The Board of Directors of Aditya Birla Money Limited ("your Company" or "the Company" or "ABML") is pleased to present the 28th (Twenty Eighth) Annual Report and the Audited Financial Statements of your Company for the financial year ended 31st March 2024 ("financial year under review").
FINANCIAL SUMMARY AND HIGHLIGHTS
Your Company's financial performance for the financial year ended 31st March 2024 as compared to the previous financial year ended 31st March 2023 is summarised below:
(Rs. in Crore)
|
Particulars
|
FY24
|
FY23
|
Revenue from Operations
|
390.19
|
262.96
|
Other Income
|
4.82
|
15.83
|
Total Income
|
395.01
|
278.79
|
Expenses
|
326.08
|
232.11
|
Profit Before Tax
|
68.93
|
46.68
|
Tax Expenses
|
15.96
|
12.78
|
Profit for the year
|
52.97
|
33.90
|
Other Comprehensive Income
|
0.38
|
0.57
|
Total Comprehensive Income for the year
|
53.34
|
34.47
|
Earnings per Equity Share (in ?): (Face Value of ?1/- each)
|
|
|
Basic
|
9.37
|
6.01
|
Diluted
|
9.37
|
6.01
|
The above figures are extracted from the Financial Statements prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards ("IND AS") as notified under Sections 129 and 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act") read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 and other relevant provisions of the Act and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("SEBI Listing Regulations").
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AND STATE OF THE COMPANY'S AFFAIRS
For the financial year ended 31st March 2024, the Company recorded Revenue from Operations of '390.19 Crore as compared to '262.96 Crore during the previous year, an increase of 48.38%.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE COMPANY PERFORMANCE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2024
The Profit after Tax stood at '52.97 Crore for the year ended 31st March 2024 as compared to '33.90 Crore in previous financial year, an increase of 56.25%.
ACCOUNTING METHOD
The Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards as notified under Sections 129 and 133 of the Act read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, as amended and other relevant provisions of the Act.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, applicable Accounting Standards and the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the financial year ended 31st March 2024, together with the Auditors' Report forms part of this Annual Report.
The Audited Financial Statements of the Company as stated above are available on the Company's website at https:// stocksandsecurities.adityabirlacapital.com/investor
MATERIAL EVENTS DURING THE YEAR
There were no material changes and commitments, affecting the financial position of the Company during the financial year under review.
HOLDING/SUBSIDIARIES/JOINT VENTURES/ ASSOCIATES COMPANIES
During the financial year under review, Grasim Industries Limited remained the Ultimate Holding Company and Aditya Birla Capital Limited continued to be the Holding Company of our Company. Additionally, during this period, your Company did not have any Subsidiaries, Associates or Joint Venture Companies.
Grasim Industries Limited and Aditya Birla Capital Limited are listed at BSE Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited and Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the financial year under review, the Company does not propose to transfer any amount to the reserves.
DIVIDEND
In order to conserve cash for the Company's operations, the Directors do not recommend any dividend for the year under review.
SHARE CAPITAL
As on 31st March 2024, the Company's Paid-up Equity Share Capital was '5.65 Crore divided into 5,65,09,201 Equity Shares of '1/- each. The Company has 16,00,000 4% Non-Cumulative Non-Convertible Redeemable Preference Shares of '100/- each outstanding as on 31st March 2024.
During the year under review, the following changes took place in the Share Capital of the Company:
• The Company has allotted 56,319 Equity Shares pursuant to exercise of ABML Employee Stock Option Scheme 2014. Pursuant to the allotment of Equity Shares under the said scheme, the Paid-up Share Capital of the Company increased from '5,64,52,882/- as on 31st March 2023 to '5,65,09,201/-as on 31st March 2024.
DEPOSITORY
As on 31st March 2024, out of the Company's Paid-up Equity Share Capital comprising of 5,65,09,201 Equity Shares 5,56,14,170 Equity Shares (98.42%) were held in dematerialised mode.
