023- 24.
The resolution of customer complaints within standard
turn-around time has improved from 90% in FY 2021-22 to 96% in FY 2022-23 and to 98% in FY
2023-24.
Aajeevan Services - A life events-based banking services with Empathy:
Ujjivan SFB believes the customer needs empathy, handholding and assurance the most when
they come across various life events, be it good or bad. A specially designed and unique
programme, in the banking industry, called "Aajeevan" was implemented since the
inception of the Bank. These are life events based banking services, enabling customers
navigate good and bad events of life with ease. Services include nomination facilities,
joint accounts, settlement of claims of deceased account holders, settlement of insurance
claims, priority & doorstep services to senior citizens and specially abled customers,
use of special services like adding mandate holder or power of attorney etc. The programme
provides financial well-being with empathy and compassion, and thus building a long
term-relationship with our customers. This is also a programme around simplifying
processes and staff training, by keeping empathy and efficiency as focal points. A
specially designed one-day workshop on Aajeevan Services was conducted for customer
handling staffs and sales staffs. A total of 1,521 staffs were trained in 72 batches
during the year.
Over the years, the promotion of Aajeevan services has helped in
improvement of resolution of Aajeevan service requests from 86% in the FY 2021-22 to 94%
in FY 2022-23 and to 99% in the FY 2023-24.
Deposits opened with nomination has improved from 82% in FY
2021-22 to 92% in FY 2022-23 and to 94% in FY 2023-24.
The claims of deposits pertaining to deceased account holders
were settled at 100% within standard turn- around-time.
New initiatives undertaken to provide seamless cus- tomer service and
safety of digital transactions:
Launch of UPI Lite to enable user friendly, low value
transactions faster and real time with minimum technical declines.
New Customers can be on boarded Digitally to open a Savings
& Fixed Deposit Account without any restrictions and fulfil their KYC online through
Video KYC.
Existing customers can open Digital Savings and Fixed Deposit
Account seamlessly through the Digital Platform and also fund their FDs from Non Ujjivan
SFB bank accounts.
Educational Videos about Digital products were uploaded on
social media platforms like YouTube in English & other regional languages to help
customers understand the process in simple / easy steps.
DigiKaksha initiative was launched during Q4 FY 2023-24, to
foster digital learning and empowerment within Ujjivan SFB to enable staff assist and
handhold customers in using digital channels better.
The IB, MB & Hello Ujjivan platforms were modified to
redirect to Customer Grievance Redressal mechanism on Ujjivan SFB website, to enable
customers to easily access and understand the Customer Grievance Redressal mechanism.
Same day disbursements were introduced, to reduce turnaround
time for disbursement of individual and group loans under micro lending programme.
The limits for financial transactions to be provided through
doorstep services to senior citizens has been increased to ' 25,000 per request from '
5,000. Further, to popularise the same, SMSs were broadcasted to the senior citizen
customers of the Bank.
Enabled auto triggering of SMS to customer at 4 Stages to
collect the mortgage documents after closure of the loan.
Fraudulent Transaction reporting option is now implemented on
BNB, this will help customers in prompt reporting of such transactions without searching
for customer care contact points.
Successfully piloted Video Banking platform as a service
delivery channel, to be launched for all customers in FY 2024-25.
Success of 'DigiMitra' initiative at Ujjivan SFB Phone Banking:
o The DigiMitra programme launched in August 2023 has proven very
successful in handling all customer service requests and complaints related to digital
channels like Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Business Net-banking, UPI services and
other digital channels of the bank. o This has delivered a better digital experience to
customers, by enabling proactive connect with the customer before, after the issue is
raised and resolved with a quality resolution of their issues related to digital channels.
o The team not only resolves the customers' issues but also educate the customer and the
Internal Bank employees wherever required. o The DigiMitra Team handles end-to-end
resolution of technical issues, by liaising with internal departments, to ensure timely
and complete resolution for customers. o 6,029 cases are handled by DigiMitra team during
the year.
