Dear Shareholders,
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting the 36th (Thirty Sixth) Annual Report
together with the Audited Financial Statements of your Company (the Company' or
DiGiSPICE') for FY 2023-24.
Financial Highlights
The consolidated and standalone financial performance of the Company for the financial
year ended 31st March, 2024 is summarised below:
(Amount in Lakhs)
Particulars |
For the Financial Year ended 31.03.2024 |
For the Financial Year ended 31.03.2023 |
|
Consolidated |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Standalone |
Continuing Operations |
|
|
|
|
Total revenue from continuing operations |
43,942.56 |
- |
43,153.84 |
- |
Other Income |
2,687.91 |
805.15 |
1,960.63 |
744.91 |
Earnings before finance costs, tax, depreciation & |
|
|
|
|
amortisation and exceptional items from continuing |
|
|
|
|
operation |
4,041.53 |
175.28 |
2,219.33 |
149.16 |
Share of (profit)/loss of associates 0.62 - |
1.30 |
- |
|
|
Depreciation and amortisation expense |
712.63 |
107.95 |
2,172.19 |
99.46 |
Finance costs |
202.06 |
0.62 |
71.44 |
- |
Exceptional items |
(2,874.59) |
91.94 |
624.07 |
- |
Profit/(Loss) before tax from continuing operations |
49.70 |
6,002.05 |
(25.23) |
(647.07) |
Tax expenses |
|
|
|
|
-Current Income Tax |
556.29 |
- |
23.74 |
- |
-Income Tax adjustment for earlier years |
19.95 |
- |
2.30 |
- |
-Deferred tax charge/(credit) |
434.86 |
- |
(160.23) |
- |
Profit/(Loss) after tax from continuing operations |
4,990.95 |
(25.23) |
(512.88) |
49.70 |
Profit/(Loss) after tax from discontinuing operations (3,810.79)
917.59 (1650.78) (1147.64) |
|
|
|
|
Profit/(Loss) after tax (Continuing operations + |
1,180.16 |
892.36 |
(2163.66) |
(1,097.94) |
Discontinuing operations) |
|
|
|
|
Other comprehensive income for the year |
22.38 |
54.66 |
215.05 |
(32.38) |
Total comprehensive income for the year |
1,202.54 |
947.02 |
(1,948.61) |
(1,130.32) |
Share of Minority in profits/(losses) 28.93 - |
(102.39) |
- |
|
|
Profit/(Loss) for the year attributable to equity |
1,173.61 |
947.02 |
(1,846.22) |
(1,130.32) |
shareholders |
|
|
|
|
Performance Review and State of the Company Affairs
During FY 2023-24, the Company was primarily engaged in the Information and
Communication Technology business (Digital Technology Services') providing
Technology solutions and communication platform to domestic/international Telecom
Operators and Enterprises.
Spice Money Limited (Spice Money'), material subsidiary of the Company is engaged
in providing Financial Technologies Services (Fintech Service'), through
tech-enabled hyper local payments network platform accessed by its authorised agents/
merchants, including cash deposit, cash withdrawal, balance enquiry, bill payment
services, AePS, Mini
ATM services, Air time recharge, POS services, railway ticketing services, enterprise
cash drop services and other related services.
The Company, at the consolidated level, achieved a total income of 50,654.5 Lakhs
during FY 2023-24 as against 52,611.66 Lakhs for FY 2022-23. The profit after tax at the
consolidated level for FY 2023-24 is 1,180.16 Lakhs as against (loss) after tax of
(2,163.66) Lakhs in FY 2022-23.
The Company, at the standalone level, has earned a total income of 4,644.64 Lakhs
during FY 2023-24 as against 6,467.20 Lakhs for FY 2022-23. The Company has a profit of
892.36 Lakhs during FY 2023-24 as against a loss of (1097.94) Lakhs in the previous
year FY 2022-23.
The Board of Directors of the Company, in its meeting held on 7th April,
2023 approved, in principle, to exit DTS Segment. This is in keeping with the
repositioning of the overall group strategy to focus on Financial Technology Services
opportunities, mainly through its subsidiary Spice Money and other group entities.