The Company's Equity Shares are compulsorily tradable in electronic form.
RESOURCE MOBILISATION
During the financial year under review, the Company mobilised funds by way of issue of short-term Commercial Paper as per Business needs.
CREDIT RATING
During the financial year under review, the Credit Rating Agencies have assigned the following ratings for the Commercial Paper Programme of the Company for an amount of '1,750 Crore.
Sr.
No.
|
Nature of the Instrument
|
Name of the Instrument
|
Name of Credit Rating Agency
|
Amount Rated (In Cr)
|
Current
Rating
|
1
|
Short Term
|
Commercial
|
CRISIL
|
1750
|
A1
|
|
Instrument
|
Paper
|
|
|
|
2
|
Short Term
|
Commercial
|
IND Ra
|
1750
|
A1
|
|
Instrument
|
Paper
|
|
|
|
Further, during the financial year under review, India Ratings and Research (Ind-Ra) has assigned a Long-Term Issuer Rating of "AA " to the Company.
REMUNERATION POLICY
The salient features of the Remuneration Policy of the Company in accordance with the provisions of Section 178(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 is placed as "Annexure A" to this Report. The Remuneration Policy is also available on its website at the link: https://stocksandsecurities.adityabirlacapital.com/ investor
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
The Company has not accepted or renewed any deposit as covered under Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013, from its members or the public during the financial year under review.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details, as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, are given in "Annexure B" to the Board's Report.
Details as required under Section 197(12) of the Act, read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, with respect to information of employees of the Company will be provided upon request by a Member. In terms of the provisions of Section 136(1) of the Act, the Annual Report is being sent to all the Members of your Company whose email address(es) are registered with the Company/Depository Participants via electronic mode, excluding the aforesaid Annexure which shall be made available for inspection by the Members via electronic mode. If any Member is interested in obtaining a copy thereof, the Member may write to the Company Secretary at the
Registered Office of the Company in this regard or send an email to ahml.investorgriRvancR@adityabirlacapital.com.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTIONS
Employee Stock Options have been recognised as an effective instrument to attract talent and align the interest of employees with that of the Company, thereby providing an opportunity to the employees to share in the growth of the Company and to create long-term wealth in the hands of employees and thereby acting as a retention tool.
In view of the above, the Company had formulated the ABML Employee Stock Option Scheme 2014 (ABML ESOP Scheme 2014) with the approval of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on 09th September 2014.
The aforesaid ESOP Schemes are in compliance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
There has been no material change to the ESOP Scheme 2014 during the year and the Scheme is in compliance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014.
The Disclosures as required under Regulation 14 of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 has been hosted on the Company's website at the link: https://stocksandsecurities. adityabirlacapital.com/investor
Certificates from the Secretarial Auditor on the implementation of your Company's Employee Stock Option Scheme(s) will be made available via electronic mode at the ensuing 28th (Twenty Eighth) Annual General Meeting (“AGM") of the Company for inspection by the Members.
ADITYA BIRLA CAPITAL LIMITED EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEMES
• The shareholders of the Company, via a special resolution passed through a postal ballot on 25th September 2017, approved the extension of benefits under the Aditya Birla Capital Limited (Holding Company) Employee Stock Option Scheme 2017 to permanent employees in the Management Cadre, including Managing and Whole-time Directors of the Company. This approval also covered the payment of costs and charges by the Company related to the exercise of stock options or restricted stock units granted to these employees. Consequently, stock options were granted to the employees of the Company.
