Mar 31, 2023
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting the 30th Annual Report (âthe Reportâ / âthis Reportâ) along with audited financial statements of your Company, for financial year ended March 31, 2023.
The financial statements of the Company are in accordance with Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 (the âActâ) read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, and amendments thereof. The standalone as well as the consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS). The consolidated and standalone financial highlights of the Company for financial year ended March 31, 2023, are summarised as follows.
(Rs. in Lakh except EPS) |
||||
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
||
2022-23 |
2021-22 |
2022-23 |
2021-22 |
|
Total Receipts / Gross Sales and Operating Income |
6,47,802.82 |
4,79,029.16 |
823,512.22 |
614,722.48 |
Profit Before Depreciation, Tax and Exceptional Items |
49,838.12 |
61,487.30 |
100,127.17 |
94,443.95 |
Depreciation and Amortisation Expenses |
7,423.68 |
6,970.70 |
34,108.34 |
33,823.00 |
Profit/(Loss) Before Tax & Exceptional Items |
42,414.44 |
54,600.93 |
66,018.83 |
60,620.95 |
Exceptional Items |
(34,915.14) |
76,960.00 |
7,200 |
(32,600) |
Provision for Taxation |
10,202.22 |
8,505.75 |
21,527.96 |
16,080.35 |
Profit/(Loss) after tax |
67,127.36 |
(30,864.82) |
37,290.87 |
77,140.60 |
Other Comprehensive Income |
(26.42) |
62.53 |
240.42 |
130.42 |
Share of Profit/(Loss) of subsidiaries transferred to Non-controlling Interest * |
N.A. |
152.22 |
(715.50) |
|
Total Comprehensive Income (post Non-controlling interest) |
67,100.94 |
(30,802.29 ) |
37,374.11 |
77,984.46 |
EPS - with exceptional items Basic & Diluted (face value |
23.91 |
(10.99) |
13.23 |
27.73 |
Rs.5/- each) EPS - without exceptional items Basic & Diluted (face value Rs.5/- each) |
11.47 |
16.42 |
15.79 |
16.12 |
Performance of the Company during FY 2022-23 Projects update:
During the year under review, the Company has won Road Projects on EPC basis worth Rs.5,322.30 Crore, Railway Projects
worth Rs.751.67 Crore, Power Projects worth Rs.2,492.53 Crore, Building vertical Rs.254.50 Crore and others Rs.632.24 Crore aggregating worth Rs.9,453.24 Crore as detailed below.
Name of the Project |
Authority |
Project Cost (Rs. In Crore) |
EPC - Roads - Highways |
||
âRequest for Proposal for Procurement of Phase 1: East Bank-East Coast Road Linkage Project (Ogle to Haags Bosch, Eccles)â |
Government of the co-operative Republic of Guyana |
851.20 |
Request for proposal for Construction of 6 lane Elevated Corridor along with development of existing 4 lane road at ground level from Aroor to Thuravoor Thekku section of NH - 66 (from Km. 366 330 to Km. 379 082 of NH-66) (Length 12.752 Km) under Bharatmala Pariyojana in the State of Kerala on EPC mode |
National Highways Authority of India |
1,668.50 |
Request for proposal for Construction of Four Lane Elevated Corridor and at-grade improvements from Design Ch:0 000 to Design Ch: 19 870 of Danapur - Bihta Section with providing connectivity to the existing RoB near Danapur station (0.231 km), 1.35 Km ramps & at-grade improvements to Four lane section on Danapur side and Upgradation of existing Two lane carriageway to Four Lane carriageway from Design Ch:19 870 to Design Ch:23 500 of Bihta - Koilwar section (Total Length 25.081 Kms) in the state of Bihar on EPC Mode |
National Highways Authority of India |
2,161.00 |
Improvement of Baraiyerhat - Heanko -Ramgarh Road (R151 & R152) by widening & Reconstruction of Existing Pavement, Bangladesh |
Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges (MORTB), Govt. of Bangladesh |
641.60 |
Sub-total (A) |
5,322.30 |
|
EPC - Building |
||
Civil and Structural Finishes work for Provident Palmvista Residential Project, at Kalyan |
Provident Housing Limited |
254.50 |
Sub-total (B) |
254.50 |
|
EPC -Railways & Power |
||
Provision of Train Collision Avoidance System (KAVACH) along with two 24 Fiber OFC backbone in the sections between Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay (DDU) and Pradhankhunta (PKA) of the East Central Railway |
East Central Railways |
208.89 |
Construction Of New Bg Line Between Chainage 192.000 And Chainage 171.640 Including Electrical & Telecommunication Works Between Tolahunse (Ex.) & Bharmasagar (Ex.) Stations ON Engineering, Procurement & Construction (EPC) Mode |
South Western Railways |
258.13 |
Seroni Road (excluding) to Sheopurkalan (including) GC Project excluding TRD and S&T work in connection with Gwalior - Sheopurkalan GC Project of North Central Railway |
North Central Railways |
284.65 |
Sub-total (C) |
751.67 |
|
Rural electrification of one hundred (100) localities by the centralized network in the Republic of Benin o Lot 1: Electrification of 26 localities in the Departments of Atacora, Donga, Oueme and Plateau |
Agence Beninoise dâElectrification Rurale et de Maitrise dâEnergie (ABERME) |
58.15 |
Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of New 11 KV Lines, LT Line on AB cable, Distribution Transformer Substation and Supporting works such as DPs, TPs, Crossing etc. for separation of 11 KV Mix Feeders & Mix DTRs under Revamped Reforms-based and Results-linked Distribution Sector (Package-06) in Balaghat circle of MPPKVVCL, Jabalpur Company Area. |
Madhya Pradesh Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited |
209.99 |
Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of New 11 KV Lines, LT Line on AB cable, Distribution Transformer Substation and Supporting works such as DPs, TPs, Crossing etc. for separation of 11 KV Mix Feeders & Mix DTRs under Revamped Reforms based and Results-linked Distribution Sector (Package-07) in Rewa circle of MPPKVVCL, Jabalpur Company Area. |
Madhya Pradesh Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited |
311.76 |
Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of New 11 KV Lines, LT Line on AB cable, Distribution Transformer Substation and Supporting works such as DPs, TPs, Crossing etc. for separation of 11 KV Mix Feeders & Mix DTRs under Revamped Reforms-based and Results-linked Distribution Sector (Package-08) in Satna circle of MPPKVVCL, Jabalpur Company Area. |
Madhya Pradesh Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited |
232.84 |
Development Of Distribution Infrastructure at AGRA-1 Zone ( Electricity Distribution Circle EDC Fatehabad, EDC Mainpuri, EDC Firozabad, EUDC Firozabad), District Agra, Mainpuri & Firozabad of Uttar Pradesh State Under Revamped Reforms-Based And Results-Linked, Distribution Sector Scheme |
Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited |
437.52 |
Development of Distribution Infrastructure At Aligarh-2 Zone (Electricity Distribution Circle Etah & Kasganj ,District-Etah & Kasganj) of Uttar Pradesh State under Revamped Reforms-Based and Results-Linked, Distribution Sector Scheme. |
Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited |
370.12 |
Development of Distribution Infrastructure works in Surajpur Districts of Chhattisgarh State under the Revamped Reforms-based and Results-linked, Distribution Sector Scheme |
Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Limited |
192.93 |
Development of Distribution Infrastructure at Muzaffarpur Electric Supply Circle (Muzaffarpur, Sitamarhi and Sheohar Districts) of Bihar Under Revamped Reforms-Based And Results-Linked, Distribution Sector Scheme Nit No:30/Pr/ Nbpdcl/2022 |
North Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited |
366.67 |
Development of Distribution Infrastructure at Electric Supply Circle Pesu (East) & Electric Supply Circle Pesu (West) Of Patna District of Bihar Under Revamped Reforms-Based And Results-Linked, Distribution Sector Scheme Nit No:-49/Pr/Sbpdcl/2022 |
South Bihar Power Distribution Company Limited |
312.55 |
Sub-total (D) |
3,244.20 |
|
Others |
||
Request for Proposal for Selection of Agency for Construction and Maintenance of Rajiv Gandhi Fintech Digital Institute, Jodhpur |
Department of Information Technology & Communication, Govt. of Rajasthan |
599.99 |
Empanelment of Transportation agencies with rate contract for Evacuation of ash from ash ponds DTPS, DVC and nuisance free transportation along with disposal of the same in abandoned open cast mines /Stone Quarries / NHAI Project sites / any other designated places outside plant boundary of DTPS, DVC |
Damodar Valley Corporation |
32.25 |
Sub-total (E) |
632.24 |
> NHAI declared March 31 2022 as the Commercial Operations Date (COD) for Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) Project of National Highways Authority of India viz. Vadodara-Kim Expressway;
> Share Purchase agreement executed for sale/disposal of its stake in GVR Ashoka Chennai ORR Limited to NIIF, subject to compliance and permissions from Lenders and TNRDC;
> Full completion certificate w.e.f. April 21, 2022 received for Khairatunda Barwa Adda Road Project on Hybrid Annuity Mode (HAM) basis of National Highways Authority of India;
> Credit Rating by CRISIL has been updated for both longterm and short-term debt of the Company as âCRISIL AA-/Stable (Removed from âRating under Watch with Developing Implications; Rating reaffirmed and CRISIL A1 (Removed from âRating under Watch with Developing Implications; Rating reaffirmed) respectively;
> Received an amount of Rs.97.37 Crore as per Conciliation Agreement with NHAI towards amicable settlement of claims with Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited, a step-down subsidiary;
> Acquisition from IIF of its entire 49% stake held in Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited, a step-down subsidiary, by Viva Infrastructure Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary;
> Received an award from NHAI by extension of concession period up to 240 days for the Project executed by Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited, a step-down subsidiary, against various claims including loss of toll;
> NHAI declared October 26, 2021 as the Commercial Operations Date (COD) for Tumkur-Shivamogga Road Project Package I;
> NHAI declared November 13, 2022 as an Appointed Date for Baswantpur-Singnodi Road Project;
> Execution of Share Purchase Agreement by Ashoka Concessions Limited and Viva Highways Limited, subsidiaries of the Company, with National Investment and Infrastructure Fund Limited (âNIIFâ) and Jaora-Nayagaon Toll Road Company Private Limited (âJTCLâ), subsidiary, for sale of 28,70,00,000 equity shares in JTCL, constituting 100% of the share capital of JTCL, from ACL and VHL to NIIF and settlement of certain assets for a consideration of Rs. 691,00,00,000/- (Rupees Six Hundred and Ninety One Crore only) subject to compliance of conditions precedent under the SPA;
> NHAI declared November 19 2022 as the Commercial Operations Date (COD) for Kandi-Ramsanpalle Road Project;
> Execution of Share Purchase Agreement with Mahanagar Gas Limited for sale/disposal of the stake held in Unison Enviro Private Limited, subject to compliance of conditions precedent under the SPA.
During the Financial Year under review, there was no change in
the nature of Companyâs business.
Awards and Recognitions received by the Company during the year under review: |
|
Particulars |
Name of the Award / Recognition |
Construction Industry Development Council Vishwakarma Awards 2023 |
CIDC Chairman''s Commendation Award for making the industry a vibrant place through exemplary work and dedication |
Construction Industry Development Council Vishwakarma Awards 2023 |
Achievement of Safety Health and Environment (Pangarh-Palasit Road Project) |
Construction Times Awards 2023 |
Best Executed Bridge Project Award for the construction of India''s 1st 8 Lane extra dosed cable stayed bridge across river Narmada, Gujarat in a record time of 33 months. |
Safe-Tech Awards 2022 |
1. Best Worker Safety Measures Award to VNL Package 1, Jharkhand |
Safe-Tech Awards 2022 |
2. Employee Training Campaign Award to Panagarh Palasit Road Project, Kolkata |
CIA Construction & Infrastructure Awards 2022 |
Best Company In Bridges |
Maharashtra State Best Employer Brand Award |
Best Employer Brand Award |
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways Excellence Awards 2022 |
Silver Award to Hirebagewadi Toll Plaza in Karnataka for Excellence in Toll Management |
Corp Comm Vision and Innovation Awards |
Excellence in Building People Connect through a Social Cause |
The global economy remains in a precarious state amid the protracted effects of the overlapping negative shocks of the pandemic, the Russian Federationâs invasion of Ukraine and the sharp tightening of monetary policy to contain high inflation. Among many emerging market and developing economies and especially in low-income countries, bolstering fiscal sustainability will require generating higher revenues, making spending more efficient and improving debt management practices.
