2. Summary of material accounting policies
2.1 Basis of preparation
These Financial Statements have been prepared to comply in all material respects with the Indian Accounting Standards ('Ind AS') as notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ('MCA') under section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 ('Act'), read together with Rule 3 of the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended from time to time) and other accounting principles generally accepted in India.
These Financial Statements are approved for issue by the Company's Board of Directors on May 14, 2024.
The Financial Statements are based on the classification provisions contained in Ind AS 1, 'Presentation of Financial Statements' and division II of schedule III (as amended) to the Act. Further, for the purpose of clarity, various items are aggregated in the Balance Sheet, Statement of Profit and Loss, Statement of Changes in Equity, Statement of Cash Flows and accompanying notes. Nonetheless, these items are dis-aggregated separately in the notes to the Financial Statements, where applicable or required.
All the amounts included in the Financial Statements are reported in millions of Indian Rupee ('Rupee' or 'Rs.') and are rounded to the nearest million, except per share data and unless stated otherwise. Further, due to rounding off, certain amounts are appearing as '0'
The preparation of the said Financial Statements requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates and judgements. It also requires the management to exercise judgement in the process of applying the Company's accounting policies. The areas where estimates are significant to the Financial Statements, or areas involving
a higher degree of judgement or complexity, are disclosed in note 3.
The accounting policies, as set out in the following paragraphs of this note, have been consistently applied, by the Company, to all the periods presented in the said Financial Statements, except in case of adoption of any new standards and/ or amendments during the year.
New amendments adopted during the year Amendments to Ind AS
MCA vide notification no. G.S.R. 242(E) dated March 31, 2023 has issued the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2023 which amends following Ind AS (as applicable to the Company):
• Ind AS 102, Share-based Payments
• Ind AS 103, Business Combinations
• Ind AS 107, Financial Instruments: Disclosures
• Ind AS 109, Financial Instruments
• Ind AS 115, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
• Ind AS 1, Presentation of Financial Statements
• Ind AS 12, Income Taxes
• Ind AS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors
• Ind AS 34, Interim Financial Reporting
The amendments are applicable for annual periods beginning on or after April 1, 2023, however these do not have material impact on the financial statement of the Company.
Amendments to Ind AS issued but not yet effective
Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCA") notifies new standards or amendments to the existing standards under Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules as issued from time to time. For the year ended March 31, 2024, MCA has not notified any new standards or amendments to the existing standards applicable to the Company.
2.2 Basis of measurement
The Financial Statements have been prepared on the accrual and going concern basis, and the historical cost convention except where the Ind AS requires a different accounting treatment. The principal variations from the historical cost convention relate to financial instruments classified as fair value through profit or loss ('FVTPL') (refer note 2.8) which are measured at fair value.
Fair value measurement
Fair value is the price at the measurement date, at which an asset can be sold or a liability can be transferred, in an orderly transaction between market participants. The Company's accounting policies require, measurement of certain financial instruments at fair values (either on a recurring or non-recurring basis).
The Company is required to classify the fair valuation method of the financial / non-financial assets and liabilities, either measured or disclosed at fair value in the Financial Statements, using a three level fair-value-hierarchy (which reflects the significance of inputs used in the measurement). Accordingly, the Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
The three levels of the fair-value-hierarchy are described below:
Level 1: Quoted (unadjusted) prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets
Level 2: Significant inputs to the fair value measurement are directly or indirectly observable
Level 3: Significant inputs to the fair value measurement are unobservable
2.3 Foreign currency transactions
a. Functional and presentation currency
The Financial Statements are presented in Indian Rupee which is the functional and presentation currency of the Company.
b. Transactions and balances
Transactions in foreign currencies are initially recorded in the relevant functional currency at the exchange rate prevailing at the date of the transaction.
Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency at the closing exchange rate prevailing as at the reporting date with the resulting foreign exchange differences, on subsequent re-statement / settlement, recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss. Non-monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are translated into the functional currency using the exchange rate prevalent, at the date of initial recognition (in case they are measured at historical cost) or at the date when the fair value is determined (in case they are measured at fair value) - the resulting foreign exchange difference, on subsequent re-statement / settlement, recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in the other comprehensive income ('OCI') or directly in equity.
