To
The Members,
The Directors have pleasure in presenting Eighty First Annual Report of Nelco Limited
(Company or Nelco) alongwith the Audited Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st
March 2024.
1. Financial Results
(Rs. in lakhs)
No. Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
FY2023-24 |
FY2022-23 |
FY2023-24 |
FY2022-23 |
a Revenue from operations |
22,268 |
19,704 |
32,030 |
31,333 |
b Other income |
236 |
268 |
236 |
257 |
c Total income |
22,504 |
19,972 |
32,266 |
31,590 |
d Operating expenditure |
17,947 |
15,635 |
26,091 |
25,257 |
e Profit before finance cost, depreciation & amortisation and
share of profit from associate and tax (PBITDA) |
4,557 |
4,337 |
6,175 |
6,333 |
f Less: Finance cost |
249 |
337 |
657 |
773 |
g Less: Depreciation & amortization |
1,284 |
1,065 |
2,214 |
2,778 |
h Total finance cost and depreciation & amortisation (f+g) |
1,533 |
1,402 |
2,871 |
3,551 |
i Profit before share of profit from associate and tax (e-h) |
3,024 |
2,935 |
3,304 |
2,782 |
j Share of profit from associate |
- |
- |
47 |
- |
k Net profit before tax (i+j) |
3,024 |
2,935 |
3,351 |
2,782 |
l Current / deferred tax expenses |
897 |
847 |
984 |
797 |
m Net profit after tax (k-l) |
2,127 |
2,088 |
2,367 |
1,985 |
n Add: Other comprehensive income/(expenses) (net of tax) |
(10) |
(19) |
(8) |
(24) |
o Total Comprehensive Income (m+n) |
2,117 |
2,069 |
2,359 |
1,961 |
2. Dividend
The Directors of your Company recommend for FY 2023-24, a dividend of ' 2.20/- per
share of ' 10/- each i.e. 22% (previous year ' 2.00 per share i.e. 20%) subject to the
approval of the Members at the ensuing AGM. If approved, the total dividend outgo for FY
2023-24 would amount to ' 502.00 lakhs (previous year ' 456.37 lakhs).
According to Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations, the top 1000 listed entities
based on market capitalization, calculated as on 31st March of every financial
year are required to formulate a dividend distribution policy which shall be disclosed on
the website of the listed entity and a web-link shall also be provided in their annual
reports. Accordingly, the Dividend Policy of the Company can be accessed using the
following link: https://www.nelco.in/pdf/ Policies/dividend-distribution-policy.pdf
3. Financial Performance and the state of the Company's affairs
3.1. Standalone
On a Standalone basis, your Company achieved revenue of Rs. 22,268 Lakhs in FY 2023-24
from Operations as against Rs. 19,704 Lakhs in FY 2022-23 i.e. increased by 13% over
previous year.
In FY 2023-24 the Company earned net profit after tax of Rs. 2,127 Lakhs from the
Operations as against net profit after tax of Rs. 2,088 Lakhs in FY 2022-23. This was due
to increase in service revenue and improved margins.
3.2. Consolidated
On a Consolidated basis, revenue from Operations was Rs. 32,030 Lakhs in
FY 2023-24 as against Rs. 31,333 Lakhs in FY 2022-23 i.e. increase by 2.22% over previous
year.
The segment wise performance (Consolidated) from Operations for the year was as
follows:
Based on evaluation of key financial parameters, the Company believes that it operates
in only one reportable segment i.e. Network Systems and accordingly the financial results
are reported as single reportable segment.
The Company earned a net profit after tax of Rs. 2,367 Lakhs from Operations as against
net profit after tax of ' 1,985 Lakhs in FY 2022-23 i.e. increased by 19% . No material
changes and commitments have occurred after the close of the year under review till the
date of this Report which affect the financial position of the Company.
The Company has strengthened its overall position in the market with a higher share of
the incremental business in Enterprise, Government and IFMC segments.