The Indian economy has risen from being 10th to the 5th largest economy globally. The per capita income has doubled and increased to 1.97 lakh in 9 years. Indian economy is expected to grow by 5.9% in FY 2023-24 and by an average rate of 6.1% over the next five years. The economy has been on a recovery path after the impact of the pandemic. Development of Indiaâs infrastructure sector has a multiplier effect on demand and efficiency of transport and increases commercial and entrepreneurship opportunities. Through Government initiatives like establishment of National Investment and
Infrastructure Fund and Infrastructure Finance Secretariat to enhance opportunities for private investments. India intends to enhance its infrastructure to reach its 2025 economic growth target of US$ 5 trillion.
Our company has a well-diversified order backlog of INR 158bn (2.5x FY23 revenue), providing visibility of moderate revenue growth over the next couple of years. Backlog is diversified into Highways, Power distribution, Railways, Buildings etc. Company has also entered into international geographies, which account for 19% of the order backlog.
Infrastructure projects are often given by the Government of India, individual state governments or state corporations through a competitive bidding procedure in which bidders must demonstrate that they meet certain qualifying requirements. Due to the lengthy planning and implementation phases inherent in BOT & HAM projects, large cash input is sometimes required.
As a pioneer in integrated EPC and BOT business, company has immense opportunities to grow on base of various factors such as:
⢠Infrastructure spend remains strong; government capex to rise to 5.6% of GDP in FY24
⢠Under Phase-II of Bharatmala Pariyojana, NHAI plans to award 30,200km of which NHAI has already shortlisted 5,000km
⢠For FY24, MoRTHâs target of awarding 13,000-14,000km. The target for physical completion of NHs has been set at 12,500km in FY24 ( 14%YoY)
⢠Indiaâs target of attaining modest capacity for renewable energy
⢠Indian Railwayâs focus on construction of new lines, track renewals and line doubling in FY24
⢠The objective of electrifying the entire broad-gauge network with the FY24 target being 6,500 route km
⢠Under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, governmentâs plan to redevelop/upgrade 1,275 railway stations largely through the EPC route
To reiterate that, the companyâs primary focus remains to build sustainable EPC business in segments of highways, railways, power T&D and buildings.
Capital Expenditure
As at March 31, 2023, the Gross value of Fixed Assets including Property Plant & Equipment (PPE), Intangible Assets, CWIP and Right of use was Rs.836.45 Crore and WDV value is Rs.310.69 Crore. During year, addition in PPE was Rs.82.75 Crore.
There was no change in the authorised share capital of the Company during financial year. The paid-up share capital as at March 31, 2023 stood at Rs.140.36 Crore. During the year under review, there is no change in the paid-up share capital of the Company. The Company has not issued any shares with differential voting rights or by way of rights issue or Sweat Equity shares or shares under ESOP. Further, it has not provided any money to its employees for purchase of its own shares hence the Company has nothing to report in respect of Rule 4(4), Rule 12(9) and Rule 16 of the Companies (Share Capital & Debentures) Rules, 2014.
The Company has not issued any Debentures, commercial papers or any other debt securities during the year under review.
Considering the future development plans of the company along with requirement of the funds for execution of those plans, the Board thinks it is prudent not to recommend any dividend to the shareholders for FY 2022-23. (Previous Year: Nil).
The Board of Directors has not recommended any dividend this year. The amount of profits has been retained for future requirement of the Company for investment in capital of Subsidiaries / Project SPVs.
The Company has not transferred any amount to the reserves of the Company during the financial year under review.
Public Deposits
During the year under review, your Company had not accepted any deposit within the meaning of the provisions of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 (âthe Actâ) read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Committees
Your Company has in place the following Committees as mandated under the provisions of the Act and Listing Regulations.
The Company has duly constituted the following mandatory Committees in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 & SEBI (LODR) Regulations 2015 read with rules framed thereunder viz.
a. Audit Committee:
b. Nomination and Remuneration Committee;
c. Stakeholdersâ Relationship Committee;
d. Corporate Social Responsibility Committee; and
e. Risk Management Committee.
The Composition of all such Committees, number of meeting/ (s) held during the year under review, brief terms of reference and other details have been provided in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Annual Report. All the recommendations made by the Committees were accepted by the Board.
Policies / Codes of the Company:
The list of Policies/Codes hosted on the website of the Company at www.ashokabuildcon.com is given in Corporate Governance Report forming part of this report.
Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures
The Company has 38 subsidiaries, including 4 subsidiaries as its material unlisted subsidiaries and 7 Associate and Joint Ventures as on March 31, 2023.
In accordance with Section 129(3) of the Act and as per Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) 110, the Company has prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries and Associates, which form part of the Report.
A report on the performance and financial position of each of the subsidiaries, associates and joint venture companies is provided in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Act, read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, a statement containing salient features of the financial statements of the Companyâs Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures in Form AOC-1 as Annexure - I is attached to the Boardâs Report.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 136 of the Act, the Annual Report of the Company, containing therein its standalone and the consolidated financial statements has been placed on the website of the Company. Further, audited annual accounts of each of the subsidiary companies have also been placed on the website of the Company, at https://www.ashokabuildcon.com/ financial-information.php
The Shareholders interested in obtaining a copy of the audited annual accounts of the subsidiary companies may write to the Company Secretary at the Companyâs registered office address.
During the year under review:
> The investment in equity shares of the Company in Ashoka Banwara Bettadahalli Road Private Limited (ABBRPL) increased by addition of 3,00,00,000 shares to 3,00, 50,000.
> The investment in equity shares of the Company in Ashoka Baswantpur Singnodi Road Private Limited (ABSRPL) increased by addition of 2,83,20,000 shares to 2,83,70,000.
Framework for Monitoring Subsidiary Companies
During the year under review, Four (4) Companies were identified as material subsidiaries of the Company, as per the
Listing Regulations. In terms of the provisions of Regulation 24(1) of the Listing Regulations, appointment of one of the Independent Directors of the Company on the Board of material subsidiaries was applicable to only three (3) subsidiaries viz. Viva Highways Limited, Ashoka Concessions Limited, Jaora-Nayagaon Toll Road Company Private Limited. Mr. Gyan Chand Daga represents independent directors of the Company on the Board of Directors of three material subsidiaries.
The composition and effectiveness of Boards of all subsidiaries is reviewed by the Company periodically. The Governance framework is also ensured through appointment of Secretarial Auditors. Guidance is provided to subsidiaries on matters relating to conduct of Board meeting, training and familiarisation programmes for the Independent Directors on the Board of Subsidiaries.
The Company is in compliance with Regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations. As per regulation 24A of the Listing Regulations, a listed company is required to annex the secretarial audit report of its material unlisted subsidiaries to its Directors Report. The secretarial audit reports for FY2022-23 of material unlisted subsidiaries viz. Ashoka Concessions Limited, Viva Highways Limited, Jaora-Nayagaon Toll Road Company Private Limited and Ashoka Ankleshwar Manubar Expressway Private Limited (SPVs) are available on the website of the Company at https:// www.ashokabuildcon.com/financial-information.php
The Secretarial Audit Reports of all SPVs do not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
Post closure of financial year 2022-23, no new Company identified as Material Subsidiary of the Company and Company identified as Material unlisted Subsidiary Company for FY2022-23 remains to be continued as Material unlisted Subsidiary Company for FY2023-24 basis net worth criteria. In view of this as on April 01, 2023, Ashoka Concessions Limited, Viva Highways Limited, Jaora-Nayagaon Toll Road Company Private Limited and Ashoka Ankleshwar Manubar Expressway Private Limited are the four (4) material unlisted subsidiaries of the Company. Ashoka Ankleshwar Manubar Expressway Private Limited do not require appointment of Nominee Independent Director of the Company on its Board of Directors as the net worth of material subsidiary company does not exceed 20% of consolidated net worth of the Company.
The Company monitors performance of subsidiary companies, inter alia, by the following means:
> Financial statements, in particular investments made, loan availed or granted by subsidiary companies, are reviewed quarterly by the Companyâs Audit Committee.
> Minutes of Board meetings of subsidiary companies are placed before the Companyâs Board regularly.
> A statement containing all significant transactions and arrangements entered into by subsidiary companies is placed before the Companyâs Board.
> Presentations are made to the Companyâs Board on business performance of major subsidiaries of the Company by the senior management.
> The Companyâs Policy for determining Material Subsidiaries is available on the website of the Company at https://www. ashokabuildcon.com/files/investors/corporate-governance/ ABL-Policy%20on%20Material%20Subsidiaries%20-%20 LODR%202015.pdf
Disclosure relating to remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and particulars of employees
In accordance with Section 178 and other applicable provisions of the Act read with the Rule 6 of the Companies (Meeting of Boards and its Powers) Rules, 2014 issued thereunder and Regulation 19 of the LODR, 2015, the Board of Directors at its meeting held on February 05, 2021, reviewed and revised the Remuneration Policy of your Company. The Remuneration Policy covered in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of the Report is available on the web link https://www. ashokabuildcon.com/files/investors/corporate-governance/ Remuneration%20Policy.pdf
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
Ashok Katariya (DIN:00112240) and Satish Parakh (DIN: 00112324) are liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM pursuant to section 152(6)(c) of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and the Articles of Association of the Company and being eligible have offered themselves for re-appointment.
Ashok Katariya (DIN: 00112240) has been re-appointed as a Whole-time Director, designated as a Chairman, for a period of 2 years from April 01, 2022 and further, as per Section 196 and Schedule V of the Act, the approval of the members has been obtained by way of Postal Ballot, the results of which were declared on June 26, 2022, vide a special resolution for continuation of his office as a Whole-time Director, upon attaining the age of 70 (seventy) years.
Milap Raj Bhansali (DIN: 00181897) had been re-appointed as a Whole-time Director, for a period of 5 years from April 01, 2022 and further, as per Section 196 and Schedule V of the Act, the approval of the members has been obtained at the annual general meeting held on September 15, 2021, vide a special resolution for continuation of his office as a Wholetime Director, upon attaining the age of 70 (seventy) years. He has resigned from the post of director of the Company effective April 12, 2023 on personal health grounds.
Ashish Kataria (DIN: 00580763) has been appointed as a Whole-time Director, for a period of 5 years from April 01, 2022 and further, as per Section 196 and Schedule V of the Act, the approval of the members has been obtained by way of Postal Ballot, the results of which were declared on June 26, 2022.
Mr. Satish Parakh, Managing Director, Mr. Ashish Kataria, Whole-time Director, Mr. Paresh Mehta, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Manoj Kulkarni, Company Secretary have been recognized as the Whole-time Key Managerial Personnel of your Company in accordance with the provisions of sections 2(51) and 203 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014.
None of the Key Managerial Personnel has resigned during the year under review.
Declaration by independent directors
The Company has received the necessary declarations from each of the Independent Directors of the Company under Section 149(7) of the Act and Regulation 25 of the Listing Regulations, confirming that they meet with the criteria of independence as laid down in Section 149(6) of the Act, along with Rules framed thereunder and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Listing Regulations. There had been no change in the circumstances affecting their status as Independent Directors of the Company so as to qualify themselves to be appointed as Independent Directors under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the relevant regulations. During the year under review, none of Independent Directors has resigned from the directorship.
The Independent Directors of your Company have confirmed that:
a. they meet the criteria of Independence as prescribed under Section 149 of the Act and Regulation 16 of the Listing Regulations 2015;
b. they are not aware of any circumstance or situation, which could impair or impact their ability to discharge duties with an objective independent judgment and without any external influence; and
c. all the Independent Directors have registered themselves pursuant to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs notification dated December 01, 2019 viz. the Companies (Creation and Maintenance of databank of Independent Directors) Rules, 2019.
d. they have affirmed compliance with the Companyâs Code of Conduct for Directors and Senior Management Personnel for the financial year 2022-23.
Further, in the opinion of the Board, the Independent Directors fulfill the conditions prescribed under the Listing Regulations 2015 and are independent of the management of the Company.
Further, the Board also states that Independent Directors are the persons of integrity and have adequate experience to serve as Independent Directors of the Company.