• The shareholders of Aditya Birla Capital Limited, via a special resolution passed through a Postal Ballot on 16th October
2022, approved the extension of benefits under the Aditya Birla Capital Limited Employee Stock Option and Performance Stock Unit Scheme 2022 to employees of Group Companies. This includes Holding, Subsidiary and Associate companies of the Company, such as Aditya Birla Money Limited, which is a Subsidiary Company.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
a) Conservation of Energy - The Company's operations are not energy intensive. Adequate measures have been taken to conserve energy wherever possible. The energy saving measures also include installation of LED lighting, selecting and designing offices to facilitate maximum natural light utilisation, video-conferencing facilities across all offices to reduce the need of employee travel, digital learning initiatives for employees, optimised usage of lights and continuous monitoring and control of the operations of the air conditioning equipment as well as elimination of non-recyclable plastic in offices.
b) Technology Absorption - The minimum technology required for the business has been absorbed.
c) Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo - The Company did not enter into any Foreign Currency Transactions during the current financial year and the previous year.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
Pursuant to Regulation 34(2) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Management Discussion and Analysis Report for the year under review is presented as a separate section, which forms part of this Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
The Company is committed to maintain the highest standards of Corporate Governance and adhering to the Corporate Governance requirements set out by the Securities and Exchange Board of India. Corporate Governance principles form an integral part of the core values of the Company. The Report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 34(3) read with Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations forms an integral part of this Annual Report. The Compliance Certificate from M/s. BNP & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance is annexed to this Report as "Annexure C".
CONTRACTS AND ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
During the year under review, all contracts and arrangements with related parties have been entered into by the Company in its ordinary course of business and at arms' length and were not considered material as per the provisions of Section 188 of the Act read with the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 23 of the SEBI Listing Regulations.
The disclosure in Form AOC-2 under Section 134(3)(h) of the Act, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, is therefore not applicable.
Prior omnibus approval of the Audit Committee is obtained for Related Party Transactions (RPTs) which are of a repetitive nature and entered into the ordinary course of business and at arm's length. A statement on RPTs specifying the details of the transactions, pursuant to each omnibus approval granted, is placed on a quarterly basis for review by the Audit Committee. The particulars of such contracts and arrangements with related parties are given in notes to the Financial Statements, forming part of this Annual Report.
In accordance with the provisions of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has in place the Policy on dealing with Related Party Transactions which is available on its website at the link: https://stocksandsecuritiRs.adityahirlacapital.com/invRstor
RISK MANAGEMENT
Risk Management is at the core of our business and ensuring we have the right risk-return trade off in keeping with our risk appetite is the essence of our Risk Management practices while looking to optimise the returns that go with that risk.
The Risk Governance Committee of the Board has framed the Risk Management Policy of the Company and monitors its implementation. The objectives and scope of the Risk Governance Committee broadly include:
• Risk Identification
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Response and Risk Management Strategy; and
• Risk Monitoring, Communication and Reporting
Over the years, the Company has built a strong Risk Management Framework supported by well-established policies and procedures and a talented pool of Risk Professionals.
The organisational structure to manage the risk consists of “Three lines of defense”:
First is: Line Management (Functional Heads) to ensure that accountability and ownership is as close as possible to the activity that creates the risks;
Second is: Risk Oversight including the Risk and Compliance Function, Business Head and the Risk Governance Committee (RMC);
Third is: Independent Assurance through Internal Audit, conducted by Independent Internal Auditors, whose work is reviewed by the Audit Committee.
The robust Risk Management framework proactively addresses risks while looking to optimise the returns that go with that risk.
In view of the increased digitalisation, there was a continued focus on Cyber Security and the Company continued to invest in a strong Cyber Defense Programme.
BUSINESS CONTINUITY
The Company have well-documented Business Continuity Management Programmes which have been designed to ensure continuity of critical processes during any disruption. A robust Disaster Recovery framework has been put in place to ensure uninterrupted operations and service to customers.
In view of the increased move to digital and adoption of new technologies, there was a continued focus on Cyber Security and the Company continued to invest in a strong Cyber Defense Programme.
The Risk Management teams of the Company is continuously scanning the internal and external environment to identify Risks and, to capitalise upon the opportunities presented in the environment.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has well-established internal control systems in place which are commensurate with the nature of its business and size, scale and complexity of its operations. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Risk Control Matrices designed to provide a reasonable assurance are in place and are being continuously monitored and updated.
The controls comprise of policies and procedures for ensuring orderly and efficient conduct of the Company's business, including adherence to its policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records and the timely preparation of reliable financial information.
