Dear Shareholders,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 77th (Seventy
Seventh) Annual Report together with the Audited Accounts and Auditors Report for the
Financial Year ended on 31st March, 2024.
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Company's financial results for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 is summarized below: -
Particulars |
For the year ended March 31, 2024 |
For the year ended March 31, 2023 |
I. Revenue from operations |
26945.65 |
39625.41 |
II. Other Income |
452.14 |
676.29 |
III. Total Income(I+II) |
27397.79 |
40301.70 |
IV. Expenses |
|
|
Networks operation Expenditure |
11511.09 |
24352.44 |
Employee Benefits Expenses |
4907.15 |
4606.36 |
Sales & Marketing Expenditure |
5248.45 |
5371.05 |
Finance Cost |
12930.29 |
12277.41 |
Depreciation and Amortization |
2146.50 |
2206.57 |
Expenses |
|
|
Other Expenses |
2051.08 |
1988.75 |
Total Expenses |
38794.56 |
50802.58 |
V. Profit/(Loss) before exceptional and extraordinary
items and tax (III-IV) |
(11396.77) |
(10500.88) |
VI. Exceptional Item |
Nil |
Nil |
VII. Profit/(Loss) before extraordinary items and tax
(V-VI) |
(11396.77) |
(10500.88) |
VIII. Income Tax expenses |
- |
- |
IX. Profit (Loss) for the period from continuing
operations (VII-VIII) |
(11396.77) |
(10500.88) |
X. Profit/(Loss) from discontinued operations |
- |
- |
XI. Tax Expenses of discontinued operations |
- |
- |
XII. Profit/(Loss) From the discontinued operations (After
Tax) (X-XI) |
- |
- |
XIII. Profit /(Loss) for the period (IX+XII) |
(11396.77) |
(10500.88) |
XIV. Other Comprehensive Income |
|
|
(A) Items that will not be reclassified to Profit/(loss) |
27.88 |
(8.47) |
(B) Items that will be reclassified to profit/(loss) |
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income (After Tax) |
27.88 |
(8.47) |
XV. Total Comprehensive Income |
(11368.89) |
(10509.35) |
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REVIEW/ STATE OF COMPANY'S AFFAIRS
The Company's operating revenue was Rs. 26945.65 Lakhs during
the financial year 2023-24 against Rs. 39625.41 Lakhs for the financial year
2022-23 and also the Company have sustained an operating loss of Rs. 11368.89 Lakhs during
the financial year 2023-24 against Rs. 10509.35 Lakhs for the financial year 2022-23.
Total expenses during 2023-24 have decreased significantly by 24% to
Rs. 38794.56 Lakhs against Rs. 50802.58 Lakhs in the previous year.
BUSINESS OPERATIONS
Your Company holds Unified License (UL License) and ISP Licence
Category-A (valid till 2035) for providing Telephony Services in the Punjab Telecom
Service Area comprising of the State of Punjab, Union Territory of Chandigarh and
Panchkula Town of Haryana.
Currently, the Portfolio of services provided by the Company includes
Fixed Voice (Landline) services, DSL (Internet) services and Leased Line services in the
Punjab Telecom Circle. The Company also operates in Bulk SMS segment.
The Company provides broadband services through its fiber optic cable
laid across Punjab and the Company has also entered into co-location agreements.
As at 31.03.2024, the Company had a total subscriber base of 4.11 Lakhs
customers.
CORPORATE DEBT RESTRUCTURING SCHEME (CDR SCHEME)
The Corporate Debt Restructuring Cell (CDR Cell) had vides its letter
no. CDR(JCP)563/2009-10 dated August 13, 2009 approved a Corporate Debt Restructuring
Package (CDR Package) for the company, in order to write off the losses and also to enable
the company to service its debts.
Due to continuous losses and financial constraints, the Company has
defaulted/delayed in the interest payments accrued towards Lenders on account of Secured
Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) issued to Lenders as per CDR terms for the period ended
March 31, 2024 till the date of signing of this report. Company has also defaulted in the
repayment of principal amount of Secured NCDs and Cumulative Redeemable Preference Shares
issued to Lenders as on March 31, 2024. The Company has also not been able to create
Capital Redemption Reserve in terms of the provisions of Section 55 (2) (a) and (c) of the
Companies Act 2013 since there are no profits available for the same.