Meeting of Independent Directors
As required under the provisions of section 149(8) read with Schedule IV (âCode for Independent Directorsâ) of the Act and Regulation 25(3) of the Listing Regulations, a separate meeting of Independent Directors of the Company was held on March 14, 2023 wherein Independent Directors, inter alia, reviewed the performance of Non-Independent Directors including chairman and the Board as a whole, taking into account the views of Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors and assessed the adequacy quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information between the Companyâs management and the Board that is necessary for the Board to effectively and reasonably perform its duties.
Annual evaluation of Boardâs performance
The Board has carried out an annual evaluation of its own performance, Board Committees, and individual Directors (including independent Directors) pursuant to the provisions of the Act and the Listing Regulations.
The separate point is covered in Corporate Governance Report, which is a part of this Annual Report.
Meetings of the Board
6 (Six) Meetings of the Board of Directors were held during the year under review. The details of the number of Board meetings of your Company are set out in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of the Report.
Directorsâ Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) read with Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Directors to the best of their knowledge and belief hereby state and confirm that:
> In the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2023, the applicable accounting standards read with requirements set out under Schedule III to the Act, have been followed and there are no material departures from the same;
> The Directors have approved the accounting policies and the same have been applied consistently and have made judgment 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 March 31, 2023 and of the Profit of the Company for the year ended on that date;
> Proper and sufficient care has been taken 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;
> The annual accounts have been prepared on a âgoing concernâ basis;
> Proper internal financial controls are followed by the Company and that such financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
> Proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws are in place and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
Auditors and Auditorsâ Reports
a. Statutory Auditors
The Shareholders of the Company, pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Act and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, have appointed M/s. S R B C & CO LLP, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, (Firm Registration No. 324982E/E300003), as the Statutory Auditors to hold office till the conclusion of the 34th Annual General Meeting (âAGMâ) of the Company to be held for FY 2026-27. They have confirmed that they are not disqualified from continuing as Auditors of the Company and are eligible for re-appointment.
There have been no instances of fraud reported by the Statutory Auditors under Section 143 (12) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules framed thereunder either to the Company or to the Central Government.
The Auditorsâ Reports on Standalone Financial Statements (SFS) and Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) for financial year 2022-23 do not contain any qualification, observation or adverse remark except the following:
Clause No. vii (a) of ANNEXURE 1 - STATEMENT ON MATTERS SPECIFIED IN PARAGRAPHS 3 AND 4 OF THE COMPANIES (AUDITORâS REPORT) ORDER, 2020 (SFS)
Remark: Undisputed statutory dues including goods and services tax, provident fund, employeesâ state insurance, income-tax, sales-tax, service tax, duty of custom, duty of excise, value added tax, cess and other statutory dues as applicable have generally been regularly deposited with the appropriate authorities though there has been a slight delay in a few cases for provident fund and profession tax. According to the information and explanations given to us and based on audit procedures performed by us, no undisputed amounts payable in respect of these statutory dues were outstanding, at the year end, for a period of more than six months from the date they became payable.
Reply: There was slight delay in payment of provident fund and profession tax due to unavoidable circumstances. However the same had been regularized and the dues have been paid during
the year. The necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that no such delays happen in future.
The Auditorsâ Report on Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) for financial year 2022-23 does not contain any qualification, observation or adverse remark except the following:
Remark: 2 (b) In our opinion, proper books of account as required by law relating to preparation of the aforesaid consolidation of the financial statements have been kept in electronic mode on servers physically located in India so far as it appears from our examination of those books and reports of the other auditors except that with respect to certain subsidiaries as disclosed in Note 73 of the consolidated financial statements, we are unable comment whether daily backups of books of accounts maintained in electronic mode were taken due to absence of logs. Further, with respect to certain subsidiaries as disclosed in Note 73 to the consolidated financial statements, there were delays in taking daily backups.
Reply:
The Group has defined process to take daily back-up of books of account maintained electronically however in certain subsidiaries, associates and joint venture (a) an accounting application does not support maintenance of logs of backups taken on a daily basis; (b) there has been instances where there are delays in taking daily back-up in an accounting application. The management is in the process of taking necessary steps to configure systems to ensure that logs of daily backup for books of account is maintained in order to ensure compliance with the requirements of the applicable statute.
b. Cost Auditors
Your Company is maintaining the cost records as specified by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and had appointed M/s. S. R. Bhargave & Co., Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No. 000218) as the Cost Auditors to conduct the audit of cost records of the Company and to issue Cost Audit Report for FY2023-24.
The Board has proposed the appointment of M/s S. R. Bhargave & Co., Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditors of the Company for FY2023-24 at a remuneration of Rs.5,40,000/- (Rupees Five Lakh Forty Thousand only) plus applicable taxes and out-ofpocket expenses at actuals. The consent has been received from M/s. S. R. Bhargave & Co., Cost Accountants, Pune, to act as the Cost Auditors of your Company for financial year 2023-24 along with a certificate confirming their independence and eligibility.
Appropriate resolution has been recommended by the Board to be passed by the shareholders in the ensuing Annual General Meeting to ratify the remuneration of the Cost Auditors for the FY 2023-24.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Company had appointed M/s. Sharma & Trivedi LLP (LLP IN : AAW-6850) Practising Company Secretaries, Mumbai, to conduct the Secretarial Audit of your Company. The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed herewith as Annexure - III to the Boardâs Report.
There are no observations / remarks or qualifications in the Secretarial Audit Report for FY2022-23.
d. Internal Auditors
M/s Suresh Surana & Co. LLP and M/s. Patil Hiran Jajoo, Chartered Accountants had been appointed as Joint Internal Auditors of the Company for FY2022-23 and the reports of Joint Internal Auditors were reviewed by the Audit Committee from time to time at the meetings of Audit Committee. The observations and suggestions of the Internal Auditors were reviewed and necessary corrective/preventive actions were taken in consultation with the Audit Committee.
The Company has appointed M/s Suresh Surana & Co. LLP, Mumbai and M/s. Patil Hiran Jajoo, Chartered Accountants, Nashik, as Joint Internal Auditors for FY2023-24.
Audits and internal checks and balances
M/s S R B C & CO. LLP, Chartered Accountants, conduct the audit of accounts of the Company.
The Company has adequate internal control systems that are commensurate with the size and nature of its business which ensures that all the assets are acquired economically and used optimally. The systems are safeguarded, protected against loss from unauthorised use or disposition, and all transactions are properly authorised, recorded and reported correctly. A dedicated Legal Compliance ensures that the Company conducts its businesses with legal, statutory and regulatory compliances. The Company has instituted a legal compliance programme in conformity with requirements of the Act to ensure that there exists a system which is adequate and operates effectively and efficiently. Well-documented policies supplement the internal control system. Audits of various departments are conducted as per the annual audit plan through joint internal auditors, who submit reports to the management and the Audit Committee of the Board from time to time. The views of the statutory auditors are also considered to ascertain the adequacy and efficacy of the internal control system and measures. The project sites of the Company are covered through SAP ERP system. All these measures are continuously reviewed by the management and as and when necessary and required improvements are made.
Adequacy of Internal Financial Controls with reference to the financial statements
The Company has designed and implemented a process driven framework for Internal Financial Controls (âIFCâ) within the meaning of the explanation to Section 134(5)(e) of the Act read with Rule 8(5) (viii) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014. The Company has appropriate internal control systems for business processes with regard to its operations, financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
It has documented policies and procedures covering financial and operating functions and processes. These policies and procedures are updated from time to time and compliance is monitored by the internal audit function as per the audit plan. The Company continues its efforts to align all its processes and controls with best practices.
Your Company uses SAP ERP Systems to maintain its Books of Account. The transactional controls built into the SAP ERP systems ensure appropriate segregation of duties, appropriate level of approval mechanisms and maintenance of supporting records. The systems, Standard Operating Procedures and controls including manual controls are reviewed by Management.
Your Company has in place adequate Internal Financial Controls with reference to the Financial Statements commensurate with the size, scale and complexity of its operations. The Company has appointed independent audit firms as Internal Auditors to observe the Internal Control system. The Board of the Company have adopted various policies viz. Policy on determining Material Subsidiary, Policy on Determination of Materiality of Events or Information, Whistle Blower Policy, Policy on Related Party Transactions, Policy on Prohibition of Insider Trading, Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace, Policy on Corporate Social Responsibility, Nomination and Remuneration Policy, Risk Management Policy, Dividend Distribution Policy and other policies and procedures for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business for safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely preparation of reliable financial information.
The Audit Committee of the Board actively reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control system and suggests improvements to strengthen the same. The Company has robust management information system, which is an integral part of the control mechanism.
INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND (IEPF)
In compliance of Section 124 and 125 of the Act read with Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016, any money transferred
to the Unpaid Dividend Account of a Company in pursuance of these sections, which remains unpaid or unclaimed for a period of seven years from the date of such transfer shall be transferred by the Company along with interest accrued, if any, thereon to the Fund established under sub-section (1) of section 125 of the Act i.e. Investor Education and Protection Fund.
During the year under review, the Company had transferred a sum of Rs.92,372/- to the Investor Education and Protection Fund established by the Central Government (IEPF). The said amount represents Final Dividend for the year 2014-15 and 1st Interim Dividend for the year 2015-2016 lying unclaimed with the Company for a period of 7 years from their respective due dates of payment.
As required under Section 124 of the Companies Act, 2013, 3,788 Equity shares, in respect of which dividend has not been claimed by the members for Seven (7) consecutive years, have been transferred by the Company to IEPF during the year under review. The details of shares transferred have been uploaded on the website of IEPF as well as the Company at https:// www.ashokabuildcon.com/file s/investors/unpaid-unclaimed-divident/Shares%20transferred%20to%20IEPF.pdf
The members/claimants whose shares or 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 refund by making an application to the IEPF Authority in the prescribed form available on http://www.iepf.gov.in along with requisite fees as decided by the IEPF Authority from time to time. The member/claimant can file only one consolidated claim in a financial year as per the IEPF Rules.
Familiarisation Programme for Independent Directors
Pursuant to the requirement of Regulation 25(7) of the (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company needs to formally arrange Induction or Familiarization Programme for Independent Directors to familiarise them with their role, rights and responsibility as Independent Directors, the working of the Company, nature of the industry in which the Company operates, business model and Regulatory updates.
The Company believes that a Board, which is well informed/ familiarised with the Company and its affairs, can contribute significantly to effectively discharge its role of trusteeship in a manner that fulfils stakeholdersâ aspirations and societal expectations.
The Company has an orientation process/familiarization programme for independent directors, which includes:
a) Briefing on their role, responsibilities, duties, and obligations as a member of the Board;
b) Nature of business and business model of the Company, Companyâs strategic and operating plans; and
c) Matters relating to Corporate Governance, Code of Business Conduct, Risk Management, Compliance Programs, Internal Audit, etc.
In pursuit of this and as part of ongoing training, the Company schedules meetings of business heads and functional heads with the Independent Directors. During these meetings, comprehensive presentations are made on the various aspects such as Companyâs business models, growth and performance, new business strategies and initiatives by risk minimization procedures, etc. These meetings also facilitate Independent Directors to provide their inputs and suggestions on various strategic and operational matters directly to the business and functional heads.
The details are mentioned in the Corporate Governance Report which is a part of the report. The details of the Familiarisation Programme for Independent Directors of the Company are hosted on the website of the Company at https://www.ashokabuildcon. com/files/investors/corporate-governance/Familiarisation%20 Programme-310323.pdf
The details about the adoption of the various Policies as per the requirement of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 are covered in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of this Report.
Prohibition of Insider Trading
The details about prohibition of trading by Insiders are covered in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
The Companyâs plant, property, equipment and stocks are adequately insured against major risks. The Company has appropriate liability insurance.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS LIABILITY INSURANCE (D & O)
Pursuant to Regulation 25(10) of the Listing Regulations, the Company has taken the Directors and Officers Liability Insurance (âD & O Insuranceâ) policy for all the Directors including Independent Directors of the Company for indemnifying them against any liability in respect of any negligence, default, misfeasance, breach of duty, or breach of trust for which they may be guilty in relation to the Company.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board oversees matters related to succession planning of Board and Senior Management of the Company. The Company understands that sound succession planning is essential for sustained growth of the Company.