Consequently, DTS Segment has been classified as discontinued operations and the
discontinued operations results are being shown separately in the financial results being
published to Stock Exchanges. Further, the Company's business operations of DTS Segment
got completely discontinued effective 1st July, 2024 consequently. The status
of continued operations and matters related thereto have been provided in detail under the
Management Discussion and Analysis Report forming part of this Report.
Subsidiary Companies, Joint Ventures or Associate Companies
During FY 2023-24:
Entire investment of the Company in Hindustan Retail Private Limited (HRPL')
was sold by the Company. Consequently, HRPL along with its two subsidiaries viz. New Spice
Sales and Solutions Limited and Cellucom Retail India Private Limited, all being
inoperative, ceased to be subsidiary(ies) of DiGiSPICE with effect from 1st June, 2023.
S Mobility (HK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, registered in
Hong Kong was dissolved by deregistration and hence, ceased to exist with effect from 28th
April, 2023.
Beoworld Sdn. Bhd., a step down subsidiary of the Company, registered under the law
of Malaysia, was struck off and hence, ceased to exist with effect from 12th November,
2023.
Spice VAS Africa Limited (SVA'), a wholly owned step down subsidiary of the
Company transferred its entire shareholding in its wholly owned subsidiary, Spice VAS RDC
SARLU (RDC'), a company incorporated in Democratic Republic of Congo, whereby RDC
ceased to be a subsidiary of the Company with effect from 16th February, 2024.
None of the above was a material subsidiary of the Company.
The Company had total 18 subsidiaries (6 direct subsidiaries including 1 material
subsidiary and 12 step down subsidiaries) and 2 associates as on 31st March,
2024.
Subsequent to FY 2023-24, SVA has acquired 30% additional stake in DIGISPICE GHANA LTD.
(DiGiGhana'), an existing subsidiary of SVA. Pursuant to above acquisition,
DiGiGhana has become a wholly owned subsidiary of SVA and a wholly owned step down
subsidiary of the Company.
Pursuant to provisions of Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act')
and Indian Accounting Standard - 110 issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
India, Consolidated Financial Statements presented by the Company include the Financial
Statements of its Subsidiaries and Associate Companies.
Holding Company
As on 31st March, 2024, Spice Connect Private Limited, the holding company,
held 72.97% of the issued, subscribed and paid up share capital of the Company.
Highlights of Performance of Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures
Spice Money, material subsidiary of the Company, achieved a total income of 45,977.51
Lakhs during FY 2023-24 (FY 2022-23: 44,404.22 Lakhs). It reported a net profit of
1,306.19 Lakhs during FY 2023-24 (FY 2022-23: Loss of 617.65 Lakhs).
The salient features of the performance and financial position of each of the
subsidiaries and associate companies are given in Form AOC-1 attached to the Consolidated
Financial Statements for FY 2023-24 and forms an integral part of the Annual Report.
Further, pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act and Regulation 46 of the
Listing Regulations', financial statements of subsidiary Companies are available on
the Company's website at www.digispice.com.
Restructuring through Scheme of Amalgamation by way of Merger
The Board of Directors of the Company (the Board') at its meeting held on 8th
August, 2024 approved a scheme for the amalgamation by way of merger (the Proposed
Scheme') between DiGiSPICE Technologies Limited (Transferee Company') and Spice
Money Limited (Transferor Company 1' or Spice Money'), E-Arth Travel Solutions
Private Limited (Transferor Company 2' or E-Arth'), and Vikasni Fintech
Private Limited (Transferor Company 3' or Vikasni') and their respective
Shareholders and Creditors. This Proposed Scheme is subject to approval of Shareholders,
sanction by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT'), and no-objection from
regulatory authorities including but not limited to BSE, NSE, Reserve Bank of India and
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India.
The Company has taken/will now be taking necessary steps to obtain requisite
approvals/no-objections/ consents and the matter will be placed for the approval of
Shareholders at the appropriate time upon receiving necessary instructions from NCLT.
Consequent to the above approval of the Scheme by Board, the Memorandum of Associations of
the Company is required to be amended with a view to align the object clause with business
activities proposed to be carried on, upon the Proposed Scheme becoming effective. The
resolution for alteration of object clause is accordingly placed before the shareholders
for their approval at the ensuing AGM. The Board recommends passing of the resolution
proposed for amendment of the object clause.
