Dear Members
Your Directors hereby submit the Forty-Sixth Annual Report together
with the Audited Financial Statements of your Company for the Financial Year ended 31st
March 2024.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
The Company's financial performance for the year ended on 31st
March 2024 is summarized below:
(Rupees in Lakhs)
Particulars |
For the year ended March 31, 2024 |
For the year ended March 31, 2023 |
Revenue from Operations |
42,540.73 |
46,029.66 |
Other Income |
765.90 |
445.62 |
Total Income |
43,306.63 |
46,475.28 |
Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation
and Amortization (EBITDA) and exceptional items |
910.65 |
632.47 |
Finance cost |
34.28 |
59.07 |
Depreciation & Amortization expense |
263.25 |
201.97 |
Profit before tax and exceptional item |
613.12 |
371.43 |
Exceptional item |
- |
724.39 |
Provision for Tax Expenses |
163.31 |
263.93 |
Profit After Tax |
449.81 |
831.89 |
Other Comprehensive Income, net of tax |
(7.80) |
(0.61) |
Total Comprehensive Income |
442.01 |
831.28 |
Earnings per Equity share of Rs.2/- Basic
(Rs.) |
0.73 |
1.52 |
Earnings per Equity share of Rs.2/- Diluted
(Rs.) |
0.73 |
1.52 |
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS AND STATE OF AFFAIRS
During FY 2023-24, the Company adeptly navigated a challenging business
environment, encountering both setbacks and achievements. This period highlighted the
Company's resilience and the collective strength of its team. Despite numerous obstacles,
the Company demonstrated confidence and determination in overcoming each challenge.
Revenue from operations for the year ended 31st March 2024 (FY 24) was
INR 425 crore, reflecting a 7.6% decrease compared to the previous year (FY 23). The
Company's Profit Before Tax and exceptional items grew by 65%, reaching INR 6.1 crore
compared to INR 3.7 crore in FY 23. The Profit After Tax for FY 2023-24 increased by
51.2%, amounting to INR 4.5 crore, excluding exceptional items, compared to last year's
INR 3.0 crore. Including exceptional items, the Profit After Tax for FY 2023-24 was INR
4.5 crore, compared to INR 8.3 crore in the previous year, which included an exceptional
income of INR 5.3 crore from the sale of idle land and buildings in Jammu. Overall product
gross margins improved by 2.9% in FY 2023-24, driven by better sales price realisation,
product mix enhancements, and various cost optimisation initiatives.
The Sewing Machine Business revenue for FY 24 stood at INR 308.2 crore,
slightly lower than FY 23's INR 312.8 crore. The decline was primarily due to the
cancellation of the Zig Zag Sewing machine license by the BIS and the suspension of
certain products by the Canteen Store Department (CSD). However, growth in the Industrial
and Artisan Sewing Machine categories, along with subsequent BIS approval to import
through NOC and the resolution of CSD suspensions in Q4, mitigated the overall impact.
The Home Appliances Business revenue was INR 117.2 crore, a 20.5% drop
from the previous year's INR 147.5 crore. The Company focused on reducing the operating
loss in this segment by discontinuing unprofitable products and related operating costs,
and realigning strategies to prioritise high-margin products and channels. This strategy
resulted in reduced revenue and operating losses for the year.
Looking ahead, the Company is poised to embark on an ambitious product
innovation plan, focusing on enhancing consumer experiences in the black household sewing
machine range and expanding the Zig Zag category with high-tech electronic and
state-of-the-art embroidery machines. These initiatives aim to reinforce the Company's
market position. To drive growth and increase market share, the Company will enhance
dealer engagement and implement targeted marketing strategies to boost brand visibility.
In the home appliances segment, the focus will be on selected categories to achieve
substantial growth while phasing out unprofitable ones. Additionally, the Company plans to
develop innovative premium products with unique selling propositions to command better
pricing and premium positioning in the consumer market.
A detailed analysis of the Company's state of affairs can be found in
the Management Discussion and Analysis' section of this report.
HUMAN CAPITAL
The Company upholds high standards of Human Resource management,
ensuring regulatory compliance and offering continuous learning and development
opportunities. In Financial Year 2023-24, the Company was certified as a Great Place to
Work, enhancing confidence among internal and external stakeholders.
CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS
During the period under review, there has been no change in the nature
of business of the Company.
DIVIDEND
The Board of Directors has decided not to recommend any dividend for
the Financial Year 2023-24 to support future expansion plans of the Company.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
During the year under review, there is no transfer of funds to the
Company's General Reserve Account.
SHARE CAPITAL
Authorised Capital
During the Financial Year 2023-24, there was no change in the
authorised share capital of the Company. As on March 31,2024, the Authorised Share Capital
of the Company is Rs. 20,00,00,000 (Rupees Twenty Crore Only) divided into 10,00,00,000
(Ten Crore) Equity Shares having a nominal value of Rs. 2/- (Rupees Two Only) each.
Issued, Subscribed and Paid-up Capital
As on March 31, 2024, the Issued, Subscribed and Paid- up Equity Share
Capital of the Company is Rs. 12,23,86,078 (Rupees Twelve Crore Twenty-Three Lakhs
Eighty-Six Thousand Seventy-Eight Only) divided into 6,11,93,039 (Six Crores Eleven Lakhs
Ninety-Three Thousand Thirty-Nine Only) equity shares having a nominal value of Rs. 2/-
(Rupees Two Only) each.
The Company has not issued shares with differential voting rights or
sweat equity shares during the year 2023-24. As on 31st March 2024, none of the
Directors of the Company hold any instruments convertible into equity shares of the
Company.
Employee Stock Option Scheme
Singer Employee Stock Option Scheme 2023 (ESOP Scheme') for the
issuance and allotment of options exercisable into, not more than 36,00,000 (Thirty-Six
Lakhs) equity shares having face value of Rs. 2/- (Rupees Two Only) each to eligible
employees of the Company was put forward to the members of the Company for their approval
through Postal Ballot Notice dated 5th April 2023. On 28th April
2023, the Scheme was approved by the members of the Company by giving their assent on the
implementation of the Scheme.
As on March 31,2024, the total number of stock options granted pursuant
to ESOP Scheme is 32,50,000 (including forfeited options) options out of 36,00,000 equity
shares. No options
have been vested under the ESOP Scheme and consequently, no allotment
of shares was made under the ESOP Scheme. Due to resignation of an employee 50,000 options
have been lapsed during the year which was granted to him during his tenure.
Details regarding the Scheme is uploaded on the Company's website and
can be accessed at https://singerindia.com/ investors/draft-singer-india/.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS, IF ANY, AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL
POSITION OF THE COMPANY WHICH HAVE OCCURRED BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR OF THE
COMPANY TO WHICH THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS RELATE AND THE DATE OF THE REPORT.
During the year under review, no material changes and commitments
affecting the financial position of the Company occurred between the end of the financial
year to which these financial statements relate and the date of this Report.
TRANSFER OF UNPAID DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
(IEPF)
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 124 of the Act, Investor
Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit Transfer and Refund) Rules,
2016 (IEPF Rules) read with the relevant circulars and amendments thereto, the
amount of dividend remaining unpaid or unclaimed for a period of seven years from the due
date is required to be transferred to the Investor Education and Protection Fund
(IEPF), constituted by the Central Government. Further, according to the
Rules, the shares in respect of which dividend has not been paid or claimed by the members
for seven consecutive years or more shall also be transferred to the demat account created
by the IEPF Authority.
The Company had sent individual notices and also advertised in the
newspapers seeking action from the members who have not claimed their dividends for seven
consecutive years or more. Thereafter, the Company had, accordingly, transferred Rs.
94,467.50/- being the unpaid and unclaimed dividend amount pertaining to financial year
2015-2016 and transmitted 6,560 (on account of Unclaimed Dividend for FY 2015-2016) Equity
Shares of the Company into the DEMAT Account of the IEPF Authority held with CDSL (DPID/
Client ID 1204720013676780) during the financial year 2023-24 in terms of the provisions
of Section 124(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit,
Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, as amended from time to time.
Members whose shares, unclaimed dividend, have been transferred to the
IEPF demat Account or the Fund, as the case may be, may claim the shares or apply for a
refund by making an application to the IEPF Authority in Form IEPF - 5 (available on
http://www.iepf.gov.in) along with requisite fee as decided by the IEPF Authority from
time to time. The member can file only one consolidated claim in a financial year as per
the IEPF Rules.