Assurance on the effectiveness of internal financial controls is obtained through management reviews, control selfassessment, continuous monitoring by functional experts as well as testing of the internal financial control systems by the Internal Auditors during the course of their audit.
INTERNAL AUDIT
The Company has in place an adequate internal audit framework to monitor the efficacy of internal controls with the objective of providing to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors, an independent and reasonable assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of the Organisation's Risk Management, internal control and governance processes. The framework is commensurate with the nature of the business, size, scale and complexity of its operations.
The internal audit plan is developed based on the risk profile of the business activities of the Company. The audit plan covers process audits at the head office and across various branches of the Organisation. The Internal audit plan is approved by the Audit Committee and Internal audits are undertaken on a periodic basis to independently validate the existing controls. Internal Audit Reports are reviewed by the management and corrective action is initiated to strengthen controls and enhance the effectiveness of existing systems. The audits are carried out by an independent external firm and the in-house internal audit team of the Company.
M/s. Sundaram and Srinivasan Associates have been appointed as the Internal Auditors of the Company for a period of 3 (Three) years i.e.: 2023-24, 2024-25 and 2025-26.
The objective of the Internal Audit is to:
• Review adequacy and effectiveness of operating controls;
• Review the adequacy of the supervisory control mechanisms;
• Recommend improvements in policies and procedures;
• Report significant observations and recommendations for process improvements; and
• Review and report progress on implementation of the control improvements.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As on 31st March 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company ("the Board") comprised 6 (Six) Directors out of which 2 (Two) are Independent Directors and 4 (Four) are Non-Executive Directors, including 1 (One) Woman Director. No Director was
appointed/has resigned from the Board during the financial year under review.
However, Dr. Sethurathnam Ravi (DIN: 00009790) and Mr. Sharadkumar Bhatia (DIN: 07327383) has been appointed as Additional Directors in the category of Non-Executive Independent Directors by the board of directors of the Company at their meeting held on 22nd April 2024 & 5th June 2024, respectively. Their appointments are effective from 1st July 2024 as Independent Directors of the Company for the term of (5) Five consecutive years, subject to the approval of the Members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM). The Resolutions for their appointments as Independent Directors are included in the Notice of AGM dated 5th June 2024, along with the required disclosures under Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI Listing Regulations regarding appointment/re-appointment.
Retire by Rotation
Pursuant to Section 152(6) of the Act read with the Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Tushar Shah, Non-Executive Director (DIN: 00239762), retires by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. The information as required to be disclosed under Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI Listing Regulations in case of re-appointment of Mr. Tushar Shah is provided in the Notice of the ensuing AGM.
Declaration by Independent Directors
In accordance with the provisions of Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 25(8) of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Independent Directors have given a declaration that they meet the criteria of independence as provided in Section 149(6) of the said Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI Listing Regulations and that they are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which exist or may be reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their duties with an objective independent judgement and without any external influence.
The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of the Company possess requisite qualifications, experience and expertise and hold the highest standards of integrity.
All Independent Directors of the Company have registered their name in the data bank maintained with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs in terms of the provisions of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
During the financial year under review, Ms. Divya Poojari, Company Secretary and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company resigned from her position, effective from 15th January 2024, and ceased to be part of the KMP from that date. The Board accepted and noted Ms. Poojari's resignation at their meeting held on 12th January 2024.
Following Ms. Poojari's resignation as Company Secretary, and upon the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors considered and approved the appointment of Ms. Manisha Lakhotia as the new Company Secretary and Compliance Officer, designating her as Key Managerial Personnel of the Company. This decision was made at the Board meeting held on 12th January 2024, with the appointment effective from 15th January 2024, in compliance with the provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013, and rules made thereunder, as well as Regulation 6 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Ms. Lakhotia's appointment was accompanied by her consent in Form DIR-2, disclosures pursuant to Section 184 of the Companies Act, 2013, and a declaration in accordance with SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015. These documents were presented before the Board.