Cash Flow Statement
In conformity with the provisions of the Act and Regulation 34 of the Listing
Regulations, the Cash Flow Statement for FY 2023-24 as prepared under the provisions of
Indian Accounting Standard - 7 as notified under provisions of Section 133 of the Act is
attached as a part of the Financial Statements of the Company.
Share Capital
As on 31st March, 2024, the authorised capital of the Company stood at
12,405 Lakhs divided into 41,35,00,000 equity shares of 3/- each. During FY 2023-24, the
Company issued and allotted 6,81,700 equity shares of 3/- each under DTL Employees Stock
Option Plan-2018 (Erstwhile SML Employees Stock Option Plan-2018'). As on 31st
March, 2024, paid-up equity share capital of the Company was 6,966.69 Lakhs (divided
into 23,22,23,106 fully paid-up equity shares of 3/- each).
After the close of FY 2023-24, the Company allotted 7,40,000 equity shares of 3/-
each under DTL Employees Stock Option Plan-2018, till the date of this report.
Consequently, the paid-up equity share capital of the Company has increased to 6,988.89
Lakhs (divided into 23,29,63,106 fully paid-up equity shares of 3/- each) as on date of
this report. The said equity shares rank pari-passu with the existing equity shares of the
Company.
Listing of Securities
The Equity Shares of the Company are presently listed on BSE Limited (BSE') and
the National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE'). The Annual Listing Fee for FY
2024-25 has been paid to both the Stock Exchanges.
Transfer of amount to Reserves
The Company has not transferred any amount to the Reserves during FY 2023-24.
Dividend
In view of the losses during the year, your directors do not recommend any dividend to
the shareholders. The Dividend Distribution Policy' in terms of the Regulation 43A
of the Listing Regulations is available on the Company's website at
https://investorrelations. digispice.com/articles/845005173_Dividend%20
Distribution%20Policy.pdf
Transfer of unclaimed dividend and equity shares to Investor Education and Protection
Fund
Pursuant to provisions of Sections 124 and 125 of the Act read with the Investor
Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules,
2016 (IEPF Rules'), dividend which remains unpaid/unclaimed for a period of seven
years from the date of its transfer to the unpaid dividend account are liable to be
transferred to the IEPF Authority established by the Central Government of India. Further,
all shares in respect of which dividend has not been encashed or claimed by the
shareholders for seven consecutive years or more from the date of declaration are also
liable to be transferred to the IEPF Authority. As on 31st March, 2024, 8,95,545 (Eight
Lakh Ninety Five Thousand Five Hundred Forty Five) shares of the Company were lying in
demat A/c of IEPF. During FY 2023-24, the Company was not liable to transfer any
unclaimed/unpaid dividend/shares to IEPF Authority.
The shareholders whose dividends/shares which have been transferred to IEPF Authority
during any previous years, may claim such dividends/shares from IEPF Authority by
submitting an online application in the prescribed Web Form IEPF 5' available on the
website, www.iepf.gov.in and also send duly signed physical copy, to the Company, along
with requisite documents as prescribed in the Web Form IEPF 5' and the IEPF Rules.
Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Act read with rules made thereunder,
S.R. Batliboi & Co. LLP (ICAI Firm Registration No. 301003E/E300005), have been
appointed as the Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office for a period of five
consecutive years from the conclusion of the 35th Annual General Meeting (AGM') till
the conclusion of 40th AGM of the Company to be held in the calendar year 2028.
Auditors' Report
The Auditors' Reports for FY 2023-24 does not contain any qualification, reservation,
adverse remark or disclaimer requiring Board to comment thereon in their report. This
Report is enclosed with the Financial Statements forming part of this Annual Report.
Secretarial Audit
As required under provisions of Section 204(1) of the Act read with Rule 9 of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, as amended
and Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations, the Company has appointed M/s. Sanjay
Grover & Associates, Company Secretaries, to conduct the Secretarial Audit for FY
2023-24. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation,
adverse remark or disclaimer. The Report forms part of this Annual Report.