The Company will be transferring the final dividend and corresponding
shares for the financial year 2016-17 within statutory timelines. Members are requested to
ensure that they claim the dividends and shares referred to above before they are
transferred to the said Fund. The due dates for the transfer of unclaimed dividends to
IEPF are provided in the report on Corporate Governance. Details of shares/shareholders in
respect of which dividend has not been claimed, are provided on the website of the Company
at www.singerindia.com. The shareholders who have not encashed their dividend warrants for
the financial year 2016-17 or any subsequent year are requested to lodge their claims for
claiming unclaimed Dividend. The shareholders are encouraged to verify their records and
claim their dividends of all the earlier seven years, if not claimed.
DEPOSITS
During the year under review, the Company has not invited/ accepted
deposits falling within the ambit of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules made
thereunder.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
During the year under review, your Company has not made any loan, given
any guarantee or provided any security and/or made investments covered under the
provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with rules made thereunder.
Therefore, the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are not applicable to
the Company.
SUBSIDIARY COMPANY AND CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL
STATEMENT
Brand Trading (India) Private Limited ("BTIPL"), is a wholly
owned subsidiary of the Company and is a non-material, unlisted subsidiary of the Company
pursuant to SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015(Listing Regulation/ SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015).
On 13th November 2019, the Board of this subsidiary company
initiated voluntary liquidation process of its affairs under Section 59 of the Insolvency
and Bankruptcy Code 2016 read with Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board (Voluntary Liquidation
Process) Regulations, 2017. The liquidation received the necessary approvals from
shareholders, creditors, and other concerned parties. Subsequently, at the Extraordinary
General Meeting held on 31st January 2020, BTIPL formally resolved to end
operations and appointed the liquidator.
Financial information of the subsidiary had been consolidated till 31st
January 2020 on a line-by-line basis. Intra-group balances and transactions were
eliminated during consolidation for the period ending on that date. Accordingly,
consolidated financial results had not been prepared and presented since the quarter ended
30th June 2020 and as on 31st March 2024, the liquidation
proceedings are still under process.
During the year under review, the Company does not have any Associate
or Joint Venture Company. Consequently, consolidation of financial statements with other
entities is not required.
STATEMENT CONTAINING SALIENT FEATURES OF THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF SUBSIDIARIES/ ASSOCIATE COMPANIES/ JOINT VENTURES
Statement pursuant to Section 129(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 related
to Subsidiary Company as 31st March 2024 in Form AOC-1 is annexed to this
Report as Annexure - I.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
An active and informed Board is a pre-requisite for strong and
effective corporate governance. The Board plays a crucial role in overseeing how the
management safeguards the interests of all the stakeholders. The Board ensures that the
Company has clear goals aligned with the shareholders' value and growth. The Board is duly
supported by the Chairman, Managing Director, and Senior Management Team in ensuring
effective functioning of the Company.
As on 31st March 2024, the Board is comprised of 9 (nine)
Directors, out of which 1 (one) is Executive Managing Director, 4 (four) are Non-Executive
Non-Independent Directors and 4 (four) are Non-Executive Independent Directors (including
one Woman Independent Director).
Further, during Financial Year 2023-24 and till date of this report,
following changes occurred in Directorship and Key Managerial Personnel positions of the
Company:
Mr. Rajesh Relan (DIN: 00505611) was appointed as Additional
Director (Non-Executive Independent Director) on the Board of the Company with effect from
23rd March 2023. His appointment as Non-Executive Independent Director of the
Company was put forward to the members of the Company for their approval through Postal
Ballot Notice dated 5th April 2023 and on 28th May 2023, appointment
was approved by the members of the Company.
Mr. Rajeev Bajaj has stepped down from the position of Managing
Director of the Company with effect from 30th April 2023. Mr. Rakesh Khanna
(DIN: 00266132) was appointed as an Additional Director on the Board of the Company with
effect from 5th April 2023. His appointment as Vice Chairman & Managing
Director of the Company was put forward to the members of the Company for their approval
through Postal Ballot Notice dated 5th April 2023 and on 28th May
2023 his appointment was approved by the members of the Company.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, Ms. Rickee Bisla has stepped
down from the position of Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of the Company w.e.f.
closure of business hours on 09th October 2023 and in her place, Ms. Rupinder
Kaur was appointed as a Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of the Company w.e.f.