The Company continuously evaluates opportunities for investment and augmentation of its
technology, satellite network capabilities and ground infrastructure, developing new
products and services for enabling ubiquitous, reliable, secure, and high-quality
connectivity through Satcom services. Towards this objective, the Company has invested in
Piscis Networks Pvt. Ltd., an original equipment manufacturer for SDWAN technology. Also,
during the year, the satellite bandwidth capacity has grown by around 23% over the total
capacity available in the previous year. Additionally, the Company has made an advance
booking for large satellite capacity on a High-Throughput Satellite, which will be
operationalized in FY25. This will enable the Company to serve newer segments and
use-cases with its Satcom services.
3.3. Operations
Information in detail has been given in the Management Discussion & Analysis which
forms a part of this report.
4. Reserves
The Board of Directors has decided to retain the entire amount of profit for Financial
Year 2023-24 in the statement of profit and loss.
5. Subsidiary & Associate Company
5.1. The Company has a wholly owned subsidiary - Nelco Network Products Ltd. (NNPL) and
an associate company - Piscis Networks Pvt. Ltd. (PISCIS) as on 31st March
2024.
Subsidiary Company
The revenue of NNPL for FY 2023-24 was Rs. 9,989 Lakhs (previous year Rs.
11,658 Lakhs) and profit after tax was Rs. 222 Lakhs (previous year loss after tax was Rs.
113 Lakhs) and the accumulated reserve and surplus since incorporation was Rs. 3,488
Lakhs.
Associate Company
During the year 2023-24 Company has acquired 31.72% of equity stake in PISCIS. The
revenue of PISCIS for FY 2023-24 was Rs. 809 Lakhs (previous year Rs. 100 Lakhs) and
profit after tax was Rs. 233 Lakhs (previous year loss after tax was Rs. 43 Lakhs). This
was due to increase in sale of number of SDWAN routers and corresponding recurring service
revenue therefrom. The Company's share of profit in associate for FY 2023-24 was Rs. 47
Lakhs (previous year ' Nil).
As required under Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 (Act), a report on the
financial performance of NNPL & PISCIS in Form AOC-1 is attached to the financial
statements of the Company.
Further, pursuant to Section 136 of the Act, the financial statements of the Company,
consolidated financial statements along with relevant documents and separate audited
financial statements in respect of subsidiary Company, are available on the website of the
Company https://www.nelco.in/investor-relation/financial.php.
The Policy for determining material subsidiaries of the Company has been provided in
the following link: https://www.nelco.in/pdf/Policies/Policy%20for%20determining%20Material%20Subsidiaries.pdf
6. Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
During the year under review, there was no change in the composition of the Board. In
accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2013 and the Company's Articles of
Association, Mr. A.S. Lakshminarayanan retires by rotation and is eligible for
re-appointment. Members' approval is being sought at the ensuing AGM for his
re-appointment.
Further, on the recommendation of the Nominations, HR & Remuneration Committee, the
Board of Directors of the Company approved the reappointment of Mr. P. J. Nath as Managing
Director & CEO for a period from 13th June 2024 to 28th February
2027. The reappointment as also the terms thereof (including remuneration) has been placed
for approval of the Members at the ensuing AGM of the Company scheduled to be held on 25th
June 2024.
Independent Directors
In terms of Section 149 of the Act, Mr. K. Narasimha Murthy, Dr. Lakshmi Nadkarni and
Mr. Ajay Kumar Pandey are the Independent Directors of the Company.
In terms of Regulation 25(8) of the Listing Regulations, they have confirmed that they
are not aware of any circumstances or situation which exists or may be reasonably
anticipated that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their duties. Based
upon the declarations received from the Independent Directors, the Board of Directors has
confirmed that they meet the criteria of independence as mentioned under section 149(6) of
the Act and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations and that they are independent
of the management. Further, the Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors of
the Company possess requisite qualifications, experience (including the proficiency) and
expertise in their respective fields and that they hold highest standards of integrity.
In the opinion of the Board, there has been no change in the circumstances which may
affect their status as Independent Directors of the Company and the Board is satisfied of
the integrity, expertise, and experience (including proficiency in terms of Section 150(1)
of the Act and applicable rules thereunder) of all Independent Directors on the Board.