Pursuant to Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations, every listed company is required
to annex with its annual report the Secretarial Audit Report of its material subsidiaries
incorporated in India. In compliance with the said requirement, the Secretarial Audit
Report for FY 2023-24 of Spice Money, a material subsidiary of the Company, forms part of
the Annual Report.
Reporting of frauds by auditors
During FY 2023-24, no incidence of fraud as defined under provisions of Section 143(12)
of the Act, which is required to be disclosed under Section 134(3)(ca) of the Act, has
been reported by the Statutory Auditors and Secretarial Auditors to the Audit Committee or
Board.
Internal Auditors
The Board, on the recommendation of Audit Committee, in its meeting held on 16th May,
2024, re-appointed T R Chadha & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants, as Internal Auditors of
the Company for FY 2024-25.
The Internal Auditors directly report to the Audit Committee.
Number of Board Meetings
During FY 2023-24, nine (9) meetings of the Board of Directors were held on 5th April,
2023, 7 th April, 2023, 1st May, 2023, 19 th May, 2023, 27 th July, 2023, 7th
November, 2023, 31st January, 2024, 7th March, 2024 and 27th March, 2024.
Meeting held on 7th November, 2023 was adjourned and the adjourned meeting was also
commenced and concluded the same day i.e. on 7th November, 2023. The details of
attendance of the Directors in said meetings are given in CGR, which forms part of the
Annual Report.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
(KMP')
At present Mr. Rohit Ahuja, Executive Director, Mr. Venkatramu Jayanthi, Whole-time
Director, Mr. Vineet Mahajan, Chief Financial Officer and Ms. Ruchi Mehta, Company
Secretary and Compliance Officer are designated as the KMP of the Company in compliance
with provisions of Section 203 of the Act. The changes in Directors and KMP during FY
2023-24, were as under: (a) Mr. Venkatramu Jayanthi (DIN: 08918442) was appointed as an
Additional Director in the category of Non-Executive Director with effect from 31st
January, 2024. The Shareholders of the Company approved through postal ballot, on 25th
April, 2024, appointment of Mr. Venkatramu as a Director on the Board of the Company. (b)
Mr. Ram Nirankar Rastogi (DIN: 07063686) was appointed as an Additional Director in the
category of Non-Executive Independent Director with effect from 31st January, 2024. The
Shareholders of the Company approved through postal ballot, on 25th April, 2024,
appointment of Mr. Rastogi as an Independent Director on the Board of the Company.
After the close of FY 2023-24, a) Mr. Vinit Kishore, CFO of the Company resigned with
effect from 18th May, 2024. b) Mr. Vineet Mahajan was appointed as CFO of the Company with
effect from 10th July, 2024. Mr. Subramanian Murali (DIN: 00041261), Non-Executive
Director of the Company, whose office is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM
and, being eligible, offers himself for re- appointment.
Mr. Mayank Jain (DIN: 00251609) was appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Director
of the Company for a term of five consecutive years w.e.f. 1st October, 2019.
His first term as Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company will expire on 30th
September, 2024.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC') and the Board at their
respective meetings held on 8th August, 2024, after taking into account the
performance evaluation of Mr. Mayank Jain during first term and considering his knowledge,
acumen, experience including proficiency, skills and based on declaration of independence,
eligibility etc. and consent received from him, has recommended to the Shareholders his
re-appointment for second term of five consecutive years. In opinion of the Board, he is a
person of integrity and possesses the relevant expertise and experience (including the
proficiency) and fulfills the conditions specified in the Act and Rules made thereunder
and the Listing Regulations for reappointment as an Independent Director, he is
independent of the management and his re-appointment as an Independent Director for the
second term would be in the interest and benefit to the Company.
As required under Regulation 36 of the Listing Regulations, the relevant provisions of
the Act and Secretarial Standard on General Meetings, a brief resume, nature of
expertise/details of experience and other Directorships/Committee memberships/
Chairmanships held by Mr. Murali and Mr. Jain in other Companies etc., forms part of the
Notice convening the 36th AGM.
Pursuant to the Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, the
Company has obtained a certificate from a company secretary in practice that none of the
directors on the board of the Company have been debarred or disqualified from being
appointed or continuing as directors of companies by SEBI/MCA or any such statutory
authority, forms a part of this annual report.