Customer awareness:
A significant increase in spam calls were reported across the
country for paying EMI and receiving a gift voucher delivered to their doorstep. To
address this concern and ensure our customers beware of such incidents, A customer
awareness campaign was conducted through SMSs to 30 Lakh customers.
As a continuous learning from day-to-day practical situations
through "Service Quality Friday School" campaign, the branches receive a
training content as snippets, and the Branch Managers delivers the training to staffs on
same day for efficient customer service/ handling customer requests and complaints/ life
events related services and case studies.
As per directives from Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre
(I4C), in the field of Cyber Hygiene and Promoting 1930 as well as National Cybercrime
Reporting Portal (NCRP), an awareness campaign was conducted to customers through various
channels.
o Safe banking tips on OTP fraud - in all languages. o Safer internet
day - on browser security and Safe Tips on UPI security.
o Display of Cyber security helpline number on bank's website.
Health and Safety
The Bank considers Health and Safety of its employees very important
and various initiatives have been taken with this objection over the years. Following are
a few highlights of the same:
Fire extinguishers are in place as per the defined protocols in
all the offices & branches across PAN India with half yearly fire drill conducted only
in RO and HO. The same is carried out only in regional offices and the awareness is
created among the branch employees To ascertain adequacy and quality of the safety
measures, an audit has been conducted by third party every quarter.
Towards providing better work environment to the employees and
customers, all the URCs are installed with Air conditioners & preventive maintenance
of all the electric equipment's across branches conducted periodically - 95% of the URCs
are equipped with ACs.
For the specially-abled customers & employees, 29 ramps have
been constructed across PAN India branches. - 125 ramps are available across the country.
Deep cleaning & Pest control services were rendered at the
branches that were older than 5 years. - Deep cleaning & Pest control services are
being done once in a quarter.
Considering the health of the employees, 20+ branches in the North have
been installed with RO water purifiers for drinking water - It is 30+ branches.
Employees Safety Measures
As an employee first organisation, Ujjivan SFB conducts annual health
check-up for all its employees once in two years. This annual health check-up is followed
up by the Partner by providing free consultation on the reports and also advising
employees with high risk reports.
To support its employees, Ujjivan SFB also has a facility of 24x7
"Doctor on Call" teleconsultation This facility has been made available for
employees and their dependents to consult doctors during emergencies. While the services
were available for physical ailments. In FY 2023-24, Ujjivan SFB also launched of the
emotional wellness programme, where employees and their family members could tele- consult
specialists with "emotional wellness' expertise to get help where required.
Apart from that the QRT (Quick Response Team) which was activated
during the start of the pandemic still monitors the environment & health related
concerns across regions and issues guidelines to employees as and when required.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
A. The Bank is not required to maintain cost records as specified by
the Central Government under sub- section (1) of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013.
B. Disclosure as required under Rule 8(5)(xi) and 8(5)(xii) of the
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 does not apply to the Bank for FY 2023-24.
C. None of the directors of the Bank are disqualified as per provisions
of Section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013. The directors have made necessary
disclosures, as required under various provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, SEBI Listing
Regulations and RBI guidelines.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We place on record our gratitude to our employees at all levels who
have contributed to the growth and sustained success of the Bank through their dedication,
hard work, cooperation and support.
We would like to thank all our customers, vendors, bankers, investors,
auditors, media and other business associates for their continued support and
encouragement during the year.
We also thank the Government of India, the Government of Karnataka and
Delhi, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of
Corporate Affairs, the Securities and Exchange Board of India, Hon'ble NCLT, Bengaluru
Bench and Registrar of Companies, Bengaluru, the Stock Exchanges, the Central Board of
Indirect Taxes and Customs, the RBI, the Central Board of Direct Taxes and all other
government agencies for their support during the FY 2023-24 and look forward to their
continued support in future.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors |
|
Sd/- |
Sd/- |
B.A. Prabhakar |
Ittira Davis |
Part-Time Chairman and Independent Director |
MD & CEO |
DIN:02101808 |
DIN:06442816 |
Date: May 18, 2024 |
|
Place: Bengaluru |
|