10th October 2023.
In terms of the provisions of Section 152 of the Act, Mr. Hetal
Madhukant Gandhi (DIN: 00106895), Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of the Company,
is liable to retire
by rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM) of
the Company. Being eligible, he has offered himself for re-appointment. The Board members
recommend his appointment at the ensuing AGM for due consideration and approval of members
of the Company.
Mr. Sunil Duggal (DIN: 07291685) was appointed as an Additional
Director (Non-Executive Independent Director) on the Board of the Company with effect from
23rd May 2024. His appointment as Director is proposed before the members of
the Company at the upcoming 46thAGM.
Further, apart from the above stated facts, there was no change in the
composition of the Board of Directors.
All Directors of the Company have provided declarations to the fact
that they are not debarred from holding the office of Director by virtue of any SEBI order
or any other Statutory Authority as required under the Circular dated June 20, 2018,
issued by BSE.
The Board is of the opinion that independent directors as well as the
director(s) proposed to be appointed/re-appointed, possess the requisite qualifications,
experience and expertise and hold high standards of integrity, which are beneficial to the
Company and its stakeholders. The list of key skills, expertise and core competencies of
the Board is provided in the CG Report which forms an integral part of this Annual Report.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS LIABILITY INSURANCE
(D&O)
As per the provisions of the Listing Regulations, the Company has taken
a Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (D&O) on behalf of all Directors
including Independent Directors and Officers, of the Company for indemnifying any of them
against any liability alleged for any negligence, default, misfeasance, breach of duty or
breach of trust.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As required under Regulation 34 read with Schedule V of Securities
Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 (hereinafter called the Listing Regulations/SEBI (LODR) Regulations,
2015), a separate report on Corporate Governance is enclosed as a part of this
Annual Report. The Company has complied with the Corporate Governance requirements as
stipulated under the Listing Regulations except one inadvertent non-compliance duly
reported in the Corporate Governance report. A certificate from M/s. Varuna Mittal &
Associates, Practicing Company Secretary, confirming the compliance of the conditions of
Corporate Governance is annexed and forms part of the Annual Report.
DECLARATIONS BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS'
Your Company had received declarations from all the Independent
Directors of the Company confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as
prescribed under Section 149, Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 along with rules
framed thereunder and Regulation 16 & 25 of the Listing Regulations and are not
disqualified to act as Independent Directors. Also, in the opinion of
the Board of the Company, all Independent Directors of the Company have integrity,
expertise, experience as prescribed under the Companies (Appointment and Disqualification
of Directors) Rules, 2014 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 (including
amendment thereof). All the Independent Directors of the Company have complied with the
provisions of Rule 6 of Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014
with respect to their registration in databank.
Independent Directors are also familiarized with their roles, rights,
and responsibilities as well as with the nature of industry and business model through
induction program at the time of their appointment as Directors and through presentations
on economy & industry overview, key regulatory developments, strategy, and performance
which are made to the Directors from time to time.
BOARD MEETINGS
During the year under review, the Board of Directors of the Company met
Seven (7) times. The details of meetings of the Board of Directors held during the
financial year 2023-24 and attendance thereof are disclosed in the Corporate Governance
Report, which forms an integral part of this report.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Based on compliance certificates received from the executives of the
Company & subject to the disclosures in the financial statements for the financial
year ended 31st March 2024, in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act,
2013, the Directors confirm that:
a) in the preparation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended on 31st
March 2024, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along with proper
explanation relating to material departures, if any;
b) appropriate accounting policies have been selected and applied
consistently and judgments and estimates made are reasonable and prudent so as to give a
true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as on 31st March 2024
and of the profit of the Company for the period ended 31st March 2024;
c) proper and sufficient care has been taken 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 Annual Financial Statements have been prepared on a going
concern basis;
e) the Company is following up the proper internal financial controls
and such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
f) the Company has devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all the applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating
effectively.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
In compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 17 of Listing
Regulations the Board adopted a formal mechanism for evaluating its performance and as
well as that of its committees and individual Directors, including the Chairman of the
Board. The manner in which the annual performance evaluation has been carried out and has
been explained in the Corporate Governance Report.
