Dear Shareholders,
Your Director are pleased to present their Thirty-Fourth (34th) Annual
Report on the business and operations of your Company along with the audited financial
statements, both standalone and consolidated, for the financial year ended 31st
March 2024.
1. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS:
|
Standalone |
Consolidated |
Description |
(Rupees in lakhs) |
(Rupees in lakhs) |
|
FY 2023-2024 |
FY 2022-2023 |
FY 2023-2024 |
FY 2022-2023 |
Revenue from Operation |
30215.92 |
33253.83 |
30215.92 |
33253.83 |
Other Income |
58.77 |
346.89 |
58.77 |
346.89 |
Total Income |
30274.69 |
33600.72 |
30274.69 |
33600.72 |
Cost of Materials Consumed |
24370.26 |
25363.90 |
24370.26 |
25363.90 |
Changes in Inventory |
(1418.75) |
(859.06) |
(1418.75) |
(859.06) |
Employee Benefit Expenses |
720.69 |
765.54 |
720.69 |
765.54 |
Finance Cost |
938.78 |
858.68 |
938.78 |
858.68 |
Depreciation and Amortization |
469.50 |
424.03 |
469.50 |
424.03 |
Other Expenses |
4428.29 |
6138.92 |
4428.29 |
6138.92 |
Total Expenses |
29,508.77 |
32,692.02 |
29,508.77 |
32,692.02 |
Profit before Tax & Exceptional Items |
765.92 |
908.69 |
765.92 |
908.69 |
Share of Profit/(Loss) from Associate |
- |
- |
- |
(4.90) |
Exceptional Items |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Profit Before Tax |
765.92 |
908.69 |
765.92 |
903.79 |
Tax Expenses |
178.62 |
254.27 |
178.62 |
254.27 |
Profit after Tax |
587.30 |
654.42 |
587.30 |
649.52 |
Earnings Per Share |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Basic |
2.46 |
2.69 |
2.46 |
2.67 |
Diluted |
2.46 |
2.69 |
2.46 |
2.67 |
2. SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS & STATE OF COMPANY AFFAIRS:
The turnover of the company for the year ended 31st March, 2024 was _
30,215.92 Lakhs against
_ 33,253.83 Lakhs in the previous year. The profit for the year after tax is _ 587.30
lakhs as against a profit of _ 654.42 lakhs during the previous financial year.
Sharat Industries Limited is one of the very few companies in India which has all 4
divisions located within a 5-kilometer radius. All the divisions work together to ensure
that there is continuous production throughout the year despite pre-existing seasonality
in the business in general. This results in high quality produce due to quick processing
and reduced logistics. The Company has invested significantly in the capex of its farm and
processing divisions in recent years to further boost the production capacity.
The shortfall in market demand during the year and price fluctuations were the key
factors for inappreciable profits. The company is exploring alternate market facilities to
increase export volume and lower operating costs. The directors are confident that the
performance of the company will improve in the years to come.
3. CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL:
During the year under review there were no changes to Share Capital of the Company.
Authorized Share Capital:
The authorized Share Capital of the Company as on 31st March 2024 is _
50,00,00,000/- (Rupees Fifty Crore) divided into 5,00,00,000 Equity shares having face
value of Rs. 10/- each.
Paid-Up Equity Share Capital:
The Paid-up Capital of the Company is _ 23,91,25,000 (Rupees Twenty Three Crores Ninety
One Lakhs Twenty Five Thousand) divided into 2,39,12,500 equity shares having face value
of _ 10/- each.
4. DIVIDEND:
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on 14th November 2023, declared
an interim dividend of _ 0.25 (Twenty Five paise only) (2.5%) per equity shares of _ 10/-
each. The interim dividend was paid to the shareholders on 08th December 2023.
The total outflow on account of said dividend was _ 59.78 lakhs. Your Board has not
recommended any further dividend for the financial year 2023-2024.
5. TRANSFER TO RESERVES:
The Board of Directors of your company has decided not to transfer any amount to the
reserves for the year under review.
6. CREDIT RATING:
The Credit rating of the Company remained unchanged during the Financial Year under
review.
7. LISTING OF SHARES:
The Equity shares of the Company have been listed on the BSE Limited. The Company has
paid applicable listing fees to the Stock Exchange and Depositories within stipulated
time.