However, the Company has fully squared off the fund based working
capital limits during the previous financial year.
In meanwhile, on April 2, 2024 an application/petition has been filed
under section 7 of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 ("IBC") by M/s IDBI
Trusteeship Services Limited, Debenture Trustee acting on behalf of Lenders/financial
Creditors, before the National Company Law Tribunal Mumbai Bench ("NCLT,
Mumbai") claiming a default of Rs.364,86,48,491.11/- and seeking initiation of
Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) against the Company. The Application is
under the process of admission at the time of signing of this Report.
CHANGE IN NATURE OF BUSINESS
There was no change in the nature of Business of the Company during the
period under review.
EQUITY SHARE CAPITAL AND LISTING OF SHARES
The paid-up Equity share capital of the Company is Rs. 61,22,60,268/ -
comprising of 61,22,60,268 equity shares of Re. 1/- each. The Company's shares are
listed on BSE Limited and are actively traded.
The Company has not issued any new securities during the year under
review.
DETAILS OF SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR
COURTS OR TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS AND COMPANY'S OPERATIONS IN
FUTURE
The Hon'ble Supreme Court in its judgment on AGR vide dated
September 1, 2020, reaffirmed that the demand raised by the DoT stated in its modification
application as final and no dispute or reassessment shall be undertaken.
In addition, Hon'ble Supreme Court directed that the Telecom
operators shall make a payment of 10% of the total dues as demanded by DoT, by March 31,
2021 and remaining dues in yearly installments commencing April 1, 2021 till March 31,
2031, payable by March 31 of every succeeding financial year.
In compliance of the said order of the Hon'ble Supreme Court, the
Company has paid Rs. 1892.00 Lakh to DoT i.e 10% of the total dues, by way of adjustment
from surplus / excess ISP License fee amounting to Rs. 2457.81 Lakh lying with DoT and
assessed by DoT vide its letter dated 20-06-2017. Receipt of above payment of 10% of dues
has also been confirmed by DoT in its affidavit dated 07-04-21 filed before Hon'ble
Supreme Court.
The DoT has offered a relief package vide its letter dated October 14,
2021 to the Telecom Operators; offering a Moratorium period of 4 years for the payment of
AGR related dues up to financial year 2016-17. Accordingly, the installment which becomes
due on March 31, 2022 stands deferred till March 31, 2026. The Company has confirmed the
acceptance of Moratorium period.
The DoT has offered another relief package vide its letter dated June
15, 2022 to the Company; offering a Moratorium period of 4 years towards AGR related dues
for the financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19, as the period was not covered by the Judgment
dated September 1, 2020 of Hon'ble Supreme Court. Accordingly, the payment of AGR
dues for the financial year 2017-18 and 2018-19 shall become payable alongwith the dues of
earlier Moratorium. The Company has confirmed the acceptance of this Moratorium period
also.
MATERIAL CHANGES OCCURED BETWEEN THE DATE OF END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR
AND THE DATE OF THE BOARD REPORT
There were no material change occurred between the end of the financial
year of the Company i.e. 31st March 2024 and till the date of signing of this
Report i.e. on August 10, 2024.
DIVIDEND
As on 31.03.2024, the Company had accumulated losses. Your Directors,
therefore, have not recommended any dividend for the financial year 2023-24.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the year under review, no amount has been transferred to
reserves.
FIXED DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted / renewed any deposits within the meaning
of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and as such, no amount of principal or interest
was outstanding as on the Balance Sheet date.
HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Our human resource management focuses on allowing our employees to
develop their skills and grow in their career. The Company's compensation and
employee benefit practices are designed to be competitive in the respective geographies
where we operate. Employee relations continue to be harmonious at all our locations.
Professionals are our most important assets. The Company offers a dynamic work environment
where its employees benefit from working with other innovators, driving meaningful change
together, both for its customers and the Company. We are committed to hiring and retaining
the best talent. For this, we focus on promoting a collaborative, transparent and
participative organization culture, and rewarding merit and sustained high performance
including shifting of Manpower from vendor roll to Company's roll to keep the junior
manpower in high spirit. Moreover Company endeavors to shift junior employees from
vendor's roll to the Company's roll to reduce the churn of the junior manpower
of the Company
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The Company, being in the telecommunications sector is not involved in
carrying on any manufacturing activity; accordingly, the information required under
Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014
with respect to Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption are not applicable.