Disclosure on confirmation on the Secretarial Standards
The Company is in compliance with the Secretarial Standards on Meetings of Board of Directors (SS-1) and General Meetings (SS-2).
Related party transactions
All Related Party Transactions entered during the year under review were in compliance with the requirements of the Act and the Rules framed thereunder and LODR 2015. All the required approvals of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors and Shareholders, as the case may be, have been obtained, in accordance with applicable laws for the Related Party Transactions. RPT Policy, which is reviewed periodically, is uploaded on the website at https://www.ashokabuildcon. com/files/investors/corporate-governance/ABL%20RPT%20 POLICY 010422.pdf
During the year under review, your Company entered into transactions with related parties as defined under Section 2(76) of the Act read with the Companies (Specification of Definitions Details) Rules, 2014, which were in the ordinary course of business and on armâs length basis and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, Rules issued thereunder and Regulation 23 of the LODR 2015. Further, other suitable disclosures as required under IND AS - 24 have been made in the Notes to the financial statements.
During the year under review, there were no materially significant Related Party Transactions entered by the Company with Promoters, Directors or Key Managerial Personnel, which may have a potential conflict with the interest of the Company.
The details of the related party transactions are set out in Note No. 47 to the standalone financial statements forming part of the Report.
The Form AOC-2 pursuant to Section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 in respect of disclosure of contracts/arrangements with related parties under section 188 is set out as Annexure-II to the Boardâs Report.
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantee given and securities provided under Section 186 of the Act
The particulars of the loans given, investments made or guarantees given and securities provided covered under the provisions of Section 186 of the Act, are provided in the Note No. 38 to the Standalone Financial Statements.
Annual Return
The Annual Return of the Company for FY2022-23, in draft format in the prescribed form MGT-7 is available on the website of the Company at: https://www.ashokabuildcon.com/files/ investors/financial-info/ABL_Form_MGT_7_2223.pdf
Corporate Social Responsibility
Your Company believes that Corporate Social Responsibility is an integral part of its business. It seeks to operate its business in a sustainable manner which would benefit the Society at large in alignment with the interest of its stakeholders. As per the requirements of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 pertaining to Corporate Social Responsibility (âCSRâ) your Company has duly constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee (âCSR Committeeâ). The composition and terms of reference of the CSR Committee are provided in Corporate Governance Report. The Company has framed Corporate Social Responsibility policy which is available on the website of the company at https://www.ashokabuildcon.com/files/investors/ corporate-governance/ABL_CSR_POLICY_01042021.pdf
The Company was required to spend Rs.9.63 Crore on CSR activities during FY2022-23, based on profits for FY 2022, calculated on the basis of Section 198 of the Companies Act, 2013. The Company had spent Rs.6.533 Crore during FY2022-23. The Company has thus not spent the entire amount required to be spent on CSR activities during FY2022-23 and the unspent balance amount of Rs.3.10 Crore has been deposited in separate Bank Account âUnspent CSR Expenses FY2022-23â opened with scheduled bank before the due date and thereby complying with the requirement of Section 135 of the Act.
In compliance with the amendments in the various provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies Corporate Social Responsibility Amended Rules, 2021 issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs vide its notification dated January 22, 2021 the Company had amended the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Policy. Further, as required under Rule 4 (5) of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2015, Chief Financial Officer had issued a Certificate dated May 24, 2023 certifying that the funds so disbursed for CSR activities as per CSR Budget approved by the Company have been utilised up to Rs.6.533 Crore for the purposes and in the manner as approved by Board of Directors of the Company from time to time. The unspent amount of Rs.3.10 Crore has been transferred to separate Bank Account. The CSR activities for financial year ended March 31, 2023 along with the composition of CSR Committee is set out in Annexure IV to the Boardâs Report.
Policy on prevention of sexual harassment
Your Company has in place a policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace which is in line with requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (âPOSH Actâ).
Your Company has zero tolerance towards any action on the part of any of its officials, which may fall under the ambit of âSexual Harassmentâ at workplace. The objective of this Policy is to provide an effective complaint redressal mechanism if there is an occurrence of sexual harassment. Your Company has also complied with the provisions of setting up of an Internal Complaint Committee which is duly constituted in compliance with the provisions of the POSH Act. All women, permanent, temporary, trainees or contractual staff including those of service providers is covered under the policy. The Company has provided a safe and dignified work environment for employee which is free of discrimination.
Further, the Company also conducts adequate awareness programs and interactive sessions against sexual harassment for all the employees, to build awareness amongst employees about the Policy and the provisions of POSH Act. There are no complaints or concerns received or observed during FY2022-23 pertaining to sexual harassment.
Disclosure as per Section 22 of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is given below.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 22 of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 read with the Rules thereunder, it is hereby declared for financial year 2022-23, as follows.
a. number of complaints filed during financial year Nil
b. number of complaints disposed of during financial year N.A.
c. number of complaints pending as on end of financial year. N.A.
Disclosure under section 134 (3) (l) of the Act
Except as disclosed elsewhere in the report, there have been no material changes and commitments which can affect the financial position of the Company between the end of financial year of the Company and date of the report.
Conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo as stipulated under section 134 of the Act read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is as follows:
Conservation of energy
The Company does not have any manufacturing facility. The other particulars required to be provided in terms of Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are not applicable.
Nevertheless, during the period the Company continued its endeavor to conserve energy through various modes. Energy conservation continues to be a focus area for the Company. Energy conservation measures are meticulously followed and conform to the highest standards.
Sr. No. |
Particulars |
Remarks |
|
I |
Steps taken or impact on conservation of energy |
In view of business activities of the Company, no substantial steps are required to be taken for conservation of energy other than those actually implemented by the Company |
|
Ii |
Steps taken by the Company for utilizing alternate source of energy |
In view of business activities of the Company, no substantial steps are required to be taken for conservation of energy other than those actually implemented by the Company |
|
iii |
The capital investment on energy conservation equipment |
||
(B) Technology Absorption, Adoption and Innovation, Efforts made, Benefits derived, Import of Technology: |
|||
Sr. No. |
Particulars |
Remarks |
|
i |
the efforts made towards technology absorption |
No specific efforts made other than in the ordinary course of execution of the Project |
|
Ii |
the benefits derived like product improvement, cost reduction, product development or import substitution |
N.A. |
|
iii |
in case of imported technology (imported during the last three years reckoned from the beginning of financial year |
N.A. |
|
a. |
the details of technology imported |
N.A. |
|
b. |
the year of import |
N.A. |
Sr. No. |
Particulars |
Remarks |
c. |
Whether the technology fully absorbed |
N.A. |
d. |
If not fully absorbed, areas where absorption has not taken place, reasons thereof |
N.A. |
iv |
The expenditure on Research and Development |
Nil |
DETAILS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND EXPENSES The expenses in foreign exchange are as follows: |
||
Particulars |
Amount (Rs. in lakh) |
|
Import of Spares |
25.48 |
|
Advertisement Expenses |
3.17 |
|
Foreign Travels - Directors |
10.49 |
|
Foreign Travels - Staff |
8.01 |
|
Bank Charges |
0.03 |
|
Bank Guarantee Charges |
8.21 |
|
Expenses of Overseas Projects |
4,425.84 |
|
Total |
4,481.12 |
|
The earnings in foreign exchange are as follows: |
||
Particulars |
Amount (Rs. in lakh) |
|
Other Income - Project Monitoring Services |
1,113.27 |
|
Contract Revenue - Guyana |
8,777.44 |
|
Total |
9,890.71 |
Details on Internal Financial Controls
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls,
some of which are outlined below.
⢠The Company prepared its Financial Statements to comply with the accounting standards specified under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015, as amended from time to time. These Standalone financial statements includes Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2023, the Statement of Profit and Loss including Other Comprehensive Income, Cash flows Statement and Statement of changes in equity for the year ended March 31, 2023, and a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. The Changes in policies, if any, are approved by the Audit Committee in consultation with the Auditors.
⢠The policies and procedures adopted by the Company for ensuring the orderly and efficient conduct of its business, including adherence to Companyâs policies, the safeguarding of its assets, the prevention and detection of
frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, and the timely preparation of reliable financial information.
⢠The policies to ensure uniform accounting treatment are prescribed to the subsidiaries of your Company. The accounts of the subsidiary companies are audited and certified by the respective Auditors of the Subsidiaries for consolidation.
⢠Your Company has implemented new ERP (SAP) during financial year 2018-19 and is being used regularly and effectively.
⢠The opportunity presented by the emergence of Digital Technologies is one of the key strategic enablers to our sustainable growth. As a step towards process simplification, integration and speed, we have implemented the SAP S4 - HANA platform. This has enabled the organisation with a single source for financial accounting, costing, and asset accounting through Integrated System under SAP S4/ HANA architecture.
⢠The Management periodically reviews the financial performance of your Company against the approved plans across various parameters and takes appropriate action, wherever necessary. Internal Auditors have been appointed who report on quarterly basis on the processes and system of accounting of the Company. The observations, if any, of the Internal Auditors, are resolved to their satisfaction and are implemented across all the sites.
⢠During the year under review, the internal financial controls were reviewed and tested by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants who report on quarterly basis on the process and systems of accounting and other operational processes of the Company. The main thrust of internal audit is to test and review controls, appraisal of risks and business processes, besides benchmarking controls with best practices in the industry.
Particulars of Employees
The statement containing top employees in terms of remuneration drawn and particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Act, read with Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, will be provided upon request. In terms of Section 136 of the Act, the said annexure is open for inspection and has been hosted on the website of the Company at https://www.ashokabuildcon.com/files/investors/corporate-governance/Statement-Rule5(2).pdf
In terms of Section 136 of Companies Act, 2013 the Report and Accounts are being sent to the Members and others entitled thereto, excluding the statement on employeesâ particulars.
If any Member is interested in obtaining a copy thereof, such Member may write to the Company Secretary in this regard.
The Managing Director and Whole-time Directors of your Company do not receive remuneration from any of the subsidiaries of your Company except Mr. Ashish Kataria, Wholetime Director of the Company, who received remuneration Rs. 1.90 Crore in FY2022-23 from Ashoka Concessions Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, as a Whole-time Director of that Company.
The information required under Section 197 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of Directors/employees of your Company is set out in Annexure - V to the Boardâs Report.
Management Discussion and Analysis
Management Discussion and Analysis is given in a separate section forming part of this Report.
Corporate Governance
The Company is committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance and continues to be compliant with the requirements of corporate governance as enshrined in the Listing Regulations. The report on corporate governance together with a certificate from the Practising Company Secretary, confirming compliance with corporate governance norms as stipulated in the Listing Regulations, forms a part of this Annual Report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
As stipulated under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations 2015, the Business Responsibility & Sustainability Report describing the initiatives taken by the Company from environmental, social and governance perspective is attached as part of the Report as Annexure - VI to the Boardâs Report.
General
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these items during the year under review:
> Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
> Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
> Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the Company under any scheme;
> No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Companyâs operations in future.
> No fraud has been reported by the Auditors to the Audit Committee or the Board.
> The Company does not have any scheme of provision of money for the purchase of its own shares by employees or by trustees for the benefit of employees.
Cautionary Statement:
Statements in the Annual Report, describing the Companyâs objectives, projections, estimates and expectations, may constitute âforward looking statementsâ within the meaning of applicable laws and regulations. Although the expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, the actual results might differ.
Acknowledgement
Your Directors would like to acknowledge and place on record their sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, banks, credit rating agencies and financial institutions, clients, vendors, for their cooperation and continued support in future for the growth of the Company.
The Directors also wish to acknowledge the support and guidance received from various regulatory bodies, NHAI, MPRDC, Power Distribution Corporations of various States, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, BSE Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Securities and Exchange Board of India and other Central and State Government agencies and thank them for the same and look forward to their continued support. The Directors appreciate and value the contribution made by each and every employee of the Ashoka family.
For and on behalf of the Board of DirectorsSD/-
(Ashok Katariya)
Chairman DIN:00112240
Place: Nashik Date: May 24, 2023
Mar 31, 2018
BOARDâS REPORT
Dear Members,
Ashoka Buildcon Limited
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 25th Annual Report along with audited financial statements of your Company, for the year ended March 31, 2018.