Independent Directors
The Company has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of the Company
confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed under provisions of
Section 149(6) of the Act, as amended. In accordance with the requirements of Regulation
25 of the Listing Regulations, the Independent Directors have also confirmed that they
meet the criteria of independence as provided in the Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing
Regulations and are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which exist or may be
reasonably anticipated, that could impair or impact their ability to discharge their
duties with an objective independent judgement and without any external influence.
The Board is of the opinion that the Independent Directors possess requisite integrity,
expertise, experience and proficiency and are independent of the Management of the
Company.
In terms of provisions of Section 150 of the Act read with rule 6 of the Companies
(Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, as amended, Independent
Directors of the Company have confirmed that they have registered themselves with the
Independent Director's Databank as maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate
Affairs, Manesar (IICA').
Mr. Mrutyunjay Mahapatra and Dr. (Ms.) Rashmi Aggarwal, Independent Directors of the
Company are exempted from the requirement to undertake online proficiency self-assessment
test, and Mr. Mayank Jain and Mr. Ram Nirankar Rastogi have successfully completed the
test.
Meeting of Independent Directors
A separate meeting of the Independent Directors was held on 28th March, 2024, without
the presence of Non-independent Directors and the members of management. Independent
Directors have discussed, inter-alia, the performance of Non-Executive Non-independent
Directors including, the Chairman of the Company, Executive Director and the Board as a
whole. The Independent Directors gave their detailed feedback on the Board evaluation and
performance of the directors evaluated by them and made suggestions for further
improvement.
Committees of the Board of Directors
As on 31st March, 2024, there were Eight (8) Committees of the Board of
Directors, viz. Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders
Relationship Committee, Risk Management Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility
Committee, Investment and Finance Committee, Committee (Growth) and Committee (Structure).
The details of the terms of reference, meetings held during the year under review,
attendance of directors/ members and other matters of the Audit Committee, Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee and Risk Management Committee
are provided in CGR, which forms part of the Annual Report.
During FY 2023-24, the Board of Directors constituted a Committee (Structure).
The said Committee was assigned the responsibility for reviewing and evaluating the
corporate structure of the Company and its subsidiaries and evaluating the necessary steps
to be taken to streamline the structure; and to discuss, review and negotiate with
consulting firm(s) with appropriate expertise in order to create a suitable structure.
The Board also constituted a Committee (Growth)' during FY 2023-24. The said
Committee was created to review and evaluate the acquisition of new businesses/entities
from growth perspective and make recommendation to the Board; and to carry out such other
functions as Committee may consider appropriate to achieve the said purpose.
During FY 2023-24, the Board reconstituted the earlier Investment Committee' and
changed its name to Investment and Finance Committee'. The terms of reference of
this revised Committee included, review of investment policy, review of portfolio
investments, transfer of investment from one folio to another, to borrow from Banks and/or
Financial Institutions and to carry out such other functions as may be assigned by the
Board.
Audit Committee (AC')
In compliance with the provisions of Section 177 of the Act and Regulation 18 of the
Listing Regulations, the Company has a duly constituted an AC. The AC comprised of the
following Directors during FY 2023-24:
1 |
Mr. Mrutyunjay Mahapatra |
- Chairman |
2 |
Dr. (Ms.) Rashmi Aggarwal |
- Member |
3 |
Mr. Subramanian Murali |
- Member |
During FY 2023-24, the AC has made several recommendations including quarterly
Financial Results and Financial Statements, appointment of Internal Auditors, Statutory
Auditors, Secretarial Auditors and other statutory matters and the Board accepted all the
recommendations made by the AC.
Risk Management Committee (RMC') and
Risk Management Policy
The Board has a RMC which comprised of the following members during FY 2023-24:
1 |
Mr. Rohit Ahuja |
- Chairman |
2 |
Mr. Mayank Jain |
- Member |
3 |
Dr. (Ms.) Rashmi Aggarwal |
- Member |
4 |
Mr. Vinit Kishore (till 18th May, 2024) |
- Member |
5 |
Ms. Ruchi Mehta |
- Member |
After the close of FY 2023-24, Mr. Vinit Kishore ceased to be a member of RMC.
