DEAR MEMBERS,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 104th Annual Report together
with the Audited Financial Statements of your Company for the financial year ended 31st
March, 2024.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The key highlights of the standalone and consolidated financial
performance of your Company is summarised below:
(' in lakhs)
|
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Particulars |
Year ended 31st March, 2024 |
Year ended 31st March, 2023 |
Year ended 31st March, 2024 |
Year ended 31st March, 2023 |
Total income [including Regulatory income/(expense)] |
67,334.20 |
69,588.25 |
69,495.73 |
71,841.67 |
Total expenditure |
65,333.73 |
67,723.29 |
67,319.73 |
69,635.23 |
Share of Profit/(Loss) of Joint Venture |
|
- |
40.05 |
(118.41) |
Profit before Tax |
2000.47 |
1,864.96 |
2,216.05 |
2,088.03 |
Less: Provision for Taxation |
|
|
|
|
Current Tax |
969.00 |
656.00 |
975.81 |
656.12 |
Deferred Tax |
(478.00) |
(151.69) |
(478.00) |
(151.69) |
Profit for the year from continuing operations |
1,509.47 |
1,360.65 |
1,718.24 |
1,583.60 |
Profit for the year |
1,509.47 |
1,360.65 |
1,718.24 |
1,583.60 |
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS AND STATE OF THE COMPANY'S AFFAIRS
Your Company is one of the leading integrated power utilities in India
that started its journey in the year 1919. Your Company has a Distribution License spread
across 798 sq. kms. in the Asansol - Raniganj area of West Bengal. Your Company maintains
one of the lowest transmission and distribution losses in the country which falls below
3%. Over the years, your Company has ventured into generation of electricity and has a
total generation capacity of 38.8 MW comprising of 12 MW thermal power plant in Asansol,
West Bengal, 24.8 MW of wind asset in Gujarat and 2 MW solar asset in West Bengal.
The total income (including Regulatory income/expense) was recorded at
' 67,334.20 lakhs for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024, in comparison to the
previous year figure of ' 69,588.25 lakhs. Your Company supplied 917.43 MU of power in its
license area and 43.20 MU of wind power during the financial year ended 31st March, 2024.
The Standalone Profit after Tax for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024 was recorded
at ' 1,509.47 lakhs as compared to previous year's figure of ' 1,360.65 lakhs.
Your Company's wholly-owned subsidiary, MP Smart Grid Private Limited,
has been engaged in executing a first of its kind public private partnership awarded by
Madhya Pradesh Paschim Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited, Indore, that involves
installation of 3,50,000 smart meters across five towns in Madhya Pradesh.
Detailed information on your Company's operations, state of its affairs
and outlook, are elaborated in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report as stipulated
under Regulation 34(2) of SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"), which is attached to this Report as
Annexure I.
There is no material change and commitment affecting the financial
position of your Company which has occurred after the end of the financial year till the
date of this Report, other than those stated in this Report.
DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors have recommended a dividend of 5 (five) percent
(' 0.05 per equity share of ' 1 each) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024,
subject to approval of the Members at the ensuing 104th Annual General Meeting. The
dividend payout is in accordance with your Company's Dividend Distribution Policy
formulated in terms of Regulation 43A of the Listing Regulations, which is available on
your Company's website at the link https://indiapower.eom/#/
investorrelations/corporatecodespoliciepagefile?filename=
Dividend-Distribution-Poliey.pdf.
RESERVES
The amount carried to the reserves and surplus for the financial year
2023-24 is given in the Standalone Financial Statements of your Company for the financial
year ended 31st March, 2024.
DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted any deposits within the ambit of Sections
73 and 76 of the Companies Act, 2013 ("Act") and the Companies (Acceptance of
Deposits) Rules, 2014 during the year under review.