However, the following information would give adequate idea of the
continuous efforts made by the Company in this regard:
(i) Energy Conservation:
(a) Electricity is used for the working of the Company's telephone
exchanges and other network infrastructure equipment. The Company regularly reviews power
consumption patterns across its network and implements requisite changes in the network or
processes in order to optimize power consumption and thereby achieve cost savings.
(b) Reduction in the running of the Diesel Generator (DG) Sets during
power cuts it its various sites.
(ii) Technology Absorption: The Company has not imported any
technology. The Company has not yet established separate Research & Development
facilities.
(iii) Foreign Exchange Earnings And Outgo:
During the year, there were no foreign exchange earnings; the total
foreign exchange outgo was to the tune of Rs. 2.36 Lakhs, which was on account of availing
of services.
ANNUAL RETURN
In accordance with the Companies Act, 2013, the annual return in the
prescribed format is available at www.connectbroadband.in
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The information required pursuant to Section 197 (12) of Companies Act
2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of employees of the Company is appended as Annexure-1 to
the Board's Report.
Particulars of remuneration of employees required to be furnished in
terms of Rules 5(2) and 5(3) of the said Rules, forms part of this Report, which shall be
provided to Members upon written request pursuant to the second proviso of Rule 5.
Particulars of remuneration of employees are available for inspection by Members at the
registered office of the Company during business hours on all working days up to the date
of the forthcoming AGM.
The remuneration paid to all Key Managerial Personnel is in accordance
with remuneration policy adopted by the Company.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND THEIR ADQUECY
The details in respect of internal financial control and their adequacy
are included in the Management Discussion & Analysis, which forms part of this report.
VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has formulated and published a Whistle Blower Policy to
provide Vigil Mechanism for employees including Directors of the Company to report genuine
concerns. The provisions of this policy are in line with the provisions of Section 177(9)
of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Regulation 22 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (URL:
https://www.connectbroadband.in/corporate-governance/).
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
In line with the requirements of Section 188 of the Act and SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company has
formulated a Policy on Related Party Transactions and the same is posted on the
Company's URL: https:/ /www.connectbroadband.in/corporate-governance/.
Information on transaction with related parties pursuant to Section
134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is not
provided since there are no transactions with related parties during financial year
2023-24, except payment of remuneration to the Chief Financial Officer and Company
Secretary.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTY
In terms of the provisions of Section 135 read with Schedule VII and
the Rules made thereunder, every Company having net-worth of Rs. 500 Crore or turnover of
Rs.1,000 Crore or Net Profit of Rs.5 Crore is required to constitute Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee. The Company does not meet any of the above criteria. As such the
Company is not required to constitute Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and comply
with the requirements of Section 135 read with Schedule VII and the Rules made thereunder.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134 (3) (g) of the Companies Act
2013, particulars of Loans/guarantee/investments/securities given under Section 186 of the
Act are given in the related notes to the Financial Statements forming part of the Annual
Report.
BOARD EVALUATION
The Board has carried out an annual performance evaluation of its own
performance, board committees, and individual Directors, based on parameters which, inter
alia, include performance of the Board on deciding strategy, composition and structure of
Board, discharging of their duties, handling critical issues etc. under the provisions of
the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations. The parameters for the performance
evaluation of the Directors include contribution made at the Board meeting, attendance,
experience, instances of sharing information on best practices applied in other
industries, vision, strategy and engagement with senior management etc.
Performance of the committees was evaluated after seeking inputs from
the committee members on the basis of criteria such as the composition of committees,
effectiveness of committee meetings, etc.
In a separate meeting held on February 9, 2024 of independent
directors, performance of non-independent directors and the Board as a whole was
evaluated, taking into account the views of non-executive/executive directors. All
Directors participated in the evaluation process. The Board noted the suggestions/inputs
of Independent Directors and recommendations arising from this entire process were
deliberated upon by the Board to augment its effectiveness and optimize individual
strengths of the Directors.
FAMILIARIZATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Company proactively keeps its Directors informed of the activities
of the Company, its management and operations and provides an overall industry perspective
as well as issues being faced by the industry. The familiarization programme adopted by
the Company is posted on the website of the Company's URL: https://
www.connectbroadband.in/corporate-governance/.
REMUNERATION POLICY FOR THE DIRECTORS, KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL AND
OTHER EMPLOYEES
In terms of the provisions of Section 178(3) of the Act and under
Regulation 19 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015, the Nomination & Remuneration Committee (NRC) is responsible for formulating the
criteria for determining qualification, positive attributes and independence of Directors.
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
relating to the remuneration of the Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and other
employees and the same has been disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms
part of the Directors' Report. The same is also available on the Company's
website URL: https://www.connectbroadband.in/corporate-governance/.
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
Four Meetings of the Board were held during the year. For details of
the meetings of the Board, please refer to the Corporate Governance Report, which forms
part of this report. Board confirms compliance with Secretarial Standards.
THE DETAILS OF DIRECTORS WHO WERE APPOINTED OR HAVE RESIGNED
In view of the withdrawal of the nomination of Mr. Jitendra Joshi as
Nominee Director from the board of directors of the Company by the IDBI bank Limited, the
Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Pramod Baburao Jagjeevan (DIN: 10729496) as an
Additional Director (Non-executive Non-Independent Director), with effect from August 10,
2024.
Mr. Pritesh Lahoti (DIN: 08618393) will be completing his present term
as Independent Director of the Company on November 7, 2024. On the recommendation of the
Nomination & remuneration Committee and subject to the approval of the shareholders,
the Board has approved his re-appointment as Independent Director for a further term of
five consecutive years w.e.f. November 8, 2024 up to November 7, 2029.
Mr. Pritesh Lahoti fulfills the conditions specified under the Act and
the Listing Regulations and is independent of the management. Accordingly, the Board
recommends his re-appointment, for the approval of the members.
During the year, the non-executive director of the Company had no
pecuniary relationship or transactions with the Company.
THE DETAILS OF KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL WHO WERE APPOINTED OR HAVE
RESIGNED DURING THE YEAR
During the financial year, Mr. Munish Bansal, Chief Financial Officer
of the Company had resigned and ceased to be the Chief Financial Officer of the Company
with effect from November 8, 2023. In his place Mr. Anuj Ohri was appointed as the Chief
Financial Officer of the Company with effect from November 8, 2023.
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The Company has received declarations from all Independent Directors of
the Company confirming that they meet with the criteria of independence, as prescribed
under section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with sub-rule (3) of Rule 6 of the
Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 25 of
the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The
Independent Directors have also confirmed that they have complied with the Company's
Code of Conduct. In the opinion of the Board the Independent Directors possess relevant
expertise, experience, proficiency and integrity for the appointment as Independent
Directors.
STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s SGN & Co. was appointed as Statutory Auditor of the Company for
a period of 5 years to hold office from the conclusion of the 72nd Annual General Meeting
to the conclusion of 77th Annual General Meeting of the Company. Under the provisions of
Section 139 of the Companies Act 2013 the retiring Statutory Auditor may be reappointed
for one more term of 5 years.
The Board on the recommendation of Audit Committee has recommended the
re-appoint M/s SGN & Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Regn. No. 134565W) as Statutory
Auditors of the Company from the conclusion of the ensuing Seventy Seventh (77th) Annual
General Meeting of the Company until the conclusion of the Eighty Second (82nd) Annual
General Meeting, Subject to the approval of the shareholders in the ensuing Annual General
Meeting, on such remuneration as may be fixed by the Board of Directors of the Company in
consultation with the Statutory Auditors.
COST AUDITOR
The Central Government had directed vide its order no. 52/26/CAB-2010
dated November 6, 2012 to conduct a Cost Audit in respect of the specified products viz.,
Telecommunication Industry.
The Board of Directors of the Company had appointed M/s Sanjay Gupta
& Associates, as Cost Auditor of the Company for the financial year 2023-24. The Cost
Auditors have submitted their report and the same shall be filed with the Registrar of the
Companies within the specified timeline.