Further, in terms of Section 150 read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and
Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, as amended, Independent Directors of the Company
have included their names in the data bank of Independent Directors maintained with the
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
Additional information and brief profile as stipulated under Listing Regulations and
Secretarial Standards-2 on General Meetings with respect to Directors seeking
appointment/reappointment is annexed to the Notice of AGM.
During the year under review, the non-executive directors of the Company had no
pecuniary relationship or transactions with the Company, other than sitting fees and
reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for the purpose of attending meetings of the
Board/Committee of the Company.
Pursuant to Section 203 of the Act, the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company as on
31st March 2024 are:
Mr. PJ. Nath, Managing Director & CEO
Mr. Malav Shah, Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Girish Kirkinde, Company Secretary & Head-Legal
Mr. Girish V. Kirkinde, Company Secretary & Head- Legal will be superannuated from
the services of the Company on 30th April 2024. On the recommendation of
Nominations and Remuneration Committee, the Board approved the appointment of Mr. Ritesh
N. Kamdar as Company Secretary & Head-Legal and Key Managerial Personnel effective
from 14th May 2024.
Number of Board meetings
During the year under review, six Board Meetings were held. For further details, please
refer Report on Corporate Governance.
Governance Guidelines
The Company has adopted Governance Guidelines on Board Effectiveness. The said
Guidelines covers aspects related to composition and role of the Board, Chairman and
Directors, Board diversity, definition of independence, Director's term, retirement age
and Committees of the Board. It also includes aspects relating to nomination, appointment,
induction and development of Directors, Director Remuneration, subsidiary oversight, Code
of Conduct, Board Effectiveness Review and mandates of Board Committees.
7. Annual Evaluation of Board Performance and Performance of its Committees and
Individual Directors
As required under the Act and Listing Regulations, the Board has carried out formal
annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, its Committees and of individual
Directors. The performance of the Board was evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs
from all the Directors on the basis of criteria such as the Board composition and
structure, effectiveness of board processes, information and functioning, etc.
The performance of the Committees was evaluated by the board after seeking inputs from
the Committee members on the basis of criteria such as the composition of Committees,
effectiveness of Committee meetings, etc.
The above criteria are broadly based on the Guidance Note on Board Evaluation issued by
the Securities and Exchange Board of India on 5th January 2017.
In a separate meeting of Independent Directors, performance of non-Independent
Directors, the Board as a whole and the Chairman of the Company was evaluated, considering
the views of Managing Director & CEO and non-Executive Directors.
The Board and the NRC reviewed the performance of individual Directors on the basis of
criteria such as the contribution of the individual Director to the Board and Committee
meetings like preparedness on the issues to be discussed, meaningful and constructive
contribution and inputs in meetings, etc.
In the Board meeting that followed the meeting of the Independent Directors and meeting
of Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the performance of the Board, its Committees,
and individual Directors was also discussed. Performance evaluation of Independent
Directors was done by the entire Board, excluding the Independent Director being
evaluated.
Based on inputs received from the Board members, it emerged that the Board had a good
mix of competency, experience, qualifications and diversity. Each Board member contributed
in his/her own manner to the collective wisdom of the Board, keeping in mind his/her own
background and experience. There was active participation and adequate time was given for
discussing strategy. Overall, the Board was functioning very well in a cohesive and
interactive manner.
7.1. Committees of the Board
The Committees of the Board focus on certain specific areas and make informed decisions
in line with the delegated authority. The following substantive Committees constituted by
the Board function according to their respective roles and defined scope:
Audit Committee (AC)
Nominations and Remuneration Committee (NRC)
Stakeholders Relationship Committee (SRC)
Risk Management Committee (RMC)
Details of composition, terms of reference and number of meetings held for respective
Committees are given in the Report on Corporate Governance which forms part of the Annual
Report. Further, during the year under review, all recommendations made by the Audit
Committee have been accepted by the Board.