SHARE CAPITAL
In terms of the Scheme of Arrangement and consequent upon Amalgamation
of India Power Corporation Limited ("erstwhile IPCL") (CIN:
U40101WB2003PLC097340) into and with DPSC Limited (now known as India Power Corporation
Limited) (CIN: L40105WB1919PLC003263), sanctioned by the Hon'ble High Court at Calcutta
vide its order dated 17th April, 2013 ("Scheme"), the Shareholders of erstwhile
IPCL are entitled to be allotted 11 equity shares of ' 1 each of your Company for every
100 equity shares of erstwhile IPCL held by them resulting in allotment of 112,02,75,823
equity shares of ' 1 each ("consideration shares"). The existing holding of
erstwhile IPCL in your Company i.e. 51,61,32,374 equity shares shall stand cancelled
pursuant to the aforesaid Scheme and accordingly the paid-up equity share capital of your
Company upon allotment of the consideration shares and cancellation as envisaged above
shall stand increased from ' 97,37,89,640 to ' 157,79,33,089 comprising of 157,79,33,089
equity shares of ' 1 each. Cancellation and allotment of the aforesaid shares has not been
given effect due to certain pending clearance(s)/approval(s) from the Stock Exchanges.
SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATES
During the year under review, Meenakshi Energy Limited which was
undergoing Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process under The Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code, 2016 ("IBC") ceased to be Subsidiary of your Company with effect from 10th
August, 2023 pursuant to the order of the National Company Law Tribunal
("NCLT"), Hyderabad dated 10th August, 2023.
Meanwhile, your Company has incorporated a wholly-owned subsidiary
viz., MP Smart Metering Private Limited on 25th April, 2023.
In line with Section 129(3) of the Act read with the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014, Listing Regulations and in accordance with Indian Accounting
Standards, the Consolidated Financial Statements prepared by your Company includes
financial information of the subsidiary and associate companies and their contribution to
the overall performance of your Company during the year under review.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Act read with Rule
5 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the Statement in Form AOC-1 containing the
salient features of the Financial Statements of your Company's subsidiaries and associate
forms part of the Consolidated Financial Statements of your Company which is in addition
to this Report. Further, in terms of Section 134(3) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the report on the highlights of the performance of the
subsidiary and associate companies also forms part of Form AOC-1.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act, copies of the
Annual Accounts in respect of each of the subsidiaries would be available on your
Company's website www. indiapower.com and copy of such audited accounts will be provided
to the Members at their request.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Appointment
Based on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee
and subject to approval of the Members of your Company, the Board of Directors
("Board") at its meeting held on 25th May, 2023, had approved the appointment of
Mr. Debashis Bose (DIN: 06684439) as an Executive Director of your Company for a term of 3
(three) years with effect from 1st July,
2023 till 30th June, 2026. The Members of your Company approved the
aforesaid appointment vide Special Resolution passed at the 103rd Annual General Meeting
held on 22nd September, 2023.
Further, the Board of Directors of your Company, at their meeting held
on 14th March, 2024 based on the recommendation of Nomination and Remuneration Committee
had approved the appointment of Mr. Suresh Chandra Gupta (DIN: 02922231) as an Additional
Director (Independent) of your Company with effect from 1st April, 2024. The Board had
also appointed him as an Independent Director for a period of 5 (five) consecutive years
with effect from 1st April,
2024 till 31st March, 2029 subject to approval of the shareholders.
On the approval of the Board of Directors, notice of Postal Ballot
proposing the appointment of Mr. Suresh Chandra Gupta as an Independent Director has been
sent to all the shareholders of the Company for their approval. The members of your
Company approved the aforesaid appointment vide Special Resolution passed through Postal
Ballot on 24th June, 2024.
Director retiring by rotation
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Act read with
the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and the Articles of
Association of your Company, Mr. Raghav Raj Kanoria (DIN: 07296482), Managing Director of
your Company, retires by rotation at the ensuing 104th Annual General Meeting and being
eligible, offers himself for reappointment. The Board of Directors of your Company
recommends the above re-appointment.
Retirement
Mr. Amit Kiran Deb (DIN: 02107792) and Mr. Tantra Narayan Thakur (DIN:
00024322), Independent Directors, retired on completion of their respective terms of
appointment as Independent Directors with effect from 31st March, 2024. The Board of your
Company place on record its sincere appreciation for the guidance and support rendered by
Mr. Amit Kiran Deb and Mr. Tantra Narayan Thakur during their association with your
Company.
Cessation
Mr. Nand Gopal Khaitan (DIN: 00020588), Independent Director resigned
from the Board of your Company with effect from 24th April, 2023 due to professional
opportunities. He has confirmed that there is no other material reason for his resignation
other than as provided. The Board of your Company has placed on records its sincere
appreciation for the guidance and support rendered by Mr. Nand Gopal Khaitan during his
association with your Company.