On the recommendation of Nominee Director of IDBI Bank Limited, the
Board of Directors of the Company has accorded its approval for the appointment of M/s SDM
& Associates, Cost Accountants, a new Cost Auditor of the Company, for the financial
year commencing from April 1, 2024 and ending on March 31, 2025, subject to the approval
of the Central Government, if any.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 148 of the Companies Act,
2013 read with the Companies (Audit & Auditors) Rules, 2014, the remuneration payable
to the Cost Auditor has to be ratified by the members of the Company. Accordingly, consent
of the Members is sought by way of an Ordinary Resolution for ratification of the
remuneration amounting to Rs. 90,000/- (Rupees Ninety Thousands Only) plus applicable
service tax and out of pocket expenses payable to the Cost Auditors for financial year
commencing on April 1, 2024.
In compliance with the provisions of the Companies (Cost Audit Report)
Rules, 2011 and General Circular No. 15/2011 issued by Government of India, Ministry of
Corporate Affairs, Cost Audit Branch, we hereby submit that, the Company has filed the
Cost Audit Report for the financial year ended on March 31, 2023 with the Registrar of
Companies within the prescribed timeline.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR AND ANNUAL SECRETARIAL COMPLIANCE
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the
Board had appointed M/s BK Gupta & Associates (CP No. 5708:, FCS: 4590), Practicing
Company Secretary to undertake the secretarial audit of the company for the financial year
2023-24. The Secretarial Auditor has submitted the Report on the Secretarial Audit
conducted by him for the financial year 2023-24 which forms part of the Board's
Report as Annexure-2.
The Board has again appointed M/s BK Gupta & Associates, Practicing
Company Secretary to undertake the secretarial audit and to issue the Annual Secretarial
Compliance Report pursuant to Regulations 24A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations 2015 of the Company for the financial year 2024-25.
In terms of Circular No. CIR/CFD/CMD1/27/2019, February 08, 2019,
issued by Securities Exchange Board of India (SEBI) read with Regulations 24A of SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015 the Company has also
submitted the Annual Secretarial Compliance Report for the financial year 2023-24 issued
by M/s B. K. Gupta & Associates with the Stock Exchange within the stipulated
timeline.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
M/s Ernst and Young, LLP perform the duties of internal auditors of the
Company and their report is reviewed by the Audit Committee from time to time.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
In compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Companies Act
2013 and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015, the
Company has constituted an Audit Committee. The composition, scope and powers of the Audit
Committee together with details of meetings held during the year under review, forms part
of the Corporate Governance Report.
The recommendations of the Audit Committee are accepted by the Board.
RISK MANAGEMENT POLICY
Risk Management Policy for monitoring and reviewing the risk management
plan and ensuring its effectiveness has been formulated by the Company. The policy defines
the risk management approach across the organization at various levels including
documentation and reporting. Major risks identified by the businesses and functions are
systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis. The Audit
Committee has additional oversight in the area of financial risks and controls. The major
risks identified by the businesses and functions are systematically addressed through
mitigating actions on a continuous basis.
The Board regularly reviews the significant risks and decisions that
could have a material impact on the Company. These reviews consider the level of risk that
Company is prepared to take in pursuit of the business strategy and the effectiveness of
the management controls in place to mitigate the risk exposure.
TRANSFER TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
As of March 31, 2024, there were no amounts eligible for transfer to
the Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) of the Central Government, in terms of
the provisions of Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES
As of March 31, 2024, the Company has no subsidiary company; hence the
information in AOC-1 pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act,
2013 is not applicable.
JOINT VENTURES/ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
As of March 31, 2024, the Company is an Associate Company of Quadrant
Enterprises Private Limited. However, there are no Joint Ventures of the Company.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As on March 31, 2024, the Company has no subsidiary Company and the
consolidated financial statements has not been compiled. Hence, the provisions relating to
consolidation of accounts is not applicable to the Company.
STATUTORY AUDITORS' REPORT
The Statutory Auditors of the Company, M/s. SGN & Co., Chartered
Accountants, Mumbai as Statutory Auditors, have submitted the Auditors' Report which
has the following observation on Standalone Financial Statements for the period ended
March 31, 2024.