The details of the familiarization programs for Independent Directors are disclosed on
the Company's website and the web link for the same is:
https://www.nelco.in/pdf/Policies/familarization-programme-23-24.pdf
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct for its Non-Executive Directors including a
code of conduct for Independent Directors which suitably incorporates the duties of
Independent Directors as laid down in the Act. The Company has also adopted the Tata Code
of Conduct for its employees including the Managing and Executive Directors. The above
codes can be accessed on the Company's website at https://www.nelco.in/
investor-relation/corporate-governance.php.
In terms of the Listing Regulations, all Directors and senior management personnel have
affirmed compliance with their respective codes. The CEO & Managing Director has also
confirmed and certified the same, which certification is provided at the end of the Report
on Corporate Governance.
7.2. Remuneration Policy for the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other
Employees
In terms of the provisions of Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19 read with
Part D of Schedule II to the Listing Regulations, the NRC is responsible for formulating
the criteria for determining qualification, positive attributes and independence of a
Director. The NRC is also responsible for recommending to the Board a policy relating to
the remuneration of the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees. In line
with this requirement, the Board has adopted the Policy on Board Diversity, which is
reproduced in Annexure-I forming part of this report and Remuneration Policy for
Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other employees of the Company is available on the
websites of the Company at https://www.nelco.in/pdf/Policies/Remuneration%20
Policv%20for%20Directors.%20KMP%20and%20Qther%20emplovees.pdf.
Salient Features of this policy are as under: -
The philosophy for remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel
("KMP") and all other employees of Nelco Ltd. ("Company") is based on
the commitment of fostering a culture of leadership with trust. The remuneration policy is
aligned to this philosophy.
Independent Directors ("ID") and non-independent Non-Executive
Directors ("NED") may be paid sitting fees (for attending the meetings of the
Board and of committees of which they may be members) and commission within regulatory
limits.
Overall remuneration should be reflective of size of the company, complexity of
the sector/industry/ company's operations and the company's capacity to pay the
remuneration.
The NRC will recommend to the Board the quantum of commission for each director
based upon the outcome of the evaluation process which is driven by various factors
including attendance and time spent in the Board and committee meetings, individual
contributions at the meetings and contributions made by directors other than in meetings.
The extent of overall remuneration to Managing Director ("MD")/
Executive Directors("ED")/ KMP/ rest of the employees should be sufficient to
attract and retain talented and qualified individuals suitable for every role.
The remuneration mix for the MD/EDs is as per the contract approved by the
shareholders.
In addition to the basic/fixed salary, the company provides to other KMPs and
employees with certain perquisites, allowances and benefits to enable a certain level of
lifestyle and to offer scope for savings and tax optimization, where possible and also
performance linked bonus.
Remuneration is payable to Director for services rendered in professional
capacity and which NRC is of the opinion that the director possesses requisite
qualification for the practice of the profession.
There is no change in the aforesaid policies during the year under review.
Except the Performance Linked Payment (PLP) which is a part of his Cost to the
Company (CTC), the Managing Director & CEO has neither received any commission from
the Company nor from its Holding or Subsidiary Company.
7.3. Particulars of Employees and Remuneration
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section
197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 ('Rules) are provided in Annexure - II (A) forming part
of this Report.
Statement containing particulars of top 10 employees and the employees drawing
remuneration in excess of limits prescribed under Section 197 (12) of the Act read with
Rule 5(2) and (3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014 are provided in the Annexure II (B) forming part of this report. None of the
employees listed in the said Annexure II (B) is related to any Director of the Company. In
terms of proviso to Section 136(1) of the Act, this Report and Accounts are being sent to
the shareholders excluding the aforesaid Annexure. The said Statement is also open for
inspection at the Registered Office of the Company. Any member interested in obtaining a
copy of the same may write to the Company Secretary.
8. Significant and material Orders passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunal
No significant and material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals
impacting the going concern status and your Company's operations in future.
There was no application made or proceeding pending against the Company under the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016) during the year under review.
Corporate Governance, Management Discussion & Analysis and Business Responsibility
and Sustainability Report (BRSR)
As per Listing Regulations, the Corporate Governance Report with the Secretarial
Auditors' Certificate thereon and the Management Discussion and Analysis are attached,
which forms part of this Annual Report.