Performance Evaluation
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 read with Code of Independent
Directors (Schedule IV to the Act) and Section 178 of the Act and the Listing Regulations,
the Board carried out the annual evaluation of the performance of the Board, the working
of the Committees of the Board and Individual Directors for the financial year 2023-24.
The Board of your Company evaluated the same after seeking inputs from all the Directors
and expressed their satisfaction with the overall evaluation process.
Further, in the separate meeting of the Independent Directors of your
Company held during the year under review, performance of non-Independent Directors,
performance of the Board as a whole and the performance of the Chairman were evaluated and
the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between your Company's
Management and the Board were assessed. The Independent Directors have expressed their
satisfaction on the performance evaluation system, overall functioning of the Board and on
the performance of the individual Directors.
Declaration by Directors
As per the declarations received by your Company, none of the Directors
on the Board of your Company are disqualified to be appointed as a Director of your
Company under the applicable provisions of the Act and/or the Listing Regulations.
Independent Directors
The Board of your Company have taken on record the declarations
received from each of the Independent Directors confirming that they continue to meet the
criteria of independence prescribed under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation
16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations and that they are not aware of any circumstances or
situation, which exist or may be
reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to
discharge their duties with an objective of independent judgement and without any external
influence, after undertaking due assessment of veracity of the same.
The Independent Directors of your Company have taken requisite steps
towards inclusion of their name in the Databank of the Independent Directors maintained
with the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, in terms of Section 150 of the Act read
with Rule 6(4) of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014.
The terms and conditions of appointment of Independent Directors are
available on your Company's website at the link https://indiapower.eom/#/
investorrelations/compliance/independentdirectorspa
gefile?filename=Terms-Conditions-of-Appointment-of- ID_20240620_0533331.pdf.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
In terms of Sections 2(51) and 203 of the Act, the following were the
Key Managerial Personnel of your Company as on 31st March, 2024:
i) Mr. Raghav Raj Kanoria, Managing Director
ii) Mr. Somesh Dasgupta, Whole-time Director
iii) Mr. Debashis Bose, Executive Director
iv) Mr. Amit Poddar, Chief Financial Officer
v) Mr. Prashant Kapoor, Company Secretary
Mr. Amit Poddar, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Prashant Kapoor,
Company Secretary have resigned from the services of your Company with effect from 31st
March, 2024.
The Board of your Company at their meeting held on 29th May, 2024,
based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee has approved the
appointment of Mr. Dhananjoy Karmakar (FCS 6901) as the Company Secretary and Compliance
Officer of your Company with effect from 29th May, 2024. He has also been designated as
Key Managerial Personnel of your Company with effect from 29th May, 2024 pursuant to the
provision of Sections 2(51) and 203 of the Act.
The Board of your Company at their meeting held on 29th May, 2024,
based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee and Nomination and Remuneration
Committee has approved the appointment of Mr. Anil Krishna Prasad (FCA 059406) as the
Chief Financial Officer of your Company with effect from 29th May, 2024. He has also been
designated as Key Managerial Personnel of your Company with effect from 29th May, 2024
pursuant to the provision of Sections 203 of the Act.
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
Your Company has 6 (six) Board level Committees viz. Audit Committee,
Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Corporate
Social Responsibility Committee, Risk Management Committee and Committee of Directors set
up under the formal approval and authority of the Board to carry out clearly defined roles
and responsibilities. Details of the composition, terms of reference, number of meetings
held during the financial year, attendance of Members etc. is provided in the Corporate
Governance Report annexed hereto and forming part of this Report.
All observations, recommendations and decision of the above Committees
were placed before the Board of your Company for their consideration. During the year
under review, there has been no instance where the Board has not accepted the
recommendations of the Committees.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
During the financial year 2023-24, 5 (five) meetings of the Board of
your Company were convened and held on 25th May, 2023, 11th August, 2023, 10th November,
2023, 12th February, 2024 and 14th March, 2024.
Additionally, several Committee meetings were also held during the year
under review. Detailed information of particulars of meetings held during the financial
year 202324 and the attendance of the Directors at such meetings are given in the Report
on Corporate Governance annexed hereto and forming part of this Report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Sections 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Act, your Directors to
the best of their knowledge and ability and according to the information and explanations
obtained by them, state and confirm that:
a) in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the financial year
ended 31st March, 2024, the applicable Accounting Standards have been followed, along with
proper explanation relating to material departures;
b) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of your Company as at 31st March, 2024
and of the profit of your Company for the 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 Act for safeguarding
the assets of your Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other
irregularities;
d) the Annual Accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis;
e) they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by
your Company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating
effectively; and
f) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating
effectively.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Policies and Procedures are an essential component of your Company's
Corporate Governance framework which outlines the organisational and operational
structure. In line with this approach and in terms of the provisions of the Act and
Listing Regulations, your Company has framed various Policies and Procedures duly approved
and adopted by the Board. Your Company reviews its Policies and Procedures in view of the
changing business environment and regulatory frameworks.