The evaluation criteria of the Company can be accessed at
https://singerindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Board-
Diversity-policy-and-evaluation-criteria.pdf.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
The details pertaining to the composition of the Audit Committee are
disclosed in the Corporate Governance Report, which is an integral part of this report.
All the recommendations of the Audit Committee have been duly accepted by the Board
whenever made by the Committee during the year.
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
The powers, role, and terms of reference of the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee cover the areas as contemplated under Section 178 of the Companies
Act, 2013 and Regulation 19 of the Listing Regulations. The role includes formulation of
criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a
director and recommending to the Board a policy relating to the remuneration for the
directors, key managerial personnel and other employees, formulation of criteria for
evaluation of Independent Directors and the Board, devising a policy on diversity of Board
of Directors, and identification of persons who are qualified to become directors and who
may be appointed in senior management, etc. Brief details of the Nomination &
Remuneration Policy are provided in the Corporate Governance Report.
The Nomination & Remuneration Policy of the Company can be accessed
at https://singerindia.com/wp-content/
uploads/2022/07/Nomination-and-remuneration-policv.pdf.
Details of remuneration under Section 197 of the Act and read with Rule
5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014
is stated in Annexure- II, which forms part of this report.
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND THEIR
ADEQUACY
The Company has adequate internal control systems and procedures
designed to effectively control the operations at its various functions. The internal
control systems are designed to ensure that the financial and other records are reliable
for the preparation of financial statements and for maintaining assets. The Company has
well designed Standard Operating Procedures which have also been reviewed/modified
periodically to further enhance the control aspects. The audit scope, methodology to be
used, reporting framework are defined well in advance, subject to consideration of the
Audit Committee of the Company. The Internal Auditors evaluate the efficacy and adequacy
of the
internal control system, its compliance with operating systems and
policies of the Company and accounting procedures at all the locations of the Company.
Based on the report of the Internal Auditors, process owners undertake corrective action
in their respective areas and thereby strengthen the controls. Internal Auditors carried
out quarterly procedures to verify effectiveness and efficacy of internal controls and
their findings are reviewed by the management and by the Audit Committee of the Board of
Directors.
Based on the deliberations with Statutory Auditors to ascertain their
views on the financial statements including the Financial Reporting System and Compliance
to Accounting Policies & Procedures, the Audit Committee was satisfied with the
adequacy and effectiveness of the Internal Control and Systems followed by the Company.
INDIAN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS (IND AS), 2015
The annexed financial statements comply in all material aspects with
Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) notified under Section 133 of the Act read with
Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 and other relevant provisions of the
Act.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company has laid down a well-defined Risk Management Policy to
identify the risks associated with the business of the Company. The Board, where
appropriate, periodically reviews the significant risks to mitigate the risk exposure.
More details are given in the Management Discussions and Analysis Report in the Annual
Report.
The Risk Management Policy of the Company in terms of provisions of
Section 134(3)(n) of the Act read with the Listing Regulations is in place and can be
accessed at https://singerindia.
com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Risk-Management-Policy.pdf.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
In terms of provisions of Section 135 of the Act read with the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, the Company has
constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Committee and has formulated a CSR
Policy, indicating the activities to be undertaken by the Company. The brief details of
CSR Committee are provided in the Corporate Governance Report. The Annual Report on CSR
activities as prescribed under the CSR Rules is set out as Annexure -III, forming part of
this Report.
The CSR Policy of the Company can be accessed on the Company's website
at https://singerindia.com/wp-content/ uploads/2022/07/CSR-POLICY 2021.pdf.
During the year under review, the Company had taken initiatives to run
skill development centers for the benefit of the underprivileged women & men whereby
they are being trained to develop their skills in the field of sewing, embroidery work and
other related work to make them self-proficient and independent working member of their
family. These CSR initiatives are implemented through
Corporates/Trusts/Societies/NGOs/Other
Institutions. These projects/activities are also in accordance with
Schedule VII of the Act.
The Company spent Rs.24.50 Lakhs during the financial year ended 31st
March 2024 on these skill development centers.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report on matters related to the
business performance as stipulated under the Listing Regulations forms a separate section
of this report.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND
REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company had adopted a policy for prevention of Sexual Harassment of
Women at workplace as per the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. Internal Complaints Committee has been
set up to redress complaints relating to sexual harassment at workplace of any employee.