2.4 Current versus non-current classification
The Company presents assets and liabilities in the Balance Sheet based on current / non-current classification.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities, and all assets and liabilities which are not current (as discussed in the below paragraphs) are classified as non-current assets and liabilities.
An asset is classified as current when it is expected to be realised or intended to be sold or consumed in normal operating cycle, held primarily for the purpose of trading, expected to be realised within twelve months after the reporting period, or cash or cash equivalent unless restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.
A liability is classified as current when it is expected to be settled in normal operating cycle, it is held primarily for the purpose of trading, it is due to be settled within twelve months after the reporting period, or there is no unconditional right to defer the settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting period.
2.5 Property, plant and equipment ('PPE')
An item is recognised as an asset, if and only if, it is probable that the future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to the Company and its cost can be measured reliably. PPE are initially recognised at cost. The initial cost of PPE comprises its purchase price (including non-refundable duties and taxes but excluding any trade discounts and rebates), asset retirement obligations (ARO) and any directly attributable cost of bringing the asset to its working condition and location for its intended use. Further, it includes assets installed on the premises of customers as the associated risks, rewards and control remain with the Company.
Subsequent to initial recognition, PPE are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any. When significant parts of PPE are required to be replaced at regular intervals, the Company recognises such parts as separate component of assets. When an item of PPE is replaced, then its carrying amount is derecognised from the Balance Sheet and cost of the new item of PPE is recognised. Further, in case the replaced part was not being depreciated separately, the cost of the replacement is used as an indication to determine the cost of the replaced part at the time it was acquired.
Cost of assets not ready for intended use, as on the Balance Sheet date, is shown as capital work-inprogress ('CWIP'), advances given towards acquisition of PPE outstanding at each Balance Sheet date are disclosed under other non- current assets.
The expenditures that are incurred after the item of PPE has been available to use, such as repairs and maintenance, are normally charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period in which such costs are incurred. However, in situations where the said expenditure can be measured reliably, and is probable that future economic benefits associated with it will flow to the Company, it is included in the asset's carrying value or as a separate asset, as appropriate.
Depreciation on PPE is computed using the straightline method over the estimated useful lives. The management basis its past experience and technical assessment has estimated the useful life, which is at variance with the life prescribed in Part C of Schedule II of the Act and has accordingly, depreciated the assets over such useful life.
The Company has established the estimated range of useful lives for different categories of PPE as follows:
The useful lives, residual values and depreciation method of PPE are reviewed, and adjusted appropriately, at least as at each financial year end so as to ensure that the method and period of depreciation are consistent with the expected pattern of economic benefits from these assets. The effect of any change in the estimated useful lives, residual values and / or depreciation method are accounted prospectively, and accordingly the depreciation is calculated over the PPE's remaining revised useful life. The cost and the accumulated depreciation for PPE sold, scrapped, retired or otherwise disposed off are de-recognised from the Balance Sheet and the resulting gains / losses are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss within other income / other expenses.
2.6 Intangible assets
Intangible assets are recognised when the Company controls the asset, it is probable that future economic benefits attributed to the asset will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. The intangible assets are initially recognised at cost. Those assets having finite useful life are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and impairment losses, if any. Amortisation is computed using the straight-line method over the expected useful life of intangible assets.
The Company has established the estimated useful lives of different categories of intangible assets as follows:
a. Software
Software is amortised over the period of license, generally not exceeding five years.
b. Licenses (including spectrum)
Acquired licenses and spectrum are amortised commencing from the date when the related network is available for intended use in the relevant jurisdiction. The useful lives ranges upto twenty years.
The revenue-share based fee on licenses / spectrum is charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period such cost is incurred.
c. Other acquired intangible assets
The useful lives and amortisation method are reviewed, and adjusted appropriately, at-least at each financial year end so as to ensure that the method and period of amortisation are consistent with the expected pattern of economic benefits from these assets. The effect of any change in the estimated useful lives and / or amortisation method is accounted for prospectively, and accordingly the amortisation is calculated over the remaining revised useful life.