Pursuant to Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, the BRSR, initiatives taken from
an environmental, social, governance and sustainability perspective in the prescribed
format is attached as a separate section of this Annual Report.
Vigil Mechanism
The Company believes in the conduct of the affairs of its constituents in a fair and
transparent manner by adopting highest standards of professionalism, honesty, integrity
and ethical behaviour. In line with the Tata Code of Conduct (TCOC), any actual or
potential violation, howsoever insignificant or perceived as such, would be a matter of
serious concern for the Company. The role of the employees in pointing out such violations
of the TCoC cannot be undermined.
Pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Act and Regulation 4(2)(d)(iv) of the Listing
Regulations, a Whistle-blower Policy and Vigil Mechanism was established for Directors,
employees and stakeholders to report to the Management instances of unethical behaviour,
actual or suspected, fraud or violation of the Company's code of conduct or ethics policy.
The Vigil Mechanism provides a mechanism for employees of the Company to approach the
Chief Ethics Counsellor (CEC)/Chairman of the Audit Committee of the Company for
redressal. The policy has been posted on the Company's website at
https://www.nelco.in/pdf/Policies/Whistle%20Blower%20Vigil%20Mechanism%20Policy.pdf. The
Company affirms that no personnel have been denied access to the Audit Committee.
9. Risks and Concerns
The Company is faced with risks of different types including strategic, financial,
regulatory and operational. Each of the risks need different approaches for mitigation and
management. Details of various risks faced by the Company are provided in Management
Discussion & Analysis.
9.1. Risk Management Framework and Internal Financial Controls
Risk Management Framework: The Company has established a risk management framework
and policy based on which risks are identified and assessed across its business segments.
The Risk Management Committee (RMC) of the Board was constituted in FY22 to enhance the
focus on risk identification and mitigation. The Committee is responsible for monitoring
and reviewing the risk management plan and ensuring its effectiveness. The Company's key
risks are discussed with RMC on a half yearly basis.
The Audit Committee and Board have an additional oversight in key strategic and
financial risks and controls. The major risks identified by the businesses and functions
are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis.
The internal Risk Management Committee at the Company level which comprises of the CEO,
CFO, Chief Risk Officer and key business and operations heads, ensures that existing and
future risk exposures of the Company are identified, assessed, quantified, minimized,
managed and appropriately mitigated. The Company's framework of risk management process
provides clear basis for informed decision making at all levels of the organization on an
ongoing basis, having duly evaluated likely risks and their mitigation plans being
controllable and within risk appetite of the Company. There are no elements of risk, which
in the opinion of the Board may impact the existence of the Company.
Internal Financial Control and Systems: The Company has an internal financial
control system, commensurate with the nature of its business, the size and complexity of
its operations and as such the internal financial controls with reference to the Financial
Statements are adequate. The Company has appointed independent Chartered Accountant firm
as Internal Auditors who audits governance, risk management and internal controls and
processes. The Internal Auditors present their findings to the Audit Committee. Testing of
Internal Financials Controls also form a part of internal audit schedule. The scope and
authority of internal audit is defined in Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Company.
As per the Audit Committee Charter adopted by the Board and as per provisions of
Section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) one of the responsibilities of the Audit
Committee is to review the effectiveness of the Company's Internal control system,
including Internal Financial Controls. Internal controls have been discussed in detail in
Management Discussion & Analysis in this report. The Company has implemented robust
processes to ensure that all internal financial controls are effectively working. On
review of the internal audit observations and action taken on audit observations, there
are no adverse observations having material impact on financials, commercial implications
or material non-compliances which have not been acted upon. In addition, the statutory
auditors carry out an audit at quarterly intervals and these reports also have not
indicated any adverse findings.
Process Robustness: The Company also carries out business excellence assessments
and process deep dives through external agencies to establish and improve efficiency and
effectiveness of processes in various key functions. The Company assesses the process
maturity and robustness for its key functions on the following:
Process documentation and workflow
Process measures and controls (manual/system driven) including maker-checker
mechanisms
Performance tracking for key measures/metrics
Initiatives taken for process improvements
The Company also carries out internal audits and process deep dives through external
agencies to establish and improve efficiency and effectiveness of processes in various key
functions. On review of the internal audit observations and action taken on audit
observations, there are no adverse observations having material impact on financials,
commercial implications or material non-compliances which have not been acted upon. In
addition, the statutory auditors carry out an audit at quarterly intervals and these
reports also have not indicated any adverse findings.