All employees (Permanent, Contractual, Temporary and Trainees) are covered under this
Policy.
The Company periodically conducts sessions for employees across the
organization to build awareness about the POSH Policy and the provisions of POSH Act.
The Company has received only one complaint during the year 2023-24 and
no complaint is pending at the end of the year 2023-24.
The Prevention of Sexual Harassment Policy of the Company can be
accessed at Company's website at https://singerindia.
com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Policy-against-Sexual- Harassment-at-Workplace.pdf.
ANNUAL RETURN
In terms of Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 12 of the
Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return of the Company is
available on the website of the Company at https://singerindia.com/investors/
annual-return/.
RELATED PARTIES TRANSACTIONS
Your Company has adopted a related party transactions policy. The Audit
Committee reviews the policy from time to time and approves all related party
transactions, to ensure that the same are in line with the provisions of applicable law
and the related party transactions policy. The Committee approves the related party
transactions and wherever it is not possible to estimate the value, approves limit for the
financial year, based on best estimates. All the related party transactions of the Company
are reviewed by the Audit Committee and presented to the Board on a quarterly basis. These
transactions were at arm's length basis and in the ordinary course of business and are in
compliance with the provisions of Section 188 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
Companies (Meeting of Board and its
Powers) Rules, 2014 and Listing Regulations. There were no materially
significant related party transactions entered into by the Company during the year under
review. The disclosures relating to related parties are explained in Note 35 in the notes
to accounts attached to the Financial Statements. The particulars of contracts or
arrangements with related parties referred to in sub-section (1) of Section 188 of the Act
in the prescribed Form AOC-2 is annexed as Annexure- IV.
The policy of the Company on Related Party Transactions can be accessed
at https://singerindia.com/wp-content/ uploads/2022/07/updated-RELATED-PARTY-TRANSACTION-
POLICY-2022.pdf.
VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The Company has adopted a whistle blower policy and has established the
necessary vigil mechanism for employees and directors to report about the genuine
concerns, unethical behavior, fraud or violation of Company's Code of Conduct and
leakage/suspected leakage of Unpublished Price Sensitive Information with respect to the
Company. No person has been denied access to the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
The Company has received only one complaint during the year 2023-24 and
no complaint is pending at the end of the year 2023-24 in respect to whistle blower
policy.
The said policy of the Company can be accessed at
https://singerindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ WHISTLEBLOWER-POLICY.pdf.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR
TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS OF THE COMPANY
There are no significant material orders passed by the Regulators or
Courts or Tribunals which would impact the going concern status and the Company's
operations in future.
STATUS OF APPEALS OF UNSECURED CREDITORS UNDER THE BOARD FOR INDUSTRIAL
AND FINANCIAL RECONSTRUCTION (BIFR) REHABILITATION SCHEME
The order issued by the Hon'ble Appellate Authority for Industrial and
Financial Reconstruction (AAIFR) on December 22, 2015, regarding a dispute with nine
unsecured creditors, was under appeal in both the Hon'ble Delhi High Court and the Supreme
Court. However, the Company has effectively reached amicable settlements with seven out of
the nine parties involved.
On March 17th, 2023, the Hon'ble Supreme Court rendered a
judgment clarifying that under the approval of a rehabilitation scheme pursuant to the
Sick Industries Companies Act, 1985, an unsecured creditor is not entitled to reject the
scaled-down value of its dues and seek recovery of the debt with interest
post-rehabilitation. This ruling effectively left the opposing party (unsecured creditor)
with no recourse but to withdraw their appeal filed with the Delhi High Court.
Subsequently, the Delhi
High Court issued an order on January 03, 2024, dismissing the
application filed by the opposing party and directing the Company to pay the amount
offered as per the rehabilitation scheme to the concerned party.
STATUTORY AUDIT
M/s B S R & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration Number
101248W/W-100022), are the Statutory Auditors of the Company, who were re-appointed for a
second term of five (5) years at the 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM')
held on 26th September 2022 to hold the office from the conclusion of the 44th
AGM of the Company upto the conclusion of the 49th AGM of the Company.