8. NATURE OF BUSINESS:
The company continues to be an integrated Aquaculture company with Hatchery, Culture,
Feed and Shrimp Processing & Exports business and during the year, the company has not
changed its business.
9. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS:
There have been no material changes and commitments, which affect the financial
position of the company that have occurred between the end of the financial year to the
date of this report.
10. ALTERATION OF MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION
During the year under review, your company has not altered its Memorandum of
Association and Articles of Association.
11. INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND ITS ADEQUACY:
In accordance with Section 134(5) of the Act, the Company has Internal Financial
Control Policies by means of policies & procedures commensurate with size and nature
of operations. The Company's policies, procedures & standards are developed to uphold
internal controls across the organisation. These controls ensure transactions are
authorised, recorded and reported correctly and assets are safeguarded and protected
against loss from unauthorised use or disposition. In addition, there are operational
controls and fraud risk controls, covering the entire spectrum of internal financial
controls. The controls were tested during the year and no material weakness exists. Audit
Committee of the Board, periodically reviews the internal audit plans and
observations/recommendations of Internal and Statutory Auditors. In accordance with Rule
8(5) (viii) of Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, it is hereby confirmed that the Internal
Financial Controls are adequate with reference to the financial statements.
12. ANNUAL RETURN:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 92(3) and Section 134(3) of the Companies Act
2013 read with rule 12 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules 2014 as
amended from time to time, the Annual Return of the Company as on 31st March
2024 in e-form MGT-7 is available on Company's website and can be accessed at
http://www.sharatindustries.com/uploads/3/9/8/5/39859679/sil_draft_mgt-7_fy_23-24.pdf
13. DETAILS OF SUBSIDIARIES AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES:
United Aquatech Private Limited
United Aquatech Private Limited is Company's associate in Chennai. Your company holds
49% of United Aquatech Private Limited equity share capital. United Aquatech Private
Limited deals in business of Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for development of and
operation of Shrimp farm at project locations.
During the year under review, United Aquatech Private Limited recorded revenue of _
178.68 lakhs (previous year _ 284.79 lakhs) and registered loss before tax of _ 10.61
lakhs (previous year loss _ 20.04 lakhs)
Pursuant to section 129(3) of the Act, the statement containing the salient features of
the financial statements of the Company's associate is enclosed as Annexure- III of the
Board Report.
14. STATUTORY AUDITORS:
M/s A. R Krishnan & Associates, Chartered Accountants (FRN: 009805S) were
re-appointed as statutory auditors of the Company for a second term of five (5)
consecutive years, to hold office from the conclusion of the 32nd Annual
General Meeting held on 29th September 2022 till the conclusion of 37th
Annual General meeting to be held in the year 2027.
15. STATUTORY AUDITORS' REPORT:
The Statutory Auditors report for the Financial Year 2023-2024 does not contain any
qualification, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer.
16. CHANGES IN DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
During the year under review, there were no changes on the Board of Directors of the
Company.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
Mr. M. Balamurugan (Membership No: A66115) was appointed as Company Secretary and
Compliance officer with effect from 22nd April 2023 and continues to hold the
position.
RE-APPOINTMENT OF DIRECTOR RETIRING BY ROTATION:
In terms of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr. Shanmugam P (DIN: 08877587) is
liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing 34th Annual General Meeting and
being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
The Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee has recommended the re-appointment of Mr. Shanmugam P (DIN: 08877587) as
Director of the Company.
17. DECLARATION FROM INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
The Board of Directors has received declarations from all the Independent Directors of
the Company confirming that they meet with criteria of Independence as prescribed both
under sub-section (6) of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and under Regulation
16(1)(b) read with Regulation 25 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"). The Independent
Directors have also complied with the Code of Conduct prescribed in Schedule IV to the
Act.
In accordance with Companies (Appointment & Qualification of Directors) Fifth
Amendment Rules, 2019, Company has received declarations from Independent Directors
confirming that they have registered with the Independent Directors Data Bank through
Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs.
Information on familiarization program to Independent Directors is provided in the
Corporate Governance Report section of this Annual Report.