Nomination & Remuneration Policy
In terms of Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19 of the Listing
Regulations, your Company has in place a Nomination & Remuneration Policy which
broadly lays down the guiding principles, procedures and basis for selection and
appointment of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and Senior Management Personnel,
including criteria for determining qualification, positive attributes, independence of a
Director and payment of Remuneration to Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, Senior
Management Personnel and other Employees.
During the year under review, the Board of your Company based on the
recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, approved and adopted a
revised Nomination & Remuneration Policy to align it with the amendment in the
provision of the Listing Regulations. The Policy is available on your Company's website at
the link https:// indiapower.com/#/investorrelations/corporatecodespo
liciepagefile?filename=Nomination-and-Remuneration- Policy_20240620_0518331.pdf.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Your Company believes in a holistic approach when it comes to
perceiving the society at a large. Your Company understands its social responsibility and
hence has been at the epitome of being a socially responsible organisation. Your Company
strives to create a value-based and empowered society through continuous and purposeful
engagement with the local communities.
In line with your Company's Corporate Social Responsibility
("CSR") Policy and strategy, this year your Company focused primarily on skill
development, rural and infrastructural development, relief and care, education, sports,
healthcare, women empowerment, environment, promotion of cultural heritage.
The details of the CSR initiatives and projects undertaken by your
Company during the financial year 2023-24 are outlined in the Annual Report on CSR
activities which is attached to this Report as Annexure II.
Your Company undertakes CSR activities in accordance with the CSR
Policy and CSR Annual Action Plan as approved by the Board of your Company. The CSR Policy
is available on your Company's website at the link https://indiapower.
com/#/investorrelations/corpo ratecodespoliciepagefile?filename=Corporate-Social-
Responsibility-Policy.pdf.
Risk Management
Your Company has adopted a Risk Management Policy aimed to ensure
resilience for sustainable growth and sound corporate governance by having a process of
risk identification and management in compliance with the provisions of the Act and the
Listing Regulations. Your Company recognises that the emerging and identified risks need
to be managed, monitored and mitigated to create sustainable value for all its
stakeholders and achieve business objectives.
Pursuant to the requirement of Regulation 21 of the Listing
Regulations, your Company has constituted a Risk Management Committee to oversee the Risk
Management process of your Company. The Risk Management Committee biannually reviews the
major risks identified and finalises related mitigation plans.
Internal Financial Control System is an integral part of the Risk
Management process and the Board is of the opinion that it has been working effectively.
In view of its importance, your Company makes efforts on an ongoing basis to strengthen
the Internal Financial Control system.
The details of the key risks identified and the response and strategies
adopted to mitigate the same are explained in the Management Discussion and Analysis
Report annexed hereto and forming part of this Report.
Internal Control Systems and their Adequacy
The details with respect to Internal Control Systems and their adequacy
are provided in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report, which forms part of this
Report.
Vigil Mechanism for Directors and Employees
Your Company promotes ethical behaviour in all its business activities
and has put in place a mechanism for reporting illegal or unethical behaviour. The Board
of your Company has in terms of Section 177(9) of the Act and Regulation 22 of the Listing
Regulations, framed and adopted a Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy with an aim to
provide a mechanism, inter alia, enabling Stakeholders, including Directors and Employees
to freely communicate their concerns about suspected unethical behaviour, improper /
illegal practices, leakage of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information and wrongful conduct
taking place in your Company and also to provide adequate safeguard against victimisation
of Directors and Employees who avail the mechanism.
The Whistle Blower Policy / Vigil Mechanism specify the procedure and
reporting authority for reporting such unethical behaviour or improper activity with
provisions for direct access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee for redressal. The
Policy also provides for a detailed complaint and investigation process. The functioning
of the Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy is reviewed by the Audit Committee.