M/s B S R & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants, (Firm Registration
Number 101248W/W-100022), the Statutory Auditors of the Company has given their report(s)
on the financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended 31st
March 2024, which forms part of the Annual Report. There is no qualification, reservation,
adverse remark, comments, observations, or disclaimer given by the Statutory Auditors in
their report(s). There were no frauds reported by the Statutory Auditors under the
provisions of Section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with rules framed thereunder, M/s. H.O. Gulati & Co., Practicing Company
Secretaries, were appointed as the Secretarial Auditors of the Company to carry out the
Secretarial Audit for the year ending 31st March 2024. The Report of the
Secretarial Audit is annexed herewith as Annexure - V.
There are no qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks, comments,
observations, or disclaimers made by the Secretarial Auditors in their report.
There were no frauds reported by the Secretarial Auditors under the
provisions of Section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013.
INTERNAL AUDITOR
In accordance with the provisions of Section 138 of the Act and rules
made thereunder, the Board of Directors of the Company had appointed for the financial
year 2023-24, M/s. O.P. Bagla & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, as an Internal Auditor
to conduct the Internal Audit of the Company. Their scope of work includes reviewing
operational efficiency, effectiveness of systems & processes, compliances and
assessing the internal control strengths in all areas. Internal Auditors' findings are
discussed, and suitable corrective actions are taken as per the directions of Audit
Committee as on-going basis to improve efficiency in operations.
During the financial year 2023-24, no fraud was reported by the
Internal Auditor of the Company in their Audit Report.
ANNUAL SECRETARIAL COMPLIANCE REPORT
In accordance with the SEBI Circular dated 8th February,
2019 read with Regulation 24A of the SEBI Listing Regulations, the Company has obtained an
Annual Secretarial Compliance Report from M/s. H.O. Gulati & Co., Practicing Company
Secretaries, confirming compliances with all applicable SEBI Regulations, Circulars and
Guidelines for the year ended 31st March 2024 and was submitted to the stock
exchange.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
During the year under review, the Company has complied with the
applicable provisions of the Secretarial Standard on meetings of the Board of Directors
(SS-1') and the Secretarial Standard on General Meetings (SS-2') issued by the
Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
COST RECORDS
During the year ended 31st March 2024, the Company is
engaged in Manufacturing and primarily in trading of Sewing Machines & related
accessories and trading of Home Appliances. More than 90% of revenue generated by the
Company comes from the trading activities, therefore, the turnover generated from the
manufacturing activity is below the threshold limit to come under the purview of Cost
Audit as per Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013. Therefore, the Company is not
required to maintain cost records as per sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Act.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided in Annexure-II to this Report.
The Board of Directors wishes to thank all employees for their
contributions to the Company's operations throughout the year. The Company's growth has
been aided by the collective spirit of cooperation among all levels of personnel, as well
as their sense of ownership and devotion.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION,
FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNING AND OUTGO
A statement giving details of conservation of energy, technology
absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo in accordance with Section 134(3) (m) of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with
Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is provided in Annexure
- VI to this Report.
PROCEEDING UNDER INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016
No application or any proceeding has been filed against the Company
under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016, during the financial year 2023-24.
DETAILS OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OF THE VALUATION DONE AT THE TIME
OF ONE-TIME SETTLEMENT AND THE VALUATION DONE WHILE TAKING LOAN FROM THE BANKS OR
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ALONG WITH THE REASONS THEREOF
The Company has not made any one-time settlement, therefore, the same
is not applicable.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT
Statements in this Director's Report' & Management
Discussion and Analysis Report' describing the Company's objectives, projections,
estimates, expectations, or predictions may be forward looking statements within the
meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Actual results could differ materially from
those expressed or implied. Important factors that could make difference to the Company's
operations including raw material/ fuel availability and its prices, cyclical demand and
pricing in the Company's principle markets, changes in the Government regulations, tax
regimes, economic developments within India and the countries in which the Company
conducts business and other ancillary factors.
APPRECIATION AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Directors place on record their sincere thanks and appreciation to
SINGER, our Shareholders, all our customers, dealers/distributors, suppliers and banks,
authorities, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, members and associates for their
co-operation and support at all times and to all our employees for their valued
contribution to the growth and profitability of your Company's business and look forward
to their continued support. We are deeply grateful for the confidence and faith that our
stakeholders have always reposed in us.
For and on behalf of the Board
Place: New Delhi |
Date: 23.05.2024 |
Sd/- |
Paresh Nath Sharma |
Chairman |