10. Sustainability
10.1. Corporate Social Responsibility
Owing to the losses as per the calculation of net profit under Section 198 of the Act,
the Company was not required to spend any amount statutorily towards CSR activities.
However, the Company actively participates in Volunteering activities organised under Tata
Volunteering Week and Pro-engage. In FY24, Nelco registered 500+ hours of volunteering
through various CSR initiatives in different cities of India. The Company catered to
around 800 beneficiaries from different NGOs across India.
The Company has also engaged in sponsoring 2 NGOs :
a) for Skill enablement of Youths - sponsoring 10 Youths who are being familiarized
with skills for their future growth,
b) Sponsoring for Mid-day meal of approx. 200 children.
The disclosures as required under the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy) Rules, 2014 are set out in Annexure VI of this report
10.2. Safety, Health and Environment
The Company placed utmost importance to establish a safe work environment for its
employees, contractual workforce, suppliers, visitors and partners. Specific focus was
given to determine safety standards on Office Safety, Field Safety, Working at Height
safety & Electrical and Fire Safety. Employees are encouraged to report observations
& Incidences on the Online Safety reporting portal for taking preventive &
corrective measures.
The Company adopts a proactive and responsible approach to safeguard the welfare of its
employees. Communication on health tips, virtual seminars on health topics, fitness
related sessions, Doctors availability in the premise, Health check-up packages are some
of the services available for employees and families. Employees have been covered under
the Group Term Life policy in the year and this is a step towards employee care &
well-being.
All hygiene specific guidance in office are ensured. The Company continued the hybrid
model for working during the year while ensuring productivity is not compromised.
11. Human Resources
As on 31st March 2024, the Company had an employee strength of 94. During
the year under review, 12 employees were recruited and 12 employees were separated.
Various people related initiatives were undertaken by the Company during the year to
enable organizational growth through people care and development which include:
Engagement & Empowerment: The Company utilises multiple platforms that
encourage open communication amongst employees and allow them to voice their opinion.
Every year Employee Engagement Surveys are conducted to enable people to voice out their
views, concerns and suggestions for making the workplace better for everyone. Ideas Portal
is a platform where employees share ideas which are further evaluated and translated into
actions wherever feasible. Knowledge sessions, employee welfare and sports activities are
conducted from time to time to ensure continuous learning, team bonding and motivation.
People are encouraged to participate in the Company's Improvement projects where they get
an opportunity to ideate and provide solutions to existing problems and thus, support the
Company in making improvements and achieving its objectives.
Reward & Recognition (R&R): The Company promotes Recognitions at all levels.
Initiatives like Appreciation week, Quarterly awards which includes Individual & Team
awards ensures that employee contributions are acknowledged timely. Nelco Innovista awards
is an internal platform which encourages creativity and rewards participants for their out
of the box thinking and innovative minds. Recently, the R&R categories (including
Innovation Awards) were revamped to make the process more inclusive and effective.
Capability Development: Company focuses on overall capability building of functional,
managerial and behavioural skills during the Annual Strategic planning exercise and
Performance management process. The Company has been committed towards building the skill
levels of employees through organizing inhouse, residential and virtual workshops and
fulfilling the training requirements through e-learning platforms. Employees were also
encouraged to undergo trainings of their choice available on the eLearning portal, apart
from the training needs identified by their managers. The Company engaged into competency
mapping exercise to build a robust framework of necessary skills and knowledges in order
to grow and stay competitive in the market.
Nelco focuses on fostering a culture of innovation. Innovative mindsets are encouraged
through competitions like Tata Innovista, where employees showcase creative ideas/actions
in business, process or technology. In order to bring more vigour and encourage
innovation, the company revamped the Recognition policy by adding more category of awards
to the Innovation category.