Your Company hereby affirms that no complaint under the Policy was
received during the year under review and that no person was denied access to the Chairman
of the Audit Committee. The Vigil Mechanism / Whistle Blower Policy is available on your
Company's website at the link https://indiapower.eom/#/investorrelations/
corporatecodespoliciepagefile?filename=WHISTLE-
BLOWER-VIGIL-MECHANISM_20240620_0522111.pdf
Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal of Sexual Harassment at
the Workplace
Your Company has zero tolerance towards sexual harassment at workplace
and remains committed to provide and promote a healthy culture and congenial working
environment for all its Employees that enables Employees to work without fear of
prejudice, gender bias and sexual harassment. As an organisation, your Company is
committed to ensure that every Employee is treated with dignity and respect.
Your Company in order to foster a positive workplace environment, free
from harassment of any nature and in terms of the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of
Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and Rules framed
thereunder, has enacted a Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment and have constituted
Internal Complaints Committee to redress complaint, if any, received regarding sexual
harassment. During the year under review, no complaint pertaining to sexual harassment was
received by your Company.
AUDITORS AND AUDITOR'S REPORT
Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to Section 139 of the Act read with the Companies (Audit and
Auditors) Rules, 2014, M/s. SS Kothari Mehta & Co., LLP Chartered Accountants (Firm
Registration No. 000756N/ N500441) were appointed as the Statutory Auditors of your
Company at the 102nd Annual General Meeting to hold office for a period of 5 (five)
consecutive years, from the conclusion of the 102nd Annual General Meeting till the
conclusion of the 107th Annual General Meeting of your Company to be held in the year
2027.
The Reports given by the Auditors on the Standalone and Consolidated
Financial Statements of your Company for the year ended 31st March, 2024 forms part of the
Annual Report. The Auditors Report on the Standalone and Consolidated Financial Statements
of your Company for the year ended 31st March, 2024 contains a qualification with respect
to the valuation of beneficial interest in Power Trust of ' 25,655.46 lakhs being derived
on the basis of a valuation report. As the major underlying asset of Power Trust is
subject to a case filed under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC) which is pending
as on date, the appropriateness of the carrying amount of the beneficial interest is
dependent on the assumptions regarding the outcome of the case and hence may change
significantly. As the matter is sub-judice, the impact of the above matter on the
Statement cannot be ascertained. Your Company has receivables of '19,970 lakhs from Power
Trust with respect to sale of investments by the Holding Company, necessary provision
against the same has not been made in the Statement. Considering the receivable amount
being unsecured and recovery of the same being dependent on the outcome of the case as
referred above, the impact on the Statement cannot be quantified. Valuation of beneficial
interest in Power Trust has been carried out by an independent registered valuer as on the
year end and change in value has been accounted for. Any further change in value of
beneficial interest in Power Trust will be accounted for on outcome of the case pending
with NCLT and as per valuation report. Presently the matter is sub-judice.
It further contains a qualification with respect to an appeal before
NCLAT under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 challenging the order passed by NCLT,
Hyderabad dismissing section 7 application filed by State Bank of India. The matter is
presently sub- judice.
It further contains a qualification with respect to unsecured loans
including interest accrued thereon of ' 3,753.24 lakhs recoverable from Meenakshi Energy
Limited ("MEL"). Pursuant to initiation of Corporate Insolvency Resolution
Process ("CIRP") in respect of MEL, MEL which was undergoing Corporate
Insolvency Resolution Process under The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016
("IBC") ceased to be Subsidiary of your Company with effect from 10th August,
2023 pursuant to the order of the National Company Law Tribunal ("NCLT"),
Hyderabad dated 10th August, 2023. Your Company is having a claim on account of the
Valuation of the Shares of MEL which was invoked by SBI Cap Trustee on 2nd May 2018 for
which a Suit has been filed before the Commercial Court, Alipore. Pending outcome of the
said Suit the Management considers the value of receivables from MEL as good.
It further contains a qualification with respect to one of the power
suppliers who have adjusted the dues related to your Company amounting to '8717.06 lakhs
from another body corporate. Your Company has disputed the same and is taking necessary
steps to address the matter and is pursuing the same with the said power supplier. Till
the matter is resolved, your Company is continuing to show the balance outstanding of the
said power supplier as trade payable.