18. SEPARATE MEETING OF INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Separate meeting of Independent Directors was held on 14th February 2024 to
review the performance of the Non-Independent Directors and the Board as a whole, to
review the performance of Chairperson of the Company and assess the quality, quantity and
timeliness of flow of information between the management and the Board that is necessary
for the Board to effectively and reasonably perform its duties.
19. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
The Directors' Responsibility Statement referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (3) of
Section 134 & 134 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013, shall state that:
a. that the financial statements for the year ended March 31, 2024 have been
prepared in conformity with Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) and requirements of the
Act, and that of guidelines issued by SEBI, to the extent applicable to the Company along
with proper explanation relating to material departures;
b. The directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at 31st
March 2024 and of the profit of the company for the year ended on that date;
c. The directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act 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 that 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.
20. NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD:
During the Financial Year 2023-2024 under review, the Board of Directors of the company
met 5 (Five) times i.e., on 22nd April 2023, 30th May 2023, 12th
August 2023, 14th November 2023 and 14th February 2024.
The further details relating to the Board meetings are given in Corporate Governance
Section of this Annual Report. The gap between any two Meetings was within the period
prescribed in the Companies Act 2013 and SEBI LODR.
21. POLICY ON DIRECTORS' APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION:
As on the date of this report, the Board consists of 6 (Six) Directors, of which 2
(Two) are Executive Directors (one Managing Director and one Whole-Time Director), 4
(Four) are Non-executive Directors (Three are Independent and one is Non-Independent)
Director. The policy of the Company on Director's appointment and remuneration, including
criteria for determining qualifications, independence and other matters as provided under
subsection (3) of Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013 (the Act) is available on the
Company's website at http://www.sharatindustries.com/uploads/3/9/8/5/39859679/
sharat_industriesfiremuneration_policy.pdf
22. AUDIT COMMITTEE:
Your Company has an Audit Committee pursuant to the requirements of the Act read with
Rules framed there under and SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. The details relating to the
same are given in the report on Corporate Governance forming part of this Report. During
FY 2023-2024 the recommendations of Audit Committee were duly accepted by the Board.
23. VIGIL MECHANISM/ WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY:
Pursuant to Section 177(9) of the Companies Act 2013 and Regulation 22 of the SEBI
(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 the Company has
formulated a whistle blower mechanism for directors and employees to report concerns about
unethical behavior, actual or suspected frauds or violation of the Company's code of
conduct and ethics. The Audit Committee of the Board oversees the functioning of Whistle
Blower Policy. The Whistle Blower Policy covering all the employees and directors is
available in the Company's website. The Vigil Mechanism Policy has been uploaded on the
website of the Company at http://www.sharatindustries.eom/uploads/3/9/8/5/39859679/sharat_
industries_vigil_mechanism_and_whistle-blower_policy.pdf
24. RISK MANAGEMENT:
The risk management is based on the clear understanding of the type and severity of
risks that the organization faces and the processes to be followed for monitoring and
measuring on a continuous basis to manage the same with ease and efficiency.
25. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION
The details of conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings
and outflow are as follows:
a. Conservation of energy
S. No |
Particulars |
FY 2023-2024 |
(i) |
The steps taken towards conservation of energy |
To plan replacement of all ACBs at main control room. |
(ii) |
The steps taken by the company for utilizing alternate sources of energy |
Need to plan stand by DG set for the replacement of old 725 KVA DG set and
synchronizing setups. |
(iii) |
The capital investment on energy conservation equipments |
Planning for solar projects at 1.50 MV DC to 1.2 MV AC. |
b. Technology absorption:
S.No |
Particulars |
FY 2023-2024 |
(i) |
Efforts made towards technology absorption |
Installed evaporative condenser for replacement of old condenser to carry out full
production capacity. |
(ii) |
Benefits derived like product improvement, cost reduction, product development or
import substitution |
Installed all VFD drives to system motors/ compressor units |
(iii) |
In case of imported technology (imported during the last three years reckoned from the
beginning of the financial year) |
Evaporative condensers, grading machinery etc. |
|
(a) details of technology imported |
System upgraded with drives an operation |
|
(b) the year of import; |
2023-2024 |
|
(c) whether the technology been fully absorbed |
Yes 90% of technology absorbed |
|
(d) if not fully absorbed, areas where absorption has not taken place, and the
reasons thereof |
One old screw compressor is replaced with new motor and another one will be planned
soon |
(iv) |
The expenditure incurred on Research and Development |
Rs. 8-10 lakhs |
26. FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO:
During the year under review, the details of Foreign Exchange Earnings and outgo are as
under:
Particulars |
FY 2023-2024 (Rs. in lakhs) |
FY 2022-2023 (Rs. in lakhs) |
Foreign Exchange |
_ 21,080.71/- |
_ 23,072.44/- |
Foreign Outgo |
_ 418.93/- |
_ 650.12/- |
27. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY(CSR):
In terms of Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 read with CSR rules, your company
during the year 2023-2024 spent _12.10 Lakhs being the two percent of the average net
profit of your Company during the three preceding financial year in accordance with CSR
policy of the Company.