Performance & Talent Management: Employee performance is monitored and managed
through rigorous processes of Performance Appraisal. Mapping the SMART goals in the online
system ensures that Goals are properly maintained and tracked for improving the people's,
departments' and overall organization's productivity. Continuous performance dialogues are
encouraged between managers and their teams with focus on guiding and training first time
managers through performance coaching. The employees receive their performance rating at
the end of the Annual Appraisal process which is instrumental in deciding their progress
in the organization. The Performance linked pay encourages employees to perform to their
best capabilities for getting higher rewards. Talent management framework is rolled out
for High-Potential employees which help them to grow in the organization faster.
The Company organises best practices session in association with the Tata Groups TBExG
team, as part of their Continuous improvement Projects. The sessions help us in gaining
additional knowledge on the various processes taken up in our Improvement Projects and
implementing them. The objective being improvement from the current state by adopting
various tools/ methodologies and by learnings through best practices across Group
companies.
Succession Planning: The Company has a well-defined Succession Planning process.
Successors have been identified for critical positions (for N & N-1 level) in the
Company and are being groomed for taking over higher responsibilities in the next 3-4
years through focused interventions.
The Company is strongly focused on Digitalization and Data excellence. Digitalization
as a separate function focuses on implementing technology driven processes and systems to
streamline operations and thus improve overall organization efficiency. The company has
organised workshops / best practice session on data excellence to bring rigour to the data
management in the company. Reverse digital mentoring sessions are organised by the company
in order to spread the knowledge and help the employees in implementing these applications
for bringing more efficiency in their work. This also promotes youngsters to show their
technical capabilities.
The Company has an instituted Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), which
seeks to govern the guidelines and grievance redressal procedures as required under Sexual
Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. As per
policy, a Complaints Redressal Committee/Internal Complaints Committee exists in the
Company with inclusion of an external lady member. POSH related sessions were conducted
for employees and allied resources. No complaints related to POSH have been received
during the year.
12. Credit Rating
During the year CRISIL has assigned ratings for long term and short-term bank
facilities of the Company to CRISIL A Stable and CRISIL A1 respectively.
13. Loans, Guarantees, Securities and Investments (LGSI)
Details of LGSI covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act are given in
Annexure III forming part of this report.
14. Foreign Exchange - Earnings and Outgo
(Rs. in lakhs)
Particulars - Standalone |
Year ended 31st March 2024 |
Year ended 31st March 2023 |
Foreign Exchange Earnings |
9,557 |
8,426 |
Foreign Exchange Outflow |
1,495 |
1,489 |
15. Auditors
Members of the Company at the AGM held on 13th August 2020, approved the
appointment of S.R. Batliboi & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants, (ICAI Firm
Registration No. 101049W/E300004), as the statutory auditors of the Company for a period
of 5 years commencing from the conclusion of the 77th AGM held on 13th
August 2020 until the conclusion of 82nd AGM of the Company to be held in the year 2025.
16. Auditors' Report
The standalone and the consolidated financial statements of the Company have been
prepared in accordance with applicable Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) notified under
Section 133 of the Act. The Statutory Auditor's report does not contain any
qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks or disclaimers. The Notes to the Accounts
referred to in the Auditors' report are self-explanatory and therefore do not call for any
further clarification under section 134(3)(f) of the Act.
During the year under review, neither the statutory auditors nor the secretarial
auditors has reported to the Audit committee, under Section 143 (12) of the Companies Act,
2013, any instances of fraud committed against the Company by its officers or employees,
the details of which would need to be mentioned in the Board's report.
17. Cost Auditor and Cost Audit Report
Your Board has appointed M/s. P.D.Dani and Associates (Firm Registration No. 000593),
Cost Accountants, as Cost Auditors of the Company for conducting cost audit for the FY
2023-24. A resolution seeking approval of the Members for ratifying the remuneration of '
1,25,000 (Rupees One Lakh Twenty-Five thousand) plus GST and reimbursement of
out-of-pocket expenses on actual basis payable to the Cost Auditors for FY24 is provided
in the Notice to the ensuing 81st AGM. As specified by the Central Government
under sub-section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company has
maintained cost accounts and records.