MANAGEMENT'S EXPLANATION TO THE AUDITORS'
QUALIFICATIONS/OBERSERVATIONS: -
1) Auditors' Qualifications in the Standalone
Auditor's Report Basis of Qualified Opinion:-
a) As stated in Note No. 40 of the financial statements,
balances of some of the trade payable, other liabilities, advances and security deposits
pertaining to erstwhile GSM business are subject to confirmations, reconciliation and
adjustments, if any. The effect of the same is unascertainable, and hence the
consequential cumulative effect thereof on net loss including other comprehensive income
for the year, assets, liabilities and other equity is unascertainable.
b) We draw attention to note no. 41 of the financial statements, the
Company has incurred a net loss of Rs. 11,396.77 Lakhs during the year and the accumulated
losses as at March 31, 2024 amounted to Rs. 2,56,687.68 Lakhs, resulting in, the erosion
of its net worth, its current liabilities material exceeds current assets, and all the NCD
issued to consortium of financial creditors becomes due. Further the financial creditors
had filed application before NCLT Mumbai under Insolvency and Bankruptcy code 2016 on 2nd
April 2024, these event and conditions indicate material uncertainty exists that may cast
significant doubt on the ability of the Company to continue as a going concern.
However, the accounts of the Company have been prepared on a going
concern for the factors stated in the aforesaid note. We however not obtain sufficient and
appropriate audit evidence regarding management's use of the going concern assumption
in the preparation of the financial statements of the Company and with the events and
conditions more explained in the Note no. 41 of the financial statements does not
adequately support the use of going concern assumption in preparation of the financial
statements of the Company.
Qualified Opinion
In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the
explanations given to us, except for the possible effect of the matter described in the
Basis for qualified Opinion in paragraph 2 below, the aforesaid financial statements
give the information required by the Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act") in the
manner so required and give a true and fair view in conformity with the Indian Accounting
Standards prescribed under section 133 of the Act read with the Companies (Indian
Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015, as amended, ("Ind AS") and other accounting
principles generally accepted in India, of the state of affairs of the Company as at March
31, 2024, its loss including other comprehensive income, changes in equity and its cash
flows for the year ended on that date.
Management's Explanations to the Auditor's Qualification in
the Standalone Auditor's Report
a) The Company is in process of reconciliation / adjustments, if any,
on its balances of some of the trade payable, other liabilities, advances and security
deposits pertaining to erstwhile GSM business. The requisite accounting effect, if any,
will be given upon such reconciliation. The management however doesn't expect any
material variances.
b) The accumulated losses of the Company as at March 31, 2024 are more
than fifty percent of its net worth as at that date. The losses are due to declining /
Competitive market of the fixed line business and high operating costs. The Company is
confident of generating cash flows from continue business operations through increasing
subscriber' base and ARPU as well as through restructuring of bank loans along with
the support of other stakeholders and the application filed under Insolvency and
Bankruptcy code 2016 is under scrutiny not admitted. In view of the above, the accounts of
the Company have been prepared on a going concern basis.
2) Auditors' Observation in the Annexure to the Standalone
Auditor's Report
Point No. IX (a) of the Annexure to Auditor's Report which
summarizes the basis of Qualification
According to the information and explanations given to us and based on
the audit procedures performed by us, the Company has defaulted in repayment of loans
(including accrued interest on default amount) to bank/debenture holders as follows:
Nature of borrowings including debt
securities |
Amount Outstanding as at March 31, 2024
and not paid till date |
Amount of Default as at
March 31, 2024 |
Delay/Default (in days) |
|
|
Principal |
Interest |
Principal |
Interest |
NCD |
IDBI Bank |
20,434.04 lakhs |
10,507.49 Lakhs |
397 2435 Days |
30 - 1370 Days |
NCD |
Kotak Mahindra Bank |
1,347.38 Lakhs |
863.10 lakhs |
397 - 2009 Days |
30 - 1521 Days |
NCD |
Life Insurance Corporation of India |
3,962.33 Lakhs |
2,751.18 Lakhs |
397 2557 Days |
30 2070 Days |
NCD |
State Bank of India |
1320.84 Lakhs |
848.10 lakhs |
397 - 2557 Days |
30 - 1886 Days |
NCD |
Punjab National Bank(E-OBC) |
3962.51 Lakhs |
2,889.26 Lakhs |
397 - 2557 Days |
30 - 2192 Days |
|
Total |
31,027.10 Lakhs |
17,859.13 Lakhs |
|
|
Further, amount defaulted during the year and paid before the Balance
Sheet date are as under:-
B. Amount paid before the year end |
Amount |
Delay/Default (in days) |
|
Principal |
Interest |
Principal |
Interest |
IDBI Bank |
- |
1,698.01 Lakhs |
- |
1306 1365 Days |
Kotak Mahindra Bank |
- |
72 Lakhs |
- |
1367 - 1516 Days |
Life Insurance Corporation of India |
- |
204 Lakhs |
- |
1944 - 2065 Days |
State Bank of India |
- |
96 Lakhs |
- |
1824 - 1881 Days |
Punjab National Bank (E-OBC) |
- |
204 Lakhs |
- |
2066 - 2187 Days |
Total |
- |
2,274.01 Lakhs |
- |
- |
Management's Explanations to Auditors' observation in the
Annexure to the Standalone Auditor's Report
Due to continuous losses and financial constraints, the Company has
defaulted/ delayed the interest payments accrued towards Lenders on account of Secured
Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs) issued to the Lenders as per CDR terms for the period
ended March 31, 2024 and principal repayment of Secured NCDs accrued for the period ended
March 31, 2024 and till the date of signing of this report.