Financial Results
The financial performance of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2018 is summarized below :
(Rs. in Lakh except EPS)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
||
2017 -18 |
2016-17 |
2017 -18# |
2016-17# |
|
Total Receipts / Gross Sales and Operating Income |
2,54,605.42 |
2,08,523.09 |
365,457.95 |
306,115.61 |
Profit Before Depreciation and Tax |
34,267.09 |
26,713.91 |
25,648.40 |
10,919.17 |
Depreciation |
5,322.27 |
5,073.52 |
29,143.19 |
26,401.26 |
Profit/(Loss) Before Tax |
28,944.82 |
21,640.39 |
(3,494.79) |
(15,482.09) |
Provision for Taxation |
5,244.24 |
4,030.96 |
8,370.65 |
6,983.24 |
Profit/(Loss) after tax |
23,700.58 |
17,609.43 |
(11,865.44) |
(22,465.33) |
Share of Profit/(Loss) of subsidiaries transferred to Non-controlling Interest 1 |
N. A. |
N. A. |
(753.15) |
(1,942.68) |
Profit/(Loss) after tax (post minority interest) |
NA |
NA |
(11,211.95) |
(20,570.72) |
Dividend |
2,994.60 |
1,497.19 |
2,994.60 |
1,497.19 |
Balance carried to Balance sheet |
23,700.58 |
17,609.43 |
(11,211.95) |
(20,570.72) |
Earnings per Equity Share (EPS) Basic (face value Rs.5/- each) Diluted (face value Rs.5/- each) |
12.66 12.66 |
9.41 9.41 |
(5.94) (5.94) |
(10.97) (10.97) |
State of Companyâs Affairs Operations
a) During the year under review, the Company has won Road Projects worth of Rs.7,011.31 Crore and Power Projects worth of Rs.344.67 Crore as detailed below.
Name of the Project |
Authority |
Length (K. M.) |
Project Cost (Rs. in Crore) |
Construction of Eight (8) Lane Vadodara Kim Expressway in the State of Gujarat |
National Highways Authority of India |
13.00 |
1,687.00 |
Four (4) laning of Tumkur-Shivamogga section Karadi to Banwara of NH-206 on in the State of Karnataka |
National Highways Authority of India |
56.705 |
1,218.50 |
Projects comprising of 9 National Highway stretches (Bundle 1) on Toll Operate Transfer Mode in India. The Company is O & M Partner. |
National Highways Authority of India |
680.68 |
1,025.00 |
Four (4) laning of Tumkur - Shivamogga section Mallasandra to Karadi of NH-206 in the State of Karnataka |
National Highways Authority of India |
65.195 |
917.00 |
Six Laning of Khairatunda to BarwaAdda Section of NHD2 in the State of Jharkhand |
National Highways Authority of India |
40.02 |
860.10 |
Four (4) Laning of Belgaum - Khanapur Section of NH-4A in the State of Karnataka |
National Highways Authority of India |
30.00 |
856.20 |
Up-gradation of Jalgaon - Bhadgaon ( section I) of NH 753J from Chainage 4 000 Km to 56 200 Km to Two lane with paved shoulders in the State of Maharashtra on EPC mode |
Ministry of Road Transport & Highway (MoRT&H) through Public Works Department, National Highway (P.W.D), Maharashtra |
52.20 |
237.30 |
Up-gradation of Bhadgaon - Chalisgaon (section II) of NH 753J [Jalgaon - Bhadgaon - Chalisgaon - Nandgaon - Manmad (46.800 Km)] in the state of Maharashtra on EPC mode |
Ministry of Road Transport & Highway (MoRT&H) through Public Works Department, National Highway (P.W.D), Maharashtra |
46.800 |
210.21 |
Sub-total A |
7,011.31 |
Power Projects (Rs. in Crore) |
||
Execution of Urban Electrification works for 12 Towns in Ranchi and Medininagar in the State of Jharkhand |
Jharkhand BijliVitran Nigam Limited |
282.73 |
Turnkey Project at Karana Dist. Wardha under Nagpur Zone |
Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd |
38.78 |
Establishment of132/33 KV sub-station at Jawhar, Dist. Palghar on Turnkey basis in the State of Maharashtra |
Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Ltd. |
17.55 |
Turnkey Project under Green Energy Corridor, Dist. Ahmednagar Maharashtra |
Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Co. Ltd. |
5.61 |
Sub-total B |
344.67 |
|
Total |
7,355.98 |
b. Updates on Projects
- Your Company received Completion Certificates for both the Annuity Projects viz. Chennai Outer Ring Road Project in the State of Tamil Nadu and MudholNipani Road Project in the State of Karnataka;
- Your Company received Completion Certificate for first of its International Project at Maldives;
- Your Company received Completion Certificate for Eastern Peripheral Expressway (EPE) Project which the Company completed in record time;
- The Company has successfully achieved financial closure for Ashoka RanastalamAnandapuram Road Limited, step down subsidiary of the Company.
- The balance toll and annuity collection period for on-going Projects is as follows.
Name of the Project |
Concession / Toll Period / Annuity |
BOT Projects |
|
Bhandara to Maharashtra Border |
16th March 2008 to 15th March 2028 |
Durg Bypass to Chhatisgarh Border Road Project |
22nd July 2008 to 21st July 2028 |
JaoraNayagaon Road Project |
25th August 2008 to 25th Aug 2033 |
Belgaum - Dharwad Road Project |
04th May 2011 to 3rd May 2041 |
Sambhalpur - Kharagpur Road Project |
14th November 2011 to 13th November 2041 |
Dhankuni - Kharagpur Road Project |
01st April 2012 to 31st March 2037 |
Nagar Aurangabad Road Project |
18th December 2006 to 18th December 2018 |
Waghur Hydro Project |
30 years from the commissioning date |
Foot Overbridges on Eastern Express Highway - NH - 3 (Pravin Hotel - Vikroli ) |
31st May, 2003 to 30th September, 2018 |
Foot Overbridges on Eastern Express Highway - NH - 3 (Tagor Nagar - Vikroli ) |
31st May, 2003 to 30th September, 2019 |
Projects handed over
Nashirabad Railway Over Bridge |
24thJuly 2000 to 23rdNovember 2017 (Handed over as at 31st March, 2018) |
Indore - Edlabad Road Project |
24th September 2001 to 18thFebruary 2017 (As on 31/3/2017 toll period over) |
Pune - Shirur Road Project |
6thJuly 2005 to 6th July 2015 (Under Arbitration) |
KatniByepass Road Project |
19th August 2002 to 21st February, 2020(toll collection income is not recognised in books as the matter is sub-judiced) |
Foot Overbridges on Eastern Express Highway - NH - 3 1.Godrej Company 2.Luiswadi, Thane 3.Mental Hospital, Thane 4.Priyadarshani Circle Chembur |
Handed over in earlier years |
Annuity Projects |
|
Mudhol - Nipani - Maharashtra Border (Karnataka) |
12th December, 2014 (Concession period 10 Years) |
Hungund-Talikot (Karnataka) |
3rd October 2016 (Concession period 10 Years) |
Bagewadi - Bailhongal - Saundatti(Karnataka) |
3rd October 2016 (Concession period 10 Years) |
Kharar - Ludhiana (Punjab) |
15th March 2017 (Concession Period 17.5 Years ) |
Ranatsalam - Anandapuram (Andhra Pradesh) |
16th November 2017(Concession Period 17.5 Years ) |
Joint Venture |
|
BOT |
|
Wainganga Bridge at Bhandara |
3rd March 2001 to 15th February, 2018, and further extension for 3 years and 6 months as per District Court Order, |
Ashoka Bridgeways |
17th March 2004 to 15th November, 2018 |
Annuity Projects |
|
Chennai Outer Ring Road Phase II from Nemilicheri to Minjur |
12thMarch 2014 ( Concession period 20 Years ) |
Future Outlook
We believe that in view of the great thrust the Government has on an infrastructure, we feel going ahead there is a very huge opportunity for us in Nation Building. We are optimistic that we will ramp our Order Book to a new peak in the Road Sector and Power Distribution Sector as well.
The Government has come up with the ambitious Plan for developing the National Highways with following the programmes:
- Bharatmala Programme wherein 24,800 KMs Road Projects, to be developed over next five years period involving an investment of Rs.5,35,000 Crore.
- NHDP program wherein 10000 KMs of National Highways and Expressways would also be put for the bidding.
- Sagarmala Program which is a series of projects to leverage the countryâs coastline and inland waterways to drive industrial development
We will continue giving good returns to our investors. The Company will also continue to look for opportunities in other infra spaces like Railways, City Gas Distribution, and Smart City Development Programme.
Share Capital
During the year under review, the Company has not allotted any equity shares with or without differential voting rights. The paid-up Equity Share capital of the Company as at March 31, 2018 remained at Rs.93.57 Crore.
Dividend
During the year under review, your Company had declared and paid Interim Dividend of Re.0.80 (Paise Eighty only) per Equity share of face value of Rs. 5/- each for the Financial Year 2017
18. The total outflow on account of dividend during the year was Rs.33.05 Crore including Dividend Distribution Tax and final dividend for FY17-18.
Transfer to Reserves
Your Company has not transferred any amount to the general reserve during the year under review.
Issue of Bonus Shares
Your Company has proposed to issue 1 (one) Equity Share as Bonus Share for every 2 (two) Equity Shares of Rs.5/- each held, subject to approval of Shareholders. Your Company will capitalize the amount of Rs.46.78 Crore from Reserves and Surplus.
Public Deposits
During the financial year 2017-18, your Company had not accepted any deposits within the meaning of the provisions of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013(âthe Actâ) read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Capital Expenditure
As at March 31, 2018, the Gross Fixed Assets & Intangible Assets stood at Rs.498.81 Crore which includes CWIP and Intangible Assets under Development and net fixed assets & net intangible assets at Rs.232.36 Crore. Additions during year amounted to Rs.104.08 Crore.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company is duly constituted in accordance with the provisions of Section 177 (8) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 6 and 7 of the Companies (Meetings of the Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 18 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (âLODR 2015â) as follows :
Sr. No |
Name |
Designation |
1 |
Mr. Albert Tauro |
Chairman (Independent Director) |
2 |
Mr. Michael Pinto |
Member (Independent Director) |
3 |
Ms. Sunanda Dandekar |
Member (Independent Director) |
4 |
Mr. Milap Raj Bhansali |
Member (Executive Director) |
All the recommendations of the Audit Committee during the year were accepted by the Board of Directors of the Company. For further details, please refer the Corporate Governance Report forming part of the Annual Report.
Vigil Mechanism:
Your Company is committed to the highest standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has established a vigil mechanism by adopting a Whistle Blower Policy in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 (9) and (10) of the Act and Regulation 22 of the LODR 2015. The administration of the vigil mechanism is ensured through the Audit Committee. The Whistle Blower Policy of the Company is annexed to this report as Annexure VIII and posted on the website of the Company at www.ashokabuildcon.com
Subsidiaries
In accordance with Section 129 (3) of the Act and as per Indian Accounting Standards (IndAS) 21, the Company has prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries, which form part of this Annual Report.
The salient features of financial statements of Subsidiary / Associates / Joint Ventures as per the Act are given in prescribed Form AOC-1 as Annexure I to this Report.
During the year under review :
- 74% stake in the equity share capital of Tech Berater Private Limited has been acquired by Viva Infrastructure Limited, a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company to make it a Step Down subsidiary of the Company;
- Ashoka Aerospace Private Limited with 100% stake in its equity share capital had been incorporated as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary;
- Ashoka Ranastalam Anandapuram Road Limited had been incorporated as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Ashoka Concessions Limited, a Subsidiary of the Company for execution of Ranastalam-Anandapuram Road Project in the State of Andhra Pradesh. It is a step down subsidiary of the Company.
In accordance with third proviso of Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Report of the Company, containing therein its standalone and the consolidated financial statements has been placed on the website of the Company, www.ashokabuildcon.com. Further, as per fourth proviso of the said section, audited annual accounts of each of the subsidiary companies have also been placed on the website of the Company, www.ashokabuildcon.com. Shareholders interested in obtaining a copy of the audited annual accounts of the subsidiary companies may write to the Company Secretary at the Companyâs registered office address.