The RMC has been entrusted with responsibility of monitoring and reviewing the Risk
Management Policy and framework, ensuring that appropriate methodologies, processes and
systems are in place and recommending to the Board any amendments or modifications
thereof.
The Company has a Risk Management Policy in place, which establishes a structured and
disciplined approach to risk management, in order to guide management on risk related
issues. The policy lays down the principles and procedures to identify, evaluate, monitor
and minimise the risk associated with the business of the Company. As a good practice, the
management regularly identifies the risks associated with different businesses of the
Company and implements the risk control system and processes. The Board, on recommendation
of the AC and RMC, reviews the major risks associated with the business of the Company and
ensures that appropriate systems/frameworks for risk management are in place.
The AC also evaluates and oversees risk management framework relating to financial
reporting process, disclosures of financial information, internal controls, compliance,
financial and risk management policies. A detailed disclosure on various Risk factors
associated with businesses of the Company is given in Management Discussion and Analysis
Report.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR')
As required under Section 135(1) of the Act, the Company had constituted a CSR
Committee which had following constitution during FY 2023-24:
1 |
Mr. Dilip Modi |
- Chairman |
2 |
Mr. Subramanian Murali |
- Member |
3 |
Mr. Mayank Jain |
- Member |
Since the Company was not meeting the criteria provided under Section 135(1) during FY
2022-23, the provisions of Act and CSR Rules were not applicable to the Company during FY
2023-24.
Performance Evaluation of the Board, its Committees and Individual Directors
As per the relevant regulations of the Listing Regulations and provisions of the Act,
the Nomination and Remuneration Committee (NRC') formulate the criteria and the
manner for effective evaluation of performance of the entire Board and its Committee and
individual Directors and decided that it will be done by the Board itself internally.
The Committee reviews its implementation and ensures the compliances thereof.
Pursuant to applicable provisions of the Act and relevant regulations of the Listing
Regulations, the Board, in consultation with NRC, has formulated a framework containing,
inter alia, the criteria for performance evaluation of the entire Board of the Company,
its Committees and individual Directors, including Independent Directors. During the year,
the said criteria were reviewed by the NRC and the Committee decided to continue with the
same criteria for evaluation purpose.
A structured questionnaire has been prepared, covering various aspects of the
functioning of the Board and its committees, such as, adequacy of the constitution and
composition of the Board and its committees, discharge of role and responsibilities by the
Board and its committees, succession plan for
Board Members and Senior Management, frequency of the meetings, regulatory compliances
and Corporate Governance, etc. Similarly, for evaluation of individual director's
performance including for Independent Directors, the questionnaire covers various aspects
like his/her attendance at the meetings of Board and its committees, contribution in the
Board and committee meetings, execution and performance of specific duties, obligations,
regulatory compliances and governance, adequate and timely disclosures, etc.
The Board has carried out formal annual evaluation of every Director's performance
including the Executive Director. The performance evaluation of the Independent Directors
have been done by the entire Board, excluding the Director being evaluated on the basis of
performance and fulfillment of the independence criteria as specified under the Act and
the Listing Regulations.
Directors' Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(5) of the Act, the Directors hereby confirm
that: (i) in the preparation of annual accounts for the FY 2023-24, the applicable
accounting standards had been followed along with proper explanation relating to material
departures; (ii) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently
and made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at 31st March, 2024 and of the
profit/loss of the Company for that period; (iii) 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 the Company and for preventing and detecting
fraud and other irregularities; (iv) they have prepared the annual accounts on a going
concern basis; (v) they have laid down proper internal financial controls to be followed
by the Company and such internal financial control are adequate and were operating
effectively; and (vi) they have devised proper system to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting
Standards
(Ind-AS) prescribed under provisions of Section 133 of the Act read with rules made
thereunder. These affirmations are based on the system of Company on internal control and
compliance, the report of internal, statutory and secretarial auditors, 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.
Management Discussion and Analysis Report
In terms of Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, Management Discussion and
Analysis (MDA') Report forms an integral part of this Report.
Business Responsibility & Sustainability
Report (BRSR')
BRSR reporting is not applicable to the Company as it has not been part of the top 1000
Companies based on market capitalisation as on 31st March, 2023.