The Company has ensured that all necessary disclosures have been made to the Stock Exchange as required under the SEBI Listing Regulations and has also filed necessary e-forms with the Registrar of Companies to give effect to this appointment.
Further, in terms with the provisions of Sections 2(51) and 203 of the Act, read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company as on 31st March 2024 are as follows:
Name of the KMP
|
Designation
|
Mr. Pradeep Sharma
|
Chief Financial Officer
|
Mr. Murali Krishnan L.R.
|
Manager
|
Ms. Manisha Lakhotia*
|
Company Secretary
|
(Note: *Ms. Manisha Lakhotia was appointed w.e.f. 15th January 2024)
|
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Independent Directors are familiarised about the Company's operations and businesses. Interaction with the Business heads and key executives of the Company is also facilitated. Detailed presentations on important policies of the Company are also made to the Directors. Direct meetings with the Chairman are
further facilitated to familiarise the incumbent Director about the Company/its businesses and the group practices.
The details of the familiarisation program have been posted on the website of the Company https://stocksandsecurities. adityabirlacapital.com/investor
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
In accordance with Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Directors state that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended 31st March 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and there are no material departures from the same;
b) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31st March 2024 and of the profit of the Company for year ended on that date;
c) they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) they have laid down Internal Financial Controls to be followed by the Company and that such Internal Financial Controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
f) the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
The evaluation framework for assessing the performance of the Directors of the Company comprises contributions at the Meeting(s) and strategic perspective or inputs regarding the growth and performance of the Company provided by them, amongst others.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations and in terms of the Framework of the Board Performance Evaluation, the Nomination & Remuneration Committee and the Board of Directors have carried out an annual performance evaluation of the Board, performance of various Committees of
the Board, Individual Directors, and the Chairman. The manner in which the evaluation has been carried out has been set out in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
OUTCOME OF THE EVALUATION
The Board of the Company was satisfied with the functioning of the Board and its Committees. The Committees are functioning well and besides covering the Committees' terms of reference, as mandated by applicable laws, important issues are brought up and discussed in the Committee Meetings. The Board was also satisfied with the contribution of Directors in their individual capacities. The Board has full faith in the Chairman leading the Board effectively and ensuring participation and contribution from all the Board Members.
MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND ITS COMMITTEES
The Board meets at regular intervals to discuss and decide on the Company's performance and strategies. During the Financial Year 2023-24, the Board met 5 (Five) times on 21st April 2023, 13th July 2023, 13th October 2023, 30th November 2023, and 12th January 2024.
Further details on the Board, its Meetings, composition, and attendance are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
Audit Committee
The Company has constituted an Audit Committee with its composition, quorum, powers, role and scope in line with the applicable provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations.
The Audit Committee comprises of:
Mr. P. Sudhir Rao Chairman, Independent Director
Mr. G. Vijayaraghavan Independent Director
Mr. Shriram Jagetiya Non-Executive Director
Further details on the Board, its Meetings, composition, and attendance are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
During the year under review, all recommendations of the Audit Committee were accepted by the Board.
Other Committees
The Board of Directors has also constituted the following Committees:
• Stakeholders' Relationship Committee
• Nominations & Remuneration Committee
• Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
• Risk Governance Committee
More information on all of the above Committees including details of their Meetings, composition and attendance are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Annual Report.
ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Return of the Company in Form MGT-7 for the financial year ended 31st March 2024 is available on the website of the Company and can be accessed at the link: https:// stocksandsecurities.adityabirlacapital.com/investor
STATUTORY AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Act and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, M/s. Deloitte Haskins & Sells LLP, Chartered Accountants (ICAI Firm Registration Number: 117366W/W-100018), were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company for a term of 5 (Five) years from the conclusion of 24th (Twenty Fourth) AGM till the conclusion of 29th (Twenty Nineth) AGM of the Company.
The Auditor's Report is self-explanatory and therefore does not call for any further comments under Section 134(3)(f) of the Act. The Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark, or disclaimer.