Disclosure relating to remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and particulars of employees
In accordance with Section 178 and other applicable provisions of the Act read with the Rule 6 of the Companies (Meeting of Boards and its Powers) Rules, 2014 issued there under and Regulation 19 of the LODR, 2015, the Board of Director at their, meeting held on 30th September, 2014 formulated the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of your Company on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The salient aspects covered in the Nomination and Remuneration Policy, covering the policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors and other matters have been outlined in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of the Annual Report.
The Managing Director and Whole-time Directors of your Company do not receive remuneration from any of the subsidiaries of your Company. The information required under Section 197 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of Directors/employees of your Company is set out in Annexure III to this Report.
The Remuneration Policy of the Company is available on the website of the Company, www.ashokabuildcon.com
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
In compliance with the provisions of Sections 149, 152, Schedule IV and other applicable provisions of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, Mr. Michael Pinto, Mr. Sharadchandra Abhyankar, Mr. Albert Tauro and Mr. Gyan Chand Daga had been appointed as Independent Directors on the Board of Directors of your Company to hold office up to five (5) consecutive years upto March 31, 2019 and Ms. Sunanda Dandekar had been appointed as an Independent Director to hold office upto March 30, 2020.
Mr. Satish D. Parakh Managing Director is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM pursuant to section 152(6)(c) of the Act read with the Companies(Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and the Articles of Association of the Company and being eligible has offered him self for re-appointment. The brief resume of Mr. Satish Parakh and other information under Regulation 36 of the SEBI (Listing Obligation and Disclosure Requirements) Regulation, 2015 (LODR 2015) and Secretarial Standard 2 (SS-2) with respect to the Director seeking re-appointment has been provided in the Notice convening 25th AGM. Your Directors recommend his re-appointment.
Mr. Satish Parakh, Managing Director, Mr. Paresh Mehta, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Manoj Kulkarni, Company Secretary have been recognized as the Whole-time Key Managerial Personnel of your Company in accordance with the provisions of sections 2(51) and 203 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014.
None of the Key Managerial Personnel has resigned during the year under review.
In accordance with the Section 149(7) of the Act, each Independent Director has given a written declaration to the Company at the time of appointment and at the first meeting of the Board of Directors in every financial year confirming that he/she meets the criteria of independence as mentioned under Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1) (b) of the LODR 2015.
Awards and Recognitions received by the Company during the year :
Awarded by |
Name of the Award/ Recognition |
CIA WORLD Builder & Infra Awards |
Infra Company of The Year |
National Leadership Awards |
Best Environmental for GHG Reduction |
Construction World Infra Awards |
First Fastest Growing Company |
Construction Times - Power Project |
Munger Power Project |
D & B Infra Awards |
Infra Company of The Year |
UBM India - OHS Awards |
OHS Awards |
ET Now - CSR Awards |
Innovation in CSR Practices |
Annual evaluation of Boardâs performance
In terms of the provisions of the Act read with Rules issued thereunder and the LODR 2015, the Board of Directors had carried out the annual performance evaluation of the entire Board, Committees and all the Directors based on the criteria laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The criteria for evaluation of the Board performance have been mentioned in the Corporate Governance Report.
Number of meetings of the Board
The details of the number of Board meetings of your Company are set out in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
In terms of requirements of Schedule IV of the Act a separate meeting of Independent Directors was held on March 20, 2018 to review the performance of Non-independent Directors (including the Chairman), the entire Board and quality, quantity and timelines of the flow of information between the Management and the Board.
Directorsâ Responsibility Statement
To the best of knowledge and belief and according to the information and explanations obtained by them, your Directors make the following statement pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) read with section 134 (5) of the Act and confirm that :
i) In the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2018, the applicable accounting standards read with requirements set out under Schedule III to the Act, have been followed and there are no material departures from the same;
ii) The Directors have approved the accounting policies and the same have been applied consistently and have made judgment 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 March 31, 2018 and of the profit of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii) Proper and sufficient care has been taken 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;
iv) The annual accounts have been prepared on a âgoing concernâ basis;
v) Proper internal financial controls are followed by the Company and that such financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
vi) Proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws are in place and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
Auditors and Auditorsâ Reports
Statutory Auditors
The Shareholders of the Company, pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of the Act and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, have appointed M/s. S R B C & Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, (Firm Registration No. 324982E/E300003), as the Statutory Auditors to hold office till the conclusion of the 29th Annual General Meeting (âAGMâ) of the Company to be held for FY 2021-22. They have confirmed that they are not disqualified from continuing as Auditors of the Company. The provision for ratification of appointment of the statutory auditors at every AGM has been withdrawn with effect from May 07, 2018 pursuant to the Companies Amendment Act, 2017. Hence, the resolution for ratification of the appointment of statutory Auditors is not included in the notice of Annual General Meeting.
The Auditorsâ Reports on Standalone Financial Statements (SFS) and Consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) for the financial year 2017-18 do not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark except the following :
Remark :Annexure 1 - Statement on matters specified in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Companies (Auditorâs report) Order, 2016, Para -(i) (c)
According to the information and explanations given by the management, the title deeds of immovable properties included in property, plant and equipment are held in the name of the Company except for title deed in case of two buildings (Gross Block of Rs.151.64 Lakh, Net Block Rs.143.77 lakh), for which transfer deed is yet to be executed in the name of the Company.
Reply :The Building has been constructed on the freehold land which was purchased from APMC, Pune. The transfer of the said building to the Company is pending subject to approval of the APMC, Pune. Since there is long pending litigation among the APMC Members, the NOC/approval is pending. The Company fully possesses the said Building. All the documents for registration in the name of the Company have already been submitted to the concerned authorities and regular follow-up is being made.
Second building at Hilla Heights, Mumbai also is in possession of the Company. Necessary documents to transfer the same in the name of the Company are being organized.
Remark : Annexure 1 - Statement on matters specified in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the Companies (Auditorâs report) Order, 2016, Para - (vii) (a)
Statutory dues have been regularly deposited with the appropriate authorities though there has been a slight delay in a few cases.
Reply: There were delays in payment of VAT, Professional tax and Service tax in certain cases, due to unavoidable circumstances. However the same had been regularized and the dues have been paid during the year. The necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that no such delays happen in future.
Cost Auditors
The Board of Directors had appointed M/s CY &Associates, Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the financial year 2017-18, to conduct the audit of cost records of your Company for its Construction segment.
There are no qualification(s), reservation(s) or adverse remark(s) in the Cost Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2018.
Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Company had appointed M/s.
S. Ana.nt.ha. & Ved LLP,(LLPIN: AAH8229) Practicing Company Secretaries to conduct the Secretarial Audit of your Company. The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed herewith as Annexure - IV to this Report.
There are no observations / remarks or qualifications in the Secretarial Audit Report for FY2017-18 except the following:
The Company had received the letter from National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) for non-disclosure of the Dividend Distribution Policy in the Annual Report of F.Y. 201617 and had instructed the Company to issue the same as an addendum to the Annual Report of F.Y.2017-18. The Company has complied with the Reg. 43A by inserting an addendum to the Annual Report FY2018.
Reply :The Company has inserted Dividend Distribution Policy as an Annexure X to the Boardâs Report in compliance with the instructions of NSE.
The Dividend Distribution Policy is also available on the website of the Company www.ashokabuildcon.com in compliance with the Reg. 43A of the Listing Regulations.
Internal Auditors
M/s. Patil Hiran Jajoo, Chartered Accountants, have been appointed as Internal Auditors of the Company and the reports of the Internal Auditors are reviewed by the Audit Committee from time to time. The observations and suggestions of the Internal Auditors are reviewed and necessary corrective/preventive actions are taken in consultation with the Audit Committee.
Audits and internal checks and balances
M/s S R B C & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants, audit the accounts of the Company. The Company has independent internal auditors who review internal controls and operating systems and procedures. A dedicated Legal Compliance ensures that the Company conducts its businesses with legal, statutory and regulatory compliances. The Company has instituted a legal compliance programme in conformity with requirements of the Act to ensure that there exists a system which is adequate and operates effectively and efficiently. This system covers various statutes, such as industrial and labour laws, taxation laws, corporate and securities laws and health, safety and environment regulations.
As per Section 148 and other applicable provisions of the Act read with Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the Board of Directors of your Company appointed M/s. CY & Associates, Cost Accountants, (Firm Registration No. 000334) as the Cost Auditors for the financial year 2018-19 on the recommendations made by the Audit Committee. The remuneration proposed to be paid to the Cost Auditor, is subject to the ratification by the members at the ensuing AGM, would not exceed Rs.5,40,000/- (Rupees Five Lakh Forty Thousand only) plus applicable taxes and reimbursement of out of pocket expenses. As required under the Act, the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors is required to be placed before the Members in a general meeting for their ratification. Accordingly, a Resolution seeking Memberâs ratification for the remuneration payable to M/s CY & Associates, Cost Accountants, is included in the Notice convening the Annual General Meeting.
The consent has been received from M/s. CY & Associates, Cost Accountants, to act as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the financial year 2018-19 along with a certificate confirming their independence. As required under the Act, a resolution seeking membersâ approval for the ratification of the remuneration payable to the Cost Auditors forms part of the Notice convening 25th Annual General Meeting.
Familiarisation Programme for Independent Directors
Pursuant to the requirement of Regulation 25(7) of the LODR 2015, the Company needs to formally arrange Induction or Familiarization Programme for Independent Directors to familiarize them with their role, rights and responsibility as Directors, the working of the Company, nature of the industry in which the Company operates, business model etc. The details are mentioned in the Report on Corporate Governance which is a part of this annual report.
Related party transactions
All Related Party Transactions that were entered into during the financial year were in compliance with the requirement of the Act and the Rules framed thereunder and LODR 2015. All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors and Shareholders, as the case may be, for approval. During the financial year 2017-18, your Company entered into transactions with related parties as defined under Section 2(76) of the Act read with the Companies (Specification of Definitions Details) Rules, 2014, which were in the ordinary course of business and on armâs length basis and in accordance with the provisions of the Act, Rules issued thereunder and Regulation 23 of the LODR 2015.
During the financial year 2017-18, there were no materially significant Related Party Transactions entered into by the Company with Promoters, Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, which may have a potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large. However the Company had entered into materially significant related party transactions with Ashoka Ranastalam Anandapuram Road Limited, a step down subsidiary, for rendering services on EPC basis worth Rs.1,170 Crore.
The details of the related party transactions are set out in Note No. 44 to the standalone financial statements forming part of this Annual Report.
The Form AOC-2 pursuant to Section 134(3)(h) of the Act read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 in respect of disclosure of contracts/arrangements with related parties under section 188 is set out as Annexure II to this Report.
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantee given and securities provided under Section 186 of the Act
The details of loans, guarantees and investments under Section 186 of the Act read with the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 are as follows:
A. Details of investments made by the Company in equity/ preference shares and compulsorily convertible debentures, as on March 31, 2018 (including investments made in the previous years) are mentioned in Note No. 4 to the standalone financial statements.
B. Details of loans given by the Company to its Subsidiaries, Associates as on March 31, 2018 are mentioned in Note No. 34 to the standalone financial statements.
C. Details of guarantees issued by the Company are as follows:
(Rs. in Lakh)
Name of entity |
March 31, 2018 |
Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited |
30,294.00 |
Ashoka GVR Mudhol Nipani Roads |
24,125.99 |
Limited |
|
Total |
54,419.99 |
Risk Management
Your Company recognises that risk is an integral part of business and is committed to manage the risk in a proactive and efficient manner. Your Company has a risk management policy in place. Major risks like operational, strategic, resources, security, industry, regulatory & compliance risks are identified and are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis. The Company has laid down procedures to inform Board Members about the Risk Assessment and mitigation procedure, which are periodically reviewed and discussed by the Board and relevant steps are taken for mitigation of such risks.
Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI)
The Directors state that applicable Secretarial Standards i.e. SS-1, SS-2 and SS-3, relating to âMeetings of the Board of Directorsâ âGeneral Meetingâ and âDividendâ, respectively, have been duly followed by the Company.