Corporate Governance Report
A separate report on Corporate Governance (CGR') is enclosed as part of this
Annual Report.
Details in respect of adequacy of Internal
Financial Controls with reference to the Financial Statements
The Company has in place an established internal financial control (IFC') system
commensurate with its size and nature of its operations to ensure proper recording of
financial and operational information and compliance of various internal controls and
other regulatory and statutory compliances. Self-certification exercise is also conducted
by which senior management certifies effectiveness of the internal control system of the
Company. Findings of the Internal Audit Report are reviewed by the top management and by
the Audit Committee invariably and proper follow up actions are ensured, wherever
required.
The Company had appointed an external agency to conduct review, testing and verify the
prevalent internal financial control and risk management system. The Audit Committee
ensures that the Company maintains effective risk management and internal control systems
and processes. It provides its feedback and recommendation on the relevant matters to the
Board.
The Statutory Auditors and Internal Auditors also evaluate the system of Internal
Controls of the Company and report to the Audit Committee. Appropriate steps are taken to
bridge the gaps observed by them. In opinion of the Statutory Auditors, the Company has,
in all material respects, an adequate internal financial controls system with reference to
financial statements and such internal financial controls with reference to financial
statements were operating effectively as at 31st March, 2024.
Annual Return
In accordance with the provisions of Sections 92(3) and 134(3)(a) of the Act, the
Annual Return (Form MGT-7) for FY 2023-24, is available on the Company's website at link
https://investorrelations.digispice.com/ documents/118605907_annual-return-2023-2024.pdf
Particulars of Loans, Guarantees or Investments
The details of Loans, Guarantees or Investments made under provisions of Section 186 of
the Act are provided in the Note 40 of the Standalone Financial Statements.
Maintenance of cost records
Business activities of the Company are not covered under the ambit of Section 148 of
the Act read with the Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, hence, the Company
is not required to maintain cost records as specified by the Central Government under
above said provisions.
Public Deposits
During FY 2023-24, the Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits in terms
of Chapter V of the Act and no amount of interest or principal was outstanding as on 31st
March, 2024.
Particular of Contracts or Arrangements with Related Parties
All related party transactions, undertaken during FY 2023-24, are in compliance with
the applicable provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations. Further, no contracts,
arrangements or transactions entered into during the reporting year required approval from
Shareholders.
As required under the Regulation 23 of Listing Regulations, all related party
transactions are placed before the AC for its approval. The AC has granted Omnibus
approval for related party transactions which are repetitive in nature and fall within the
criteria laid down for the purpose. The details of transactions with related parties are
placed at the Audit Committee quarterly for its review. The Policy on Related Party
Transactions' dealing with such transactions and Policy for determining Material
Subsidiaries' are uploaded on the website of the Company viz. www.digispice.com.
There were no related party transactions entered into by the Company with Directors,
KMPs or other related parties which may have a potential conflict with the interest of the
Company.
During FY 2023-24:
All contracts/arrangements/transactions with related parties were at arm's length
basis and all contracts/arrangements with related parties were in the ordinary course of
business;
No material contracts/arrangements/transactions were entered into with any of the
related parties exceeding 10% of the annual consolidated turnover as per the last audited
financial statements of the Company.
The disclosure of related party transactions as required under provisions of Section
134(3)(h) of the Act in Form AOC-2 is not applicable to the Company for FY 2023-24 and
hence does not form part of this report. The details of the transactions with related
parties are provided in Note 33 of standalone financial statements and Note 39 of the
consolidated financial statements. Disclosures of transactions with Spice Connect Private
Limited (Promoter') who hold 10% or more shareholding in the Company, are provided
in the Note 33 of the Standalone Financial Statements.
Vigil Mechanism
Pursuant to provisions of Section 177 of the Act, Regulation 22 of the Listing
Regulations and Regulation 9A(6) of the SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations,
2015, as amended, the Company has established Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy'
for Directors and Employees and other stakeholders. This Policy has been established with
a view to provide a tool to directors and employees of the Company and other stakeholders
to report, to the management, genuine concerns including unethical behaviour, actual or
suspected fraud or violation of the Code of Conduct of the Company. This Policy outlines
the procedures for reporting, handling, investigating and deciding on the course of action
to be taken in case inappropriate conduct is noticed or suspected. This Policy also
provides for adequate safeguards against victimisation of director(s) or employee(s) or
any other person who avails of the mechanism and also provides for direct access to the
Chairman of the Audit Committee in exceptional cases. The Audit Committee is authorised to
oversee the Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy in the Company. The Company has not
received any concerns/grievances under the said policy during the year under review.