Further, the cost of intangible assets under development ('IAUD') includes the following:
(a) the amount of spectrum allotted to the Company and related costs (including borrowing costs) that are directly attributable to the acquisition or construction of qualifying assets (refer note 6), if any, for which services are yet to be rolled out and are presented separately in the Balance Sheet.
Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is derecognised.
2.7 Impairment of non-financial assets
PPE, right-of-use assets ('ROU), intangible assets and IAUD
PPE (including CWIP), ROU and intangible assets with definite lives, are reviewed for impairment, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying values may not be recoverable. IAUD is tested for impairment, at least annually and whenever circumstances indicate that it may be impaired.
For the purpose of impairment testing, the recoverable amount (that is, higher of the fair value less costs to sell
and the value in use) is determined on an individual asset basis, unless the asset does not generate cash flows that are largely independent of those from other assets, in which case the recoverable amount is determined at the cash-generating-unit ('CGU') level to which the said asset belongs. If such individual assets or CGU are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss is measured by the amount by which the carrying value of the asset / CGU exceeds their estimated recoverable amount and allocated on pro rata basis.
A CGU is the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other assets or group of assets.
Reversal of impairment losses
Impairment losses are reversed in Statement of Profit and Loss and the carrying value is increased to its revised recoverable amount provided that this amount does not exceed the carrying value that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised for the said asset / CGU previously.
2.8 Financial instruments
a. Recognition, classification and presentation
The financial instruments are recognised in the Balance Sheet when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument.
The Company determines the classification of its financial instruments at initial recognition.
The Company classifies its financial assets in the following categories: a) those to be measured subsequently at fair value through profit or loss, and b) those to be measured at amortised cost. The classification depends on the entity's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual terms of the cash flows.
The Company measures all the non-derivative financial liabilities at amortised cost.
Financial assets and liabilities arising from different transactions are off-set against each other and the resultant net amount is presented in the Balance Sheet, if and only when, the Company currently has a legally enforceable right to set-off the related recognised amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
b. Measurement - Non derivative financial instruments
I. Initial measurement
All financial assets are recognised initially at fair value plus, in the case of financial assets not recorded at FVTPL, transaction costs that are attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. However, trade
receivables that do not contain a significant financing component are measured at transaction price. All financial liabilities are recognised initially at fair value, in the case of loans and borrowings and payables, net of directly attributable transaction costs. Other transaction costs are expensed as incurred in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The transaction price is generally the best evidence of the financial instrument's initial fair value. However, it is possible for an entity to determine that the instrument's fair value is not the transaction price. The difference between the transaction amount and the fair value (if any) is accounted for as follows:
• The difference is recognised as a gain or loss in the statement of Profit and Loss only if fair value is evidenced by a quoted price in an active market for an identical asset or liability (that is, a Level 1 input) or based on a valuation technique that uses only data from observable markets.
• In all other cases, an entity recognises the instrument at fair value and defers the difference between the fair value at initial recognition and the transaction price in the statement of financial position.
II. Subsequent measurement - financial assets
The subsequent measurement of the non-derivative financial assets depends on theirclassification as follows:
i. Financial assets measured at amortised cost
Assets that are held for collection of contractual cash flows where those cash flows represent solely payments of principal and interest are measured at amortised cost using the effective-interest rate ('EIR') method (if the impact of discounting / any transaction costs is significant). Interest income from these financial assets is included in other income.
ii. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss ('FVTPL')
All financial assets that do not meet the criteria for amortised cost are measured at FVTPL. Interest (basis EIR method) from financial assets at FVTPL is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss within other income separately from the other gains/ losses arising from changes in the fair value.
Impairment
The Company assesses on a forward looking basis the expected credit losses ('ECL') associated with its assets carried at amortised cost. The impairment methodology applied depends on whether there has been a significant increase in credit risk since initial recognition. If credit risk has not increased significantly, twelve months, ECL is used to provide for impairment loss, otherwise lifetime ECL is used.