Extract of Annual Return
The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return in Form MGT- 9 in accordance with Section 92(3) of the Act read with the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, are set out herewith as Annexure V to this Report.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The Company continues to believe in operating and growing its business in a socially responsible way. This belief forms the core of the CSR policy of the Company that drives it to focus on holistic development of its host community and immediate social and environmental surroundings qualitatively. Hence in Accordance with the requirements of Section 135 of the Act, your Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee (âCSR Committeeâ). The composition and terms of reference of the CSR Committee are provided in Corporate Governance Report. The Company has framed Corporate Social Responsibility policy which is available at www. ashokabuildcon.com. The Company was required to spend Rs. 3.66 crore on CSR activities. However, the Company has spent Rs. 0.96 crore. The reasons for not spending full amount towards CSR are as follows:
The Companyâs CSR initiatives usually involve getting the feedback from community like Project affected people, people around various Project sites of the Company, villages and their requirements. The Company then puts in place a mechanism to ensure maximum benefit to the community. The Company allocates and spends the amount with due care and observation as per requirement of CSR activities undertaken by the Company. The scope of CSR activities has been enlarged to cover almost all the activities during the year. The Company had reviewed various Projects for doing CSR activities, however the Company could not finalize the desired Project due to the fact that specific objects could not have been achieved from those Projects. Going forward the Company will endeavour to spend amount on CSR activities to achieve the Objects of the CSR Policy of the Company. Annual Report on CSR activities as required under the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 has been annexed as Annexure VI to this report.
Policy on prevention of sexual harassment
The Company has in place Anti Sexual Harassment Policy in line with the requirements of The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary, trainees) are covered under this Policy. The Company has provided a safe and dignified work environment for employee which is free of discrimination. The objective of this policy is to provide protection against sexual harassment of women at workplace and for redressal of any such complaints of harassment. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress the complaints, received, if any.
Disclosure as per Section 22 of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is given below.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 22 of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013read with the Rules thereunder, it is hereby declared that the Company has not received any complaint of sexual harassment during the year under review. Further, the Company conducts awareness programme at regular interval of time.
Disclosure under section 134 (3) (l) of the Act
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this report, there have been no material changes and commitments which can affect the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the Company and date of this report.
Conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo as stipulated under section 134 of the Act read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is as follows :
(A) Conservation of energy
The Company does not have any manufacturing facility; the other particulars required to be provided in terms of Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are not applicable.
Nevertheless, during the period the Company continued its endeavor to conserve energy through various modes. Energy conservation continues to be a focus area for the Company. Energy conservation measures are meticulously followed and conform to the highest standards.
No. |
Particulars |
Remarks |
i |
Steps taken or impact on conservation of energy |
In view of business activities of the Company, no substantial steps are required to be taken for conservation of energy other than those are actually implemented by the Company |
ii |
Steps taken by the Company for utilizing alternate source of energy |
In view of business activities of the Company, no substantial steps are required to be taken for conservation of energy other than those are actually implemented by the Company |
iii |
The capital investment on energy conservation equipment |
- |
(B) Technology Absorption, Adoption and Innovation, Efforts made, Benefits derived, Import of Technology:
No. |
Particulars |
Remarks |
I |
the efforts made towards technology absorption |
No specific efforts made other than in the ordinary course of execution of the Project. |
II |
the benefits derived like product improvement, cost reduction, product development or import substitution |
N.A. |
III |
in case of imported technology (imported during the last three years reckoned from the beginning of the Financial Year |
N.A. |
a. the details of technology imported |
N.A. |
|
b. the year of import |
N.A. |
|
c. Whether the technology fully absorbed |
N.A. |
|
d. If not fully absorbed, areas where absorption has not taken place, reasons thereof |
N.A. |
|
IV |
The expenditure on Research and Development |
Nil |
(C) DETAILS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND EXPENSES
i) The earnings in foreign currency amounted to Rs.563.79 Lakh during the year under review.
ii) The expenses in foreign exchange are Rs.9.61 lakh in respect of the foreign travel.
Details on Internal Financial Controls
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls, some of which are outlined below.
Your Company has adopted accounting policies which are in line with the Accounting Standards prescribed in the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006 that continue to apply under Section 133 and other applicable provisions of the Act read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 to the extent applicable. These are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in India including Indian Accounting Standards (IND AS). Changes in policies, if any, are approved by the Audit Committee in consultation with the Auditors.
The policies to ensure uniform accounting treatment are prescribed to the subsidiaries of your Company. The accounts of the subsidiary companies are audited and certified by the respective Auditors of the Subsidiaries for consolidation.
Your Company operates in a Tally ERP system, and has many of its accounting records stored in an electronic form and backed up periodically. Your Company is in the process of implementing new ERP (SAP) from financial year 2018-19.
The Management periodically reviews the financial performance of your Company against the approved plans across various parameters and takes appropriate action, wherever necessary. Internal Auditors have been appointed who report on quarterly basis on the processes and system of accounting of the Company. The observations, if any, of the Internal Auditors, are resolved to their satisfaction and are implemented across all the sites. During the year the internal financial controls were reviewed and tested by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants who report on quarterly basis on the process and systems of accounting and other operational processes of the Company. The main thrust of internal audit is to test and review controls, appraisal of risks and business processes, besides benchmarking controls with best practices in the industry.
Particulars of Employees
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12)of read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided as Annexure III to this Report.
In terms of the provisions of Section197(12) of read with Rules5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014,a statement showing the names and other particulars of the employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits set out in the said rules forms part of this Annual Report and is provided as Annexure III to this Report.
Management Discussion and Analysis
Management Discussion and Analysis is given in a separate section forming part of this Report.
Corporate Governance
The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under the LODR 2015 forms an integral part of this report and the requisite Certificate duly signed by the practicing Company Secretary confirming compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance is attached to this report.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
As stipulated under the LODR 2015, the Business Responsibility report describing the initiatives taken by the Company from environmental, social and governance perspective is attached as part of the Annual Report as Annexure IX to this Report.
General
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these items during the year under review:
1. Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
2. Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
3. Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the Company under any scheme;
4. Receipt of any remuneration or commission by the Managing Director, the Whole-time Directors of the Company from any of its subsidiaries.
5. No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Companyâs operations in future.
6. No fraud has been reported by the Auditors to the Audit Committee or the Board.
7. The Company does not have any scheme of provision of money for the purchase of its own shares by employees or by trustees for the benefit of employees.
8. Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
9. The Company complies with the Secretarial Standards issued by ICSI one of the premier professional bodies in India. Acknowledgement
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank various Government Authorities, including National Highways Authority of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways,Public Works Departments, Road Development Corporations of the various States, Power Distribution Corporations of various States where we have operations, Central and State Governments for their support, continuous co-operation and guidance.
Your Directors also thank the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, BSE Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Regulatory Authorities, Financial Institutions and Banks including EXIM Bank, Credit Rating Agencies, Shareholders, Contractors, vendors, and business associates for their continuous support during the year and look forward for their support in future as well.
The Directors would also like to place on record their appreciation for the contribution and dedication of the employees of the Company at all levels to the Companyâs growth.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Sd/-
(Ashok Katariya)
Place: Mumbai Chairman
Date: May 29, 2018 DIN: 00112240
Mar 31, 2017
BOARDâS REPORT
Dear Members,
Ashoka Buildcon Limited
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 24th Annual Report along with Audited Financial Statements of your Company, for the year ended March 31, 2017.
Financial Results
The financial performance of your Company for the year ended March 31, 2017is summarized below :
(Rs, In Lakh except EPS)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
||
2016 -2017 |
2015 -2016 |
2016-2017 |
2015 -2016 |
|
Total Receipts / Gross Sales and Operating Income |
212,382.09 |
204,178.79 |
310,446.23 |
291,168.77 |
Gross Profit Before Depreciation and Tax |
28,413.91 |
27,952.05 |
22,713.64 |
19,890.48 |
Depreciation |
5,073.52 |
6,706.84 |
27,353.34 |
26,904.85 |
Profit/Loss Before Tax |
23,340.39 |
20,299.82 |
(4,639.70) |
(6,924.37) |
Provision for Taxation |
4,943.96 |
6,415.82 |
7,896.23 |
9,735.04 |
Profit/Loss after tax |
18,396.43 |
13,884.00 |
(12,535.94) |
(22,361.40) |
Share of Profit/ (Loss) of subsidiaries transferred to Non-Controlling Interest * |
NA |
NA |
(11,546.49) |
(13,829.06) |
Profit after tax (post minority interest)* |
NA |
NA |
(1,037.52) |
(8,486.97) |
Dividend |
1,497.19 |
4,116.76 |
1,497.19 |
4,116.76 |
Balance carried to Balance sheet |
18,396.43 |
13,884.00 |
(1,037.52) |
(8,486.97) |
Earnings per Equity Share (EPS) Basic (face value Rs, 5/- each) Diluted (face value Rs, 5/- each) |
9.83 9.83 |
7.49 7.42 |
(0.53) (0.53) |
(4.60) (4.56) |
- Applicable only in case of consolidated financial statements.
Highlights of Financial Results of FY 17 vis-a-vis FY 16
- Total income including other income for FY17 is Rs, 3,104 Crore as compared to Rs, 2,911.68 Crore in FY16. The Revenue of EPC division is Rs, 2,181 Crore;
- During Q4 FY17 BOT division recorded a toll collection of Rs, 250 Crore, up from Rs, 239 Crore in Q4FY16. Toll collection for FY17 was Rs, 904 Crore as compared to Rs, 907 Crore. The drop in the Toll during FY17 is mainly due to stoppage of Toll Collection for 23 days in November due to demonetisation;
- EBITDA for FY17 is Rs, 1,017 Crore compared to Rs, 9,99.40 Crore in the corresponding quarter last year. The consolidated EBITDAmargin for FY 17 is at 32.78%;
- The consolidated debt stood at Rs 4,754.37 Crore of which Project debt is Rs, 4,315 Crore. The standalone debt is Rs, 174.38 Crore, which comprises of Rs, 41 Crore on equipment loans & Rs, 133.38 Crore on working capital loans;
- The Company ended FY 17 with the order backlog of Rs 7,004 Crore which we believe will enable us to grow at a higher rate over the next couple of years.
Operations
a) During the year under review, the Company has won Road Projects worth Rs, 3,273.10 Crore and Power Projects worth Rs, 1,306.86 Crore as detailed below.
Road Projects |
Authority |
Project Cost (Rs, In Crore) |
Two/Four laning with paved shoulders of Govindpur (Rajgunj)-Chas-West Bengal Border section of NH-32 from 0.000 to km. 56.889 in the State of Jharkhand on NHDP Phase-IV on EPC mode |
National Highways Authority of India |
486.00 |
4/6 laning of Kharar to Ludhiana section of NH-95 (new NH-05) from Kharar km. 10 185 (design chainage) to Samrala chowk, Ludhiana km. 86 199 (design chainage) in the State of Punjab on Hybrid Annuity Mode |
National Highways Authority of India |
1,600.00 |
Request for Proposal for âSix laning from Ranastalam to Anandpuram (Visakhapatnam) (from km 634.000 to km 681.000) section of NH-5 (New NH- 16) in the state of Andhra Pradesh under NHDP Phase - V (Package II) on Hybrid Annuity Mode |
National Highways Authority of India |
1,187.10 |
|
Sub-total A |
3,273.10 |
||
Power Projects |
|||
Rural Electrification on Turnkey basis under DDUGJY Scheme, a GOI Scheme on behalf of DVVNL/Government of Uttar Pradesh for Aligarh and Kanpur Zones |
Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited |
178.66 |
|
Rural Electrification works under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana Connecting unconnected Rural Household (RHHs) in Faizabad Zone at Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. of Uttar Pradesh State |
Madhyanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. |
61.60 |
|
Rural Electrification works in the State of Bihar under Deendayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana for following districts : Sitamarhi, West Champaran, Munger, Patna & Sasaram |
North /South Bihar Power Distribution Co. Ltd |
949.88 |
|
Turn Key Contracts for Providing APL Service Connection with LT line Extension under State Plan (Mukhyamantri Vidhyut Sambandh Nischay Yojna) |
North Bihar Power Distribution Co. Ltd. |
116.72 |
|
Sub-total B |
1,306.86 |
||
Total |
4,579.96 |
||
The Company has successfully achieved financial closure for the following three (3) Projects during the year under review : |
|||
Name of the Project |
Authority / Concessionaire |
||
i) PROJECT NO. WCP 1 : Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) of Existing State Highway Bagewadi (NH-4)-Bailhongal - Saundatti in the State of Karnataka on DBFOMT Annuity Basis. The Cost of Project is Rs, 235 Crore. |
Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited |
||
ii) PROJECT NO. WCP 7, Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) of Existing State Highway Hungund -Muddebihal - Talikot in the State of Karnataka on DBFOMT Annuity Basis. The Cost of Project is Rs, 205 Crore. |
Karnataka Road Development Corporation Limited |
||
iii) Request for Proposal for â4/6 laning of Kharar to Ludhiana section of NH-95 (new NH-05) from Kharar km. 10 185 (design chainage) to Samrala Chowk, Ludhiana km. 86 199 (design chainage) in the State of Punjab on Hybrid Annuity Mode. The Cost of Project is Rs, 1600 Crore. |
National Highways Authority of India |
||
c. Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Limited, a SPV has commenced toll collection for entire stretch of 88.20 KMs for the Project viz. Four Laning of Sambalpur-Baragarh-Orissa/Chattisgarh Border Section of NH-6 on DBFOT pattern under NHDP Phase III w.e.f. June 24, 2016.
d. During the year under review, one Project viz. Indore-Sanawad-Khandwa-Burhanpur -Edlabad Road Project SH-27 in the State of Madhya Pradesh on Build -Operate and Transfer (BOT Basis) with Toll Rights which has been operated by one of the wholly owned subsidiaries viz. Viva Highways Limited (VHL) was handed over to Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation, Bhopal, after the expiry of the Concession period as per the Concession Agreement with the said Authority. VHL had submitted claims for extension of toll period which are at arbitration stage.