It further contains a qualification with respect to outstanding
Electricity Duty amounting to '11,981.33 lakhs as at March 31, 2024 as per the relevant
provisions of the Bengal Electricity Duty Act, 1935. The matter as set forth in the said
note, indicate uncertainty on the outcome and its consequential impact and as such the
effect on the Statement cannot be ascertained. Your company is taking necessary steps to
address the matter and is of the view that penalty proceeding for delay in depositing the
aforesaid dues will not be initiated against the Company.
The Statutory Auditors of your Company have not reported any incident
of fraud to the Audit Committee of your Company during the year under review in terms of
provisions of Section 143(12) of the Act.
Cost Auditors
Pursuant to Section 148(2) of the Act read with the Companies (Cost
Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, your Company is required to maintain cost records and get
its cost records audited by a Cost Accountant and accordingly such accounts and records
are maintained by your Company. The Board of Directors of your Company at its meeting held
on 29th May, 2024 based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has approved the
re-appointment of M/s. Mani & Co., Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No. 000004) as
the Cost Auditors to conduct the audit of the cost records of your Company for the
financial year ending 31st March, 2025.
The remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors is subject to
ratification of the Members at the ensuing 104th Annual General Meeting. Accordingly,
appropriate resolution for ratification of the remuneration payable to M/s. Mani &
Co., Cost Accountants to conduct the audit of cost records of your Company for the
financial year ending on 31st March, 2025 shall be included in the Notice convening the
ensuing 104th Annual General Meeting for seeking approval of the Members.
Internal Auditors
M/s. Saraf & Chandra LLP has been appointed as the Internal Auditor
of your Company for the financial year ending on 31st March, 2025 pursuant to Section
138(1) of the Act to conduct the internal audit of the functions and activities of your
Company. The Internal Auditor report to the Audit Committee. The I nternal Audit Report is
placed at the meetings of Audit Committee on a quarterly basis for their review.
Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to Section 204 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment
and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 framed thereunder and Regulation 24A
of the Listing Regulations, M/s. MR & Associates, Practising Company Secretaries, had
been re-appointed to conduct the secretarial audit of your Company for the financial year
ended on 31st March, 2024. The Secretarial Audit Report is attached to this Report as
Annexure III.
The Secretarial Auditors have made an observation in the Secretarial
Audit Report with respect to the pending West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission
('WBERC') matter. WBERC vide its order dated 7th July, 2014 in its suo-moto proceedings
against your Company in respect of the Scheme has held that the said arrangement needs
prior approval of WBERC under Section 17(4) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and in absence of
such prior approval, WBERC has held the Scheme as void as a licensee. The said order was
challenged by your Company before the Hon'ble High Court at Calcutta and the single member
bench of Hon'ble High Court at Calcutta quashed the said order dated 7th July, 2014 by
allowing the Writ Application. WBERC has preferred an appeal against the order of the
single member bench before the division bench of the Hon'ble High Court at Calcutta. The
disposal of the matter is presently pending.
The Company has outstanding Electricity Duty amounting to ' 11,981.33
lakhs as at March 31, 2024 as per the relevant provisions of the Bengal Electricity Duty
Act, 1935.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Pursuant to Regulation 34(3) read with Schedule V to the Listing
Regulations, the Report on Corporate Governance is attached to this Report as Annexure IV
and the Certificate from M/s. SS Kothari Mehta & Co. LLP, the Statutory Auditors of
your Company, conforming compliance of the conditions of Corporate Governance forms part
of the said Report.
PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The Board of Directors of your Company has adopted a Related Party
Transactions Policy to ensure proper approval, reporting and disclosure processes are in
place for all transactions between your Company and Related Parties. The Related Party
Transactions Policy is available on your Company's website at the link
https://indiapower.eom/#/ investorrelations/corporatecodespoliciepagefile?filename=IP
CL-RELATED-PARTY-TRANSACTION-POUCY-ll-022022.pdf.
All Related Party Transactions entered into by your Company during the
financial year 2023-24 were in the ordinary course
of business and on an arm's length basis and in accordance with the
provisions of the Act, the Listing Regulations and the Related Party Transactions Policy
of your Company. No material Related Party Transaction arising from contract / arrangement
/ transaction under the purview of Section 188(1) of the Act was entered into with any
Related Party during the financial year 2023-24. The disclosure of Related Party
Transactions in terms of Section 134(3)(h) of the Act in Form AOC-2 is not applicable to
your Company. The details of Related Party Transactions entered by your Company with
Related Parties during the financial year 2023-24 are set out in the Notes to the
Financial Statements for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
Your Company, being engaged in the business of providing infrastructure
facilities, the loans made, guarantees given or security provided and the investments /
acquisitions made by your Company by way of subscription, purchase or otherwise in the
securities of any other body corporate are exempt from the applicability of provisions of
Section 186 of the Act.