However, only in case of trade receivables, the company applies the simplified approach which requires expected lifetime losses to be recognised from initial recognition of the receivables.
III. Subsequent measurement - financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the EIR method (if the impact of discounting / any transaction costs is significant).
c. Derecognition
The financial liabilities are de-recognised from the Balance Sheet when the under-lying obligations are extinguished, discharged, lapsed, cancelled, expires or legally released. The financial assets are de-recognised from the Balance Sheet when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have expired, or have been transferred and the Company has transferred substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. The difference in the carrying amount is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
2.9 Leases
The Company, at the inception of a contract, assesses the contract is, or containing, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Company assesses whether the contract involves the use of an identified asset, the Company has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset throughout the period of use; and the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset.
Company as a lessee
The Company recognises a ROU and a corresponding lease liability with respect to all lease agreements in which it is the lessee in the Balance Sheet. The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the commencement date, discounted using the incremental borrowing rate (as the rate implicit in the lease cannot be readily determined). Lease liabilities include the net present value of fixed payments (including any in-substance fixed payments) and payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.
Subsequently, the lease liability is measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there is a change in future lease payments including or when the lease contract is modified and the lease modification is not accounted for as a separate lease. The corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the ROU, or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the related ROU has been reduced to zero and there is a further reduction in the measurement of the lease liability.
ROU are measured at cost comprising the amount of the initial measurement of lease liability, any lease payments made at or before the commencement date and any initial direct costs less any lease incentives received.
Subsequent to initial recognition, ROU are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses and adjusted for certain remeasurements of the lease liability. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method from the commencement date to the end of the useful life of the underlying asset or the end of the lease term, whichever is shorter. The estimated useful lives of ROU are determined on the same basis as those of the underlying asset.
In the Balance Sheet, the ROU and lease liabilities are presented separately. In the Statement of Profit and Loss, interest expense on lease liabilities are presented separately from the depreciation charge for the ROU. Interest expense on the lease liability is a component of finance costs, which are presented separately in the Statement of Profit and Loss. In the Statement of Cash Flows, cash payments for the principal portion of lease payments and the interest portion of lease liability are presented as financing activities.
When a contract includes lease and non-lease components, the Company allocates the consideration in the contract on the basis of the relative stand-alone prices of each lease component and the aggregate standalone price of the non-lease components.
Short-term leases and leases of low-value assets
The Company has elected not to recognise ROU and lease liabilities for short term leases that have a lease term of twelve months or less and leases of low value assets. The Company recognises lease payments associated with these leases as an expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
Company as a lessor
Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the contract is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
Amounts due from lessees under a finance lease are recognised as receivables at an amount equal to the net investment in the leased assets. Finance lease income is allocated to the periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment outstanding in respect of the finance lease.
Rental income from operating leases is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised on a straight line basis over the lease term.
When a contract includes lease and non-lease components, the Company applies Ind AS 115 'Revenue from Contracts with Customers' to allocate the consideration under the contract to each component. The Company enters into 'Indefeasible right to use' ('IRU') arrangements wherein the right to use the assets is given over the substantial part of the asset life. However, as the title to the assets and the significant risks associated with the operation and maintenance of these assets remains with the Company, such arrangements are recognised as operating lease. The contracted price is recognised as revenue during the tenure of the agreement. Unearned IRU revenue received in advance is presented as deferred revenue within liabilities in the Balance Sheet.
2.10 Taxes
The income tax expense comprises of current and deferred income tax. Income tax is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in the OCI or directly in equity, in which case the related income tax is also recognised accordingly.
a. Current tax
The current tax is calculated on the basis of the tax rates, laws and regulations, which have been enacted or substantively enacted as at the reporting date. The payment made in excess / (shortfall) of the Company's income tax obligation for the period are recognised in the Balance Sheet under assets as income tax assets / under current liabilities as current tax liabilities.