Annual Report on CSR initiatives as required under the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy) Rules 2014, as amended (CSR Rules) is annexed as Annexure
I and forms part of this report.
28. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
In accordance with SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015 (Listing Regulations), a Compliance report on Corporate Governance as per Schedule V
of the Listing Regulations, along with a Certificate of Compliance from the Practicing
Company Secretary forms part of this report as Annexure VI
29. DEPOSITS
During the year under review, your Company has not invited or accepted any deposits
from the public under Section 76 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rules made there under.
30. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES REMUNERATION:
The information as required under the provisions of Section 197(12) of the Companies
Act, 2013 and read with Rule 5(1), 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, are set out in Annexure V
attached herewith which forms part of this report.
The statement containing such particulars of employees as required in terms of the
provisions of Section 197(12) of the Act read with rules 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, forms part of the
Annual Report. Pursuant to the provisions of the Section 136(1) of the Companies Act,
2013, the reports and accounts, as set out therein, are being sent to all members of the
Company, excluding the aforesaid information and the same is open for inspection at the
registered office of the Company during working hours up to the date of Annual General
Meeting and if any member is interested in obtaining such information, may write to the
Company Secretary at the registered office of the Company in this regard.
31. MANAGERIAL REMUNERATION RECEIVED FROM THE COMPANY, HOLDING OR SUBSIDIARY COMPANY:
During the year, the Company does not have holding or subsidiary Company.
Name |
Designation |
Remuneration received from the Company for the FY 2023-2024 (Rs. in
Lakhs) |
Mr. Prasad Reddy Sabbella |
Managing Director |
72/- |
Mr. Sharat Reddy Sabbella |
Whole-Time Director |
60/- |
32. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS UNDER SECTION 186 DETAILS OFLOANS:
During the year under review, the Company has not given any loan, guarantee or made
Investment as per the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act 2013.
33. PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES:
All the related party transactions entered during the year were in ordinary course of
business and on arm's length basis.
There are no materially significant related party transactions that may have potential
conflict with interest of the company at large.
The details of the related party transactions as per Indian Accounting Standards (Ind
AS) 24 are set out in the notes to the Financial Statements of the Company.
Form AOC-2 pursuant to Section 134 (2) (h) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8
(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is set out as Annexure IV to the
report.
The policy on Related Party Transaction as approved and can be accessed at the website
of the Company
http://www.sharatindustries.com/uploads/3/9/8/5/39859679/sharat_industries_rtp.pdf
34. COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS ON BOARD AND GENERAL MEETING:
During the Financial Year 2023-2024, your company has complied with applicable
Secretarial Standards, namely SS-1, SS-2 & SS-3 issued by Company Secretaries of
India.
35. ANNUAL SECRETARIAL COMPLIANCE REPORT
Annual Secretarial Compliance report for the Financial Year ended 31st
March, 2024 on the compliance of all applicable SEBI regulation and circulars/guidelines,
issued by M/s. BP & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, Chennai was submitted
to BSE Limited.
36. SECRETARIAL AUDITOR S REPORT
In terms of Section 204(1) of the companies Act 2013, read with Rule 9 of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules 2014, the Board of Directors
has appointed M/s. BP & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries, Chennai as
Secretarial Auditors of the Company for conducting the Secretarial Audit for the financial
year 2023-2024.The report of the Secretarial Auditor is Annexure II to this
report.