PARTICULARS REGARDING CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION,
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The statement containing the information relating to conservation of
energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo in accordance with
Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014
is attached to this Report as Annexure V.
DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS /
COURTS / TRIBUNALS
There has been no significant and material order passed by the
Regulators / Courts / Tribunals impacting the going concern status of your Company and its
future operations.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES AND RELATED DISCLOSURES
The statements containing the information to be disclosed in terms of
Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration
of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are attached to this Report as Annexure VI and
Annexure VII.
COMPLIANCES WITH APPLICABLE SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
Your Directors confirm that the provisions of the applicable
Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India have been
duly complied with.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report for the financial
year ended 31st March, 2024 in terms of Regulation 34(2)(f) of the Listing Regulations is
attached to this Report as Annexure VIII.
ANNUAL RETURN
In terms of the provisions of Sections 92(3) and 134(3) of the Act, the
draft of the Annual Return for the financial year ended 31st March, 2024 is available on
your Company's website and can be accessed at the link https:// indiapower.eom/#/in
vestorrelations/financialinformation/ annualreturnpagefile?filename=DRAFT%20ANNUAL%20
RETURN%202024_20240603_0307411.pdf.
OTHER DISCLOSURES / REPORTING
No disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following
items as there were no transaction done on these items during the year under review:
There was no issue of equity shares with differential rights as
to dividend, voting or otherwise.
There was no issue of sweat equity shares.
Your Company does not have any scheme of provision of money for
the purchase of its own shares by employees or by trustees for the benefit of employees.
There was no receipt of any remuneration or commission by the
Executive Directors of your Company from any of its subsidiaries.
There was no revision in the Financial Statements or the Report
of the Board of your Company.
There was no change in the nature of business.
During the financial year 2021-22, State Bank of India had filed an
application before Hon'ble NCLT, Hyderabad against your Company (in its capacity as a
Corporate Guarantor of MEL) under Section 7 read with Section 60(2) of IBC. Hon'ble
NCLT, Hyderabad dismissed the application vide Judgment & Order
dated 30th October, 2023. State Bank of India has filed an appeal against the Judgment
& Order dated 30th October,2023 of the Hon'ble NCLT, Hyderabad under Section 61 of the
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 before the NCLAT, Chennai. The matter is presently
pending. The issue whether there exist a debt due to the lenders of MEL is presently
sub-judice and hence the liability of your Company, if any, in its capacity as a Corporate
Guarantor is not crystallized.
During the financial year 2020-21, Gupta Power Private Limited, an
operational creditor had filed an application under Section 9 of IBC before Hon'ble NCLT,
Kolkata. Hon'ble NCLT, Kolkata dismissed the application vide Judgment and Order dated
17th July, 2023. Gupta Power Private Limited has preferred an appeal under Section 61 of
the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 before the Hon'ble NCLAT, Delhi against the said
Judgment and Order dated 17th July, 2023. The matter is presently sub-judice.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Your Directors would like to express their grateful appreciation for
the co-operation and assistance extended to your Company by the Ministry of Power, WBERC,
Central Electricity Regulatory Commission, various Ministries of the Central and State
Governments particularly the Power Departments, State Discoms, Central and State
Transmission Companies, West Bengal Green Energy Development Corporation Limited, Damodar
Valley Corporation, Power Exchanges, Department of Public Enterprises, Securities and
Exchange Board of India, Stock Exchanges, Ministry of Corporate Affairs and other
concerned Government departments / agencies.
The Board of Directors of your Company also conveys their gratitude to
the valuable Stakeholders of your Company viz., the Shareholders, Bankers, Contractors,
Suppliers and other business associates for their continued trust and excellent support
and the Consumers for their unwavering patronage. The Directors also places on record
their appreciation for the unstinted efforts and contributions made by the Employees of
your Company.
|
|
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors |
|
Raghav Raj Kanoria |
Somesh Dasgupta |
Place: Kolkata |
Managing Director |
Whole-time Director |
Date: 29th May, 2024 |
DIN: 07296482 |
DIN: 01298835 |