Any interest, related to accrued liabilities for potential tax assessments are not included in income tax charge or (credit), but are rather recognised within finance costs.
The Company periodically evaluates positions taken in the tax returns with respect to situations in which applicable tax regulations are subject to interpretation. The Company considers whether it is probable that a taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment. If the Company concludes it is probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, it determines the taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates consistently with the tax treatment used or planned to be used in its income tax filings. If the Company concludes it is not probable that the taxation authority will accept an uncertain tax treatment, the entity reflects the effect of uncertainty in determining the related taxable profit (tax loss), tax bases, unused tax losses, unused tax credits or tax rates.
Current tax assets and tax liabilities are offset where the entity has a legally enforceable right to offset and intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
b. Deferred tax
Deferred tax is recognised on temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and
their carrying values in the Financial Statements. Deferred tax is also recognised in respect of carried forward tax losses and tax credits. Deferred tax assets/ liabilities recognised for temporary differences arising from a business combination, affect the amount of goodwill or the bargain purchase gain that the Company recognises. However, deferred tax liabilities are not recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill. Deferred tax is not recognised if it arises from initial recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a business combination that at the time of the transaction affects neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss.
The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Company expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available against which the temporary differences can be utilised. The Company considers the projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in making this assessment.
The unrecognised deferred tax assets / carrying amount of deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date for recoverability and adjusted appropriately.
Deferred tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date and are expected to apply when the asset is realised or the liability is settled.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are off-set where there is a legally enforceable right to enforceable right to offset current tax assets and liabilities and where the deferred tax balances relate to the same taxation authority.
2.11 Cash and cash equivalents ('C&CE')
Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, bank balances and any deposits with original maturities of three months or less (that are readily convertible to known amounts of C&CE and subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value). However, for the purpose of the Statement of Cash Flows, in addition to above items, any bank overdrafts / cash credits that are integral part of the Company's cash management, are also included as a component of C&CE.
2.12 Equity share capital
Ordinary shares are classified as Equity when the Company has an un-conditional right to avoid delivery of cash or another financial asset, that is, when the dividend and repayment of capital are at the sole and absolute discretion of the Company and there is no contractual obligation whatsoever to that effect.
2.13 Employee benefits
The Company's employee benefits mainly include wages, salaries, bonuses, defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, compensated absences and deferred compensation. The employee benefits are recognised in the year in which the associated services are rendered by the Company employees. Short-term employee benefits are recognised in Statement of Profit and Loss at undiscounted amounts during the period in which the related services are rendered.
a. Defined contribution plans
The contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in profit or loss as and when the services are rendered by employees. The Company has no further obligations under these plans beyond its periodic contributions.
b. Defined benefit plans
In accordance with the local laws and regulations, all the employees in India are entitled for the Gratuity plan. The said plan requires a lump-sum payment to eligible employees (meeting the required vesting service condition) at retirement or termination of employment, based on a pre-defined formula.
The Company provides for the liability towards the said plans on the basis of actuarial valuation carried as at the reporting date, by an independent qualified actuary using the projected-unit-credit method.
The obligation towards the said benefits is recognised in the Balance Sheet, at the present value of the defined benefit obligations. The present value of the said obligation is determined by discounting the estimated future cash outflows, using interest rates of government bonds.
The interest expense is calculated by applying the above mentioned discount rate to defined benefits obligations. The interest expenses on the defined benefits obligations are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss. However, the related re-measurements of the defined benefits obligations are recognised directly in the OCI in the period in which they arise. The said remeasurements comprise of actuarial gains and losses (arising from experience adjustments and changes in actuarial assumptions). Re-measurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in any of the subsequent periods.
c. Other long-term employee benefits
The employees of the Company are entitled to compensated absences as well as other long-term benefits. Compensated absences benefits comprises of encashment and availment of leave balances that were earned by the employees over the period of past employment.
The Company provides for the liability towards the said benefits on the basis of actuarial valuation carried as at the reporting date, by an independent qualified actuary
using the projected-unit-credit method. The related re-measurements are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period in which they arise.
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