The Auditors have not reported any fraud to the Audit Committee or the Board of Directors under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 during the year under review.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 204(1) of the Act read with Rule 9 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Company had appointed M/s. BNP & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, to conduct the Secretarial Audit for the financial year under review. The Secretarial Audit Report in Form MR-3 for the financial year under review, as received from M/s. BNP & Associates, Company Secretaries, is attached as “Annexure D" to the Board's Report. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, or adverse remark.
Pursuant to Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Annual Secretarial Compliance Report for the financial year under review is submitted to the Stock Exchanges and uploaded on the website of the Company at https://stocksandsecurities. adityabirlacapital.com/investor.
COST RECORDS AND AUDITORS
The provisions of Cost Records and Cost Audit as prescribed under Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 are not applicable to the Company.
REPORTING OF FRAUDS BY AUDITORS
None of the Auditors of your Company, i.e., the Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditors has reported any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee or the Board of Directors under Section 143(12) of the Act during the financial year under review.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS OF INSTITUTE OF COMPANY SECRETARIES OF INDIA
The Company has complied with the Secretarial Standards on Meetings of the Board of Directors (SS-1) and General Meetings (SS-2).
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In accordance with Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 the Company has a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee consisting of the following Members:
Mr. G. Vijayaraghavan Chairman, Independent Director
Mr. Gopi Krishna Tulsian Non-Executive Director
Mrs. Pinky A Mehta Non-Executive Director
As a part of its initiatives under CSR, the Company has partnered with an NGO, Prashanthi Balamandira Trust (PBT). The trust is dedicated to the service of the poor and the downtrodden in rural India irrespective of caste, creed, color, race, religion or geography, through significant lifesaving & life-sustaining interventions in the areas of Rural Education and Rural Healthcare.
However, during the financial year under review, considering the on-going projects and other individual non-ongoing projects undertaken by the Company during the preceding years, the company has created CSR budget aggregating to '0.745 Crore and the Company has spent the same for financial year ended 31st March 2024.
The details of the CSR Policy/activities of the Company are provided as “Annexure E" to this Report and also available on its website at the link: https://stocksandsecurities. adityabirlacapital.com/investor
VIGIL MECHANISM (WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY)
In accordance with Section 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 22 of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has established a Vigil Mechanism (Whistle Blower Policy) for Directors and Employees to report concerns.
The Whistle Blower Policy has been hosted on the Company's website at the link: https://stocksandsecurities. adityabirlacapital.com/investor
CODE FOR PROHIBITION OF INSIDER TRADING
Pursuant to SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulation 2015, as amended, the Company has a Board approved Code of Conduct to regulate, monitor and report trading by insiders and a Code of Practices and Procedures for Fair Disclosure of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information.
Further details on the same form part of the Corporate Governance Report.
POLICY ON PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
The Company has in place a policy which is in line with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. An Internal Committee has been set up to redress complaints, if any, received regarding sexual harassment of women employees. The Company has complied with the provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary, trainees) are covered under this policy.
During the financial year under review, there were no complaints received under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Company has complied with the provisions of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
OTHER DISCLOSURES
In terms of applicable provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company discloses that during the financial year under review:
i. there were no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company which has occurred between the end of the financial year of the Company i.e. 31st March 2024 and till the date of this Board's Report.
ii. the Company has not given loans, made investments or provided guarantees or securities as covered under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013, except as disclosed in financial statements of the Company.
iii. there was no change in the nature of business of the Company.
iv. no significant or material orders were passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
v. no application has been made nor is any proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 during the year under review.
vi. there was no transfer of unpaid or unclaimed amount to Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Board expresses its sincere appreciation for the support and cooperation extended by our various partners and business associates. We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing assistance and support provided by all statutory and regulatory authorities.
The Board also wishes to place on record its deep appreciation for the exemplary contributions made by the employees of the Company at all levels. Their dedication and enthusiasm have been pivotal to the Company's growth.
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