18. Secretarial Audit Report
In terms of Section 204 of the Act and Rules made thereunder M/s. Bhandari &
Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, were appointed as Secretarial Auditors of the
Company to carry out the secretarial audit for FY 2023-24. The report of the Secretarial
Auditors for FY 2023-24 is enclosed as Annexure- IV forming part of this Report. There has
been no qualification, reservation or adverse remarks in the Report of the Secretarial
Auditors.
The Company has devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India
and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
As per the requirements of the Listing Regulations, Practicing Company Secretaries have
undertaken secretarial audit for FY 2023-24 of Nelco Network Products Ltd., the material
unlisted subsidiary of the Company. As per the Audit Report (Annexure- IV-A) the said
subsidiary had complied with the applicable provisions of the Act, Rules, Regulations, and
Guidelines and that there were no deviations or non-compliances.
19. Conservation of Energy and Technology Absorption
The information on conservation of energy and technology absorption stipulated under
Section 134 (3) (m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of The Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014,
is given in Annexure - V forming part of this report.
20. Related Party Transactions
In line with the requirements of the Act and the Listing Regulations, the Company has
formulated a Policy on Related Party Transactions and the same is available on the
Company's website: https://www.nelco.in/pdf/Policies/
Related%20Partv%20Transaction%20Policv.pdf
All related party transactions entered during the year under review were on an arm's
length basis and were in the ordinary course of business. All transactions with related
parties were reviewed and approved by the Audit Committee. Prior omnibus approval is
obtained for related party transactions which are of repetitive nature and entered in the
ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis. There were no other materially
significant related party transactions made by the Company with Promoters, Directors, Key
Managerial Personnel and Body Corporate(s) which had a potential conflict with the
interest of the Company at large. Accordingly, the disclosure of these Related Party
Transactions as required under Section 134 (3) (h) of the Act in Form AOC 2 is not
applicable for the year under review. The details of the transactions with related parties
are provided in the accompanying Financial Statements.
21. Deposits
The Company has not accepted any deposits from public and as such, no amount on account
of principal or interest on deposits from public was outstanding as on the date of the
Finacial Statement.
22. Annual Return
Pursuant to Section 92 of the Act read with the appliable Rules, the Annual Return for
the year ended 31st March 2024 can be accessed on the Company's website at the
following link: https://www.nelco.in/investor-relation/disclosures-
under-regulation46-of-the-sebi-lodr/annual-return.php
23. Directors' Responsibility Statement
Based on the framework of internal financial controls and compliance systems
established and maintained by the Company, work performed by the internal, statutory, cost
auditors, secretarial auditors and external agencies including the audit of internal
financial controls over financial reporting by the statutory auditors and the reviews
performed by Management and the relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee,
the Board is of the opinion that the Company's internal financial controls were adequate
and effective during the period under review.
Accordingly, pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Companies Act 2013, the Board of
Directors, to the best of their knowledge and ability, confirm that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended 31st March
2024 the applicable accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation
relating to material departures.
b) they have, in the selection of the accounting policies, consulted the Statutory
Auditors and have applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are
reasonable and prudent to give a true and fair view of the Company for the period ended 31st
March 2024 and of the profit of the Company for that period;
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 annul accounts under review 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 were operating effectively.
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.
24. General
During the year under review, there has been no change in the nature of business of the
Company. Further, there has been no details, which shall be required to be given as regard
to difference between amount of the valuation done at the time of one-time settlement and
the valuation done while taking loan from the Banks or Financial Institutions along with
the reasons thereof, as no such events have occurred.
25 Acknowledgment
The Board of Directors thank the Company's shareholders, customers, vendors, business
partners, bankers and financial institutions for their continuous support.
The Directors also thank the Government of India, Dept. of Telecommunications, Dept. of
Space, various Ministries, Regulatory Authorities, and their departments for co-operation.
We appreciate and value the contributions made by all our employees.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
|
A. S. Lakshminarayanan |
|
Chairman |
Mumbai, 23rd April 2024 |
(DIN: 08616830) |
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