The Secretarial Audit report for the financial year ended 31st March 2024
contains qualification and clarification by the Board is as follows:
S. No |
Observations/Remarks |
Response by the Company |
1. |
The Company has not followed the procedure for reclassification of Promoters as per
the Regulation 31A of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015. |
The Company is continuously initiating appropriate steps to file a fresh application
under Regulation 102 of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 seeking dispensation or relaxation
of strict compliance with respect to regulation 31A of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 for
rectifying the errors as soon as possible due to incorrect classification of certain
public shareholders under promoter's category. |
2. |
The Company has not filed certain forms and maintained register as required under
other laws that are applicable to the Company. |
The Company has taken cognizant of the fact and has ensured that the company will take
all the possible steps to comply with the provisions of all applicable laws applicable to
company. |
37. INTERNAL AUDIT:
Pursuant to Section 138 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 13 of the Companies
(Accounts) Rules, 2014 and all other applicable provisions (including any amendment
thereto) if any of the Companies Act, 2013, M/s. P S S & CO Chartered Accountants,
Chennai were re-appointed as the Internal Auditors of the Company for the Financial Year
2023-2024.
38. COST AUDIT:
The provisions of the Cost Audit are not applicable to the Company.
39. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT.
Management Discussion and Analysis Report of the company for the year under review as
required under Regulation 17 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 is included in this report.
40. SIGNIFICANT OR MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY REGULATORS/COURTS/TRIBUNAL
There are no significant and material order passed by the regulators or court or
tribunal impacting the going concern status and the Company's operations in furture.
41. OBLIGATION OF COMPANY UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORK PLACE
(PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013:
To prevent sexual harassment of women at work place, a new act The Sexual Harassment of
Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 has been notified on
9thDecember, 2013 and every company is required to set up an Internal
Complaints Committee to look into complaints relating to sexual harassment at work place
of any women employee.
Your Company has adopted a policy for prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at
workplace and has set up Committee for implementation of said policy. During the year
Company has not received any complaint of harassment.
42. MECHANISM FOR BOARD EVALUATION:
Regulation 17(10) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 states that the Board shall monitor
and review the Board evaluation framework. The Companies Act, 2013 states that a formal
Annual Evaluation needs to be made by the Board of its own performance and that of its
committees and individual Directors.
Schedule IV of the Companies Act,2013 states that the performance evaluation of the
Independent Directors shall be done by the entire Board of Directors, excluding the
Director being evaluated.
The Directors evaluation was broadly based on the parameters such as understanding of
the Company's vision and objective, skills, knowledge and experience, participation and
attendance in Board/Committee meetings; governance and contribution to strategy;
interpersonal skills etc.
The Board has carried out the annual performance evaluation of its own performance the
Directors individually as well as evaluation of the working of its Board Committees. A
structured questionnaire was prepared covering various aspects of the Board's functioning
such as adequacy of the composition of the Board and its Committees, Board Culture,
execution and performance of specific duties, obligations and governance.
43. PREVENTION OF INSIDER TRADING:
The Company has a policy viz., Code of Conduct to regulate, monitor and report trading
by designated person and same has been posted on the website of the company
http://www.sharatindustries.com/
uploads/3/9/8/5/39859679/code_of_conduct_for_insiderfitrading.pdf
44. PERSONNEL:
The relations between the management and the staff were very cordial throughout the
year. Your Directors take this opportunity to record their appreciation for the
co-operation and loyal services rendered by the employees.
45. GENERAL
Your directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required of the following
matter as there were no transaction on these matters during the year under review:
Issue of equity shares with differential rights.
Issue of shares to employees of the Company under any scheme.
No instance of fraud reported by the Auditors under section 143 (12) of the Act.
There are no proceedings pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy code, 2016.
There was no instance of one-time settlement with any Banks or financial
institution.
46. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Your Directors gratefully acknowledge with thanks the constructive guidance and
co-operation extended by MPEDA, AXIS BANK LIMITED and Government of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil
Nadu and also to employees at all levels, suppliers, dealers and customers for their
strong support.
Your Directors also thank the shareholders for their continued confidence and trust
placed by them with the Company.
|
|
By Order of the Board of Directors |
|
|
For SHARAT INDUSTRIES LIMITED |
Place: Nellore |
S. Prasad Reddy |
S. Sharat Reddy |
Date: 22nd July 2024 |
Managing Director |
Whole-time Director |
|
DIN: 00069094 |
DIN:02929724 |
|