The Vigil mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy is available on the Company's website at the
link https://investorrelations.digispice.com/files/SML-WBP-01-04-2019.pdf
Company's policy on Directors' appointment and Remuneration
The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the NRC of the Company, had framed a
Policy for nomination and appointment of Directors. As required under provisions of
Section 178(3) of the Act and Regulation 19 read with Schedule II of the Listing
Regulations, the NRC also recommended to the Board the policy on remuneration, including
stock options to Directors (excluding Independent Directors), KMP, SMP and other employees
of the Company, which was duly approved by the Board. The policy in terms of Section
178(3) of the Act is available at https://investorrelations.
digispice.com/information.php?page=policies. The Board on the recommendation of the NRC
appoints the Senior Management Personnel from time to time.
During FY 2023-24, the Non-Executive Directors of the Company had no pecuniary
relationship or transactions with the Company, other than sitting fees to Independent
Directors, allotment of shares against options allotted under ESOP scheme and
reimbursement of expenses, wherever required.
Employees Stock Option Plan
The NRC in its meetings held on 18th September, 2018, 5th February, 2019, 1
st August, 2022 and 8 th August, 2024 had granted Options under DTL Employees Stock Option
Scheme - 2018 (ESOP Scheme') to eligible employees.
The Certificate issued by the Secretarial Auditors of the Company as required under
Regulation 13 of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations,
2021, confirming that the ESOP Scheme has been implemented in accordance with the said
Regulations and the resolutions passed by the members, would be made available at the AGM
for inspection by members.
The applicable disclosures as on 31st March, 2024, as stipulated under the aforesaid
Regulations, with regard to the ESOP Scheme of the Company are available on the website of
the Company at https://investorrelations.digispice.com/files/ESOP_ Disclosure_2024.pdf
Particulars of Employees
In terms of the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5 of the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, as amended,
the details of remuneration and other details of the Directors, KMP and employees covered
as mentioned under the said rule is annexed as Annexure - A which forms part of this
report.
Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment
The Company has consistently been putting its effort to create a safe working
environment for every employee particularly women employees. Towards this effort and as
per requirement under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prohibition, Prevention
and Redressal) Act, 2013, as amended, the Company has put in place a Policy on
Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace'. The Company has complied with the
provisions relating to the constitution of Internal Committee.
The statement of complaints filed, disposed of and pending as on 31st March, 2024 is
provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
Significant and Material Orders passed by the
Regulators, Courts or Tribunal
No significant and material orders were passed by the Regulators, Courts or Tribunals
impacting the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo
The information pursuant to provisions of Section 134 of the Act read with Rule 8(3) of
the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, as amended, related to Conservation of Energy,
Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo is given as Annexure - B.
Compliance with Secretarial Standards
The Company has complied with the provisions of Secretarial Standard 1 (Secretarial
Standard on meetings of the Board of Directors) and Secretarial Standard 2 (Secretarial
Standard on General Meetings) issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
Material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the
Company
There were no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the
Company during FY 2023-24. The details of discontinued operations are already provided in
this report under the head Performance Review and State of Company Affairs'.
Subsequent to close of FY 2023-24, the Board has approved a Scheme of Amalgamation by way
of merger, the brief whereof is provided earlier in this report, under the head
Restructuring through Scheme of Amalgamation by way of Merger'.
Proceeding pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (31 of 2016)
There is no proceeding pending against the Company under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code, 2016.
Acknowledgements
Your Directors would like to express their grateful appreciation for continued support
received from the Banks, Government Authorities, Customers, Vendors and Members during the
year under review. Your Directors also wish to place on record their deep sense of
appreciation for the committed services of the employees of the Company at all levels.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors of |
|
DiGiSPICE Technologies Limited |
|
Date: 5th September, 2024 |
Dilip Modi |
Place: Noida |
Chairman |