DETAILS OF FRAUD REPORTED BY AUDITOR
No fraud is reported by auditors under section 143(12) of Companies Act
2013.
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
The Company has in place a Policy on prevention of Sexual Harassment in
line with the requirements of The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention,
Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013 and has constituted the Internal Complaints
Committee to redress complaints received regarding sexual harassment. All employees
(permanent, contractual, temporary, trainees) are covered under this policy. During the
year under review the Committee/ Management has not received any complaint related to
Sexual Harassment.
POLICY ON PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING
Pursuant to SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015,
the Company has framed a) Code of Internal Procedures and Conduct for Regulating,
Monitoring and Reporting of Trading by Insiders and b) Code of Fair Disclosure. The
Company's Code, inter alia, prohibits purchase and/or sale of shares of the Company
by an insider, while in possession of unpublished price sensitive information in relation
to the Company and also during certain prohibited periods. Both the Codes are available at
the website of the Company.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Report on Corporate Governance as required under Regulation 34 read
with Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015, forms part of this Annual Report
together with the Management Discussion and Analysis Report. Integrity and transparency
are key to our corporate governance practices to ensure that we gain and retain the trust
of our stakeholders and maintaining high standards of
Corporate Governance has been fundamental to the business of your
Company. Corporate Governance Compliance Certificate pursuant to the requirements of
Regulation 27 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 is also forms part of the Annual Report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134(5) of the Act, the Board of Directors, to the
best of its knowledge and ability, confirm that:
(a) In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation relating to material
departures;
(b) The Directors has selected such accounting policies and applied
consistently and have made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent, so as
to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company at the end of the
financial year and of the Profit and loss of the Company for that period;
(c) The Directors had 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) The Directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern
basis;
(e) The Directors had laid down internal financial controls to be
followed by the Company and such internal financial controls are adequate and were
operating effectively;
(f) The Directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with
the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
APPLICATION/PROCEEDING UNDER INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE 2016
An application/petition has been filed under section 7 of Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 ("IBC") by M/s IDBI Trusteeship Services Limited,
Debenture Trustee acting on behalf of Lenders/ financial Creditors, before the National
Company Law Tribunal, Mumbai Bench for seeking initiation of Corporate Insolvency
Resolution Process (CIRP) against the Company on April 2, 2024. The Application is under
the process of admission at the time of signing of this Report.
ONE TIME SETTLEMENT WITH ANY BANK
There was no one time settlement with any Bank.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The Directors place sincere appreciation to the Company's
employees, customers, vendors, investors and partners for their continuous support. The
Directors also thank the Department of Telecommunications, Financial Institutions, Banks,
Lenders and the various Central and State Government Departments, Business Associates,
Shareholders and Subscribers.
The Directors also extend their deep appreciation to the employees for
their continuing support and unstinting efforts in ensuring an excellent all-round
operational performance.
|
For and on behalf of the Board of
Directors |
|
|
Anushka J. Vagal |
Dinesh Kadam |
Place: Mohali |
Director |
Whole Time Director |
Date: August 10, 2024 |
(DIN: 08966439) |
(DIN: 08282276) |