Strategic Initiatives
The Company has entered into Share Purchase Agreement with GVR Infra Projects Limited for purchase of 23% stake and beneficial interest of 26% stake in Ashoka GVR Mudhol Nipani Roads Limited (âAGMNRLâ), subject to certain approvals. During the year 20% stake has been already transferred to the Company, thus the shareholding of the Company in AGMNRL has increased to71% of the paid-up capital of AGMNRL.
The Company has also ventured into its Gas Distribution business and the first such Project is in the District of Ratnagiri in Maharashtra State. The Company is very hopeful of expanding into other geographies on the experience of the present project.
Future Outlook
We, at Ashoka Buildcon Limited, believe that in view of the great thrust the government has on infrastructure, we are optimistic that we will ramp up our order book in the road sector and power distribution sector and continue giving good returns to the investors. Your Company will continue to look for opportunities in other infra spaces like Railways and Gas Distribution infrastructure development.
Share Capital
During the year under review, the Company has not allotted any equity shares with or without differential voting rights. The paid-up Equity Share capital of the Company as at March 31, 2017 stood at Rs, 93.57 Crore.
Dividend
During the year under review, your Company had declared and paid Interim Dividend of Re.0.80 (Paise Eighty only) and has proposed a Final Dividend of Re. 0.80 (Paise Eighty only) per equity share ofRs, 5/- each, fully paid-up. The total outflow on account of dividend during the year was Rs, 15.02 Crore including Dividend Distribution Tax.
Transfer to Reserves
Your Company has transfered Rs, 39 crore to the General Reserve during the year including amount of Rs, 37.50 crore of Debenture Redemption Reserve, now not required as non-convertible debenture have been fully redeemed.
Public Deposits
During the Financial Year 2016-17, your Company had not accepted any deposits within the meaning of the provisions of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
Capital Expenditure
As at March 31, 2017, the Gross Fixed Assets & Intangible Assets stood at Rs, 9,187.94 Crore and net fixed assets & net intangible assets at Rs, 8,406.04 Crore (including Rs, 2,694.05 Crore of NHAI premium payable). Additions during year amounted to Rs, 144.00 Crore.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company is duly constituted in accordance with the provisions of Section 177 (8) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 6 and 7 of the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 18 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 as follows :
Sr. No |
Name |
Designation |
1 |
Mr. Gyan Chand Daga |
Chairman (Independent Director) |
2 |
Mr. Michael Pinto |
Member (Independent Director) |
3 |
Mr. Sharadchandra Abhyankar |
Member (Independent Director) |
4 |
Mr. Satish Parakh |
Member (Executive Director) |
All the recommendations of the Audit Committee during the year were accepted by the Board of Directors of the Company. For further details, please refer the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Report.
Vigil Mechanism:
Your Company is committed to the highest standards of ethical, moral and legal business conduct. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has established a vigil mechanism by adopting a Whistle Blower Policy in compliance with the provisions of Section 177 (9) and (10) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 22 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. The administration of the vigil mechanism is ensured through the Audit Committee.The Whistle Blower Policy of the Company is annexed to this report as Annexure VIII.
Subsidiaries
In accordance with Section 129 (3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and as per Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) 21, the Company has prepared the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries, which form part of this Annual Report.
The salient features of financial statements of Subsidiary / Associates / Joint Ventures as per the Companies Act, 2013, are given in prescribed Form AOC-1 as Annexure I to this Report. During the year under review, the stake of the Company in Ashoka GVR Mudhol Nipani Roads Limited has increased from 51% to 71%.
Further the following companies have been incorporated as Step Down subsidiaries or the stake has been acquired in these Companies to make them Step Down subsidiaries.
Name of Subsidiary of the Company |
Name of the Step Down Subsidiary |
Remark |
Ashoka Concessions Limited |
Ashoka Kharar Ludhiana Road Limited |
Incorporated as Wholly Owned Subsidiary for execution of the Project viz. Kharar Ludhiana Road on Hybrid Annuity Model Basis in the State of Punjab. |
Unison Enviro Private Limited |
Ratnagiri Natural Gas Private Limited |
Incorporated as Wholly Owned Subsidiary for execution of the City Gas Distribution Project. |
Viva Infrastructure Limited |
Endurance Road Developers Private Limited |
Incorporated as a Wholly Owned Subsidiary |
Viva Highways Limited |
Blue Feather Infotech Private Limited |
Acquired as Wholly Owned Subsidiary |
Disclosure relating to remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and particulars of employees
In accordance with Section 178 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Rule 6 of the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules, 2014 issued there under and Regulation 19 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Board of Directors at their meeting held on 30th September, 2014 formulated the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of your Company on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The salient aspects covered in the Nomination and Remuneration Policy, covering the policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors and other matters have been outlined in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
The Managing Director and Whole-time Directors of your Company do not receive remuneration from any of the subsidiaries of your Company. The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of Directors/employees of your Company is set out in Annexure III to this Report. Directors and Key Managerial Personnel In compliance with the provisions of Sections 149, 152, Schedule IV and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, Mr. Michael Pinto,
Mr. Sharadchandra Abhyankar, Mr. Albert Tauro and Mr. Gyan Chand Daga had been appointed as Independent Directors on the Board of Directors of your Company to hold office up to five (5) consecutive years up to March 31, 2019 and Ms. Sunanda Dandekar had been appointed as an Independent Director to hold office up to March 30, 2020.
Mr. Milapraj Bhansali, Whole-time Director is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and the Articles of Association of the Company and being eligible has offered himself for re-appointment. The brief resume of Mr. Milapraj Bhansali and other information under Regulation 36 of the SEBI (LODR)Regulations, 2015 and Secretarial Standard 2 (SS-2) with respect to the Director seeking re-appointment has been provided in the Notice convening 24th AGM. Your Directors recommend his re-appointment.
Mr. Satish Parakh, Managing Director, Mr. Paresh Mehta, Chief Financial Officer and Mr. Manoj Kulkarni, Company Secretary are the Whole-time Key Managerial Personnel of your Company in accordance with the provisions of sections 2(51) and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014.
None of the Key Managerial Personnel has resigned during the year under review.
In accordance with the Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 each Independent Director has given a written declaration to the Company at the time of their appointment and at the first meeting of the Board of Directors in every financial year confirming that he/she meets the criteria of independence as mentioned under Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 16(1) (b) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Awards and Recognitions received by the Company during the year:
Awarded by |
Name of the Award/Recognition |
Economic Times |
Ashoka - Best Infra Brand of the year 2016 |
National EHS Award |
Best EHS Practices Award to Power Infra Projects of the Company |
World Safety Forum - Category - Best Environment Award |
Best Environment Practices Award to the Company |
Construction Times Award - Project of The Year |
Roopnarayan Bridge - Best Bridge Project of the Year 2016 |
EPC World Awards |
Infra Company of the Year 2016 |
CIDC Vishwakarma |
Best Professionally Managed Company for the year 2016 |
Special Achievements
Bihar State Government Power Division of the Company was honoured by the Bihar Govt.
__for excellence in Project Execution
Guinness World Record Largest Road Safety Lesson_
Annual evaluation of BoardRs,s performance In terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rules issued there under and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Board of Directors has carried out the annual performance evaluation of the entire Board, Committees and all the Directors based on the criteria laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The criteria for evaluation of the Board performance have been mentioned in the Corporate Governance Report.
Number of meetings of the Board
The details of the number of Board meetings of your Company are set out in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
In terms of requirements of Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 a separate meeting of Independent Directors was held on March 3, 2017 to review the performance of Non-independent Directors (including the Chairman), the entire Board and quality, quantity and timelines of the flow of information between the Management and the Board. The Meeting was chaired by Mr. Michael Pinto.
Directorsâ Responsibility Statement
To the best of knowledge and belief and according to the information and explanations obtained by them, your Directors make the following statement pursuant to Section 134 (3) (c) read with section 134 (5) of the Companies Act, 2013 and confirm that:
i) In the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March 31, 2017, the applicable accounting standards read with requirements set out under Schedule III to the Act, have been followed and there are no material departures from the same;
ii) The Directors have approved the accounting policies and the same have been applied consistently and have made judgment 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 March 31,2017 and of the profit of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii) Proper and sufficient care has been taken 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;
iv) The annual accounts have been prepared on a âgoing concernâ basis;
v) Proper internal financial controls are followed by the Company and that such financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively; and
vi) Proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws are in place and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
Auditors and Auditorsâ Report
Statutory Auditors
The Statutory Auditors M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, hold the office up to the conclusion of this Annual General Meeting. M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants are completing their tenure and would not be eligible for re-appointment as per provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made there under.
The Board of Directors, on the basis of the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has proposed the appointment pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of Companies Act, 2013 and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, M/s. SRBC & Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, (FRN: 324982E/ E300003) as the Statutory Auditors to hold office from conclusion of the 24th Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the 29th Annual General Meeting of the Company. The Company has received written consent and a certificate stating that they satisfy the criteria provided under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014 and that the appointment, if approved, shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules issued there under. As required under Regulation 33(1)(d) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. M/s SRBC & Co., LLP, Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, have also confirmed that they hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of ICAI. The Auditorsâ Reports on Standalone Financial Statements (SFS) and consolidated Financial Statements (CFS) for the financial year 2016-17 do not contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark except as follows :
Observation as per Clause i (c) of the Annexure A to the Auditorsâ Report on Standalone Financials
According to the information and explanations given to us title deeds of immovable properties, classified as fixed assets, are in the name of the Company except for title deed in case of one Building (Gross block Rs,147.24 lakh, Net block Rs, 133.26 lakh), for which transfer deed is yet to be executed in the name of the Company.
Reply : The Building has been constructed on the freehold land which was purchased from APMC, Pune. The transfer of the said building to the Company is pending subject to approval of the APMC, Pune. Since there is long pending litigation among the APMC Members, the NOC/approval is pending. The Company fully possesses the said Building. All the documents for registration in the name of the Company have already been submitted to the concerned authorities and regular follow-up is being made.
Observation as per Clause vii (a) of the Annexure A to the Auditorsâ Report on Standalone
The Company has been generally regular in depositing undisputed statutory dues including investor education and protection fund, provident fund, employees state insurance, income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), sales tax, service tax, professional tax, custom duty, excise duty, cess and other material statutory dues, as applicable, with the appropriate authorities, except that there have been certain delays in payments of VAT, Professional tax and Service tax in certain cases.
Reply : There were delays in payment of VAT, Professional tax and Service tax in certain cases due to unavoidable circumstances. However the same had been regularized and the dues have been paid during the year. The necessary precautions have been taken to ensure that no such delays happen in future.
Cost Auditors
The Board of Directors had appointed M/s CY & Associates, Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the financial year 2016-17, to conduct the audit of cost records of your Company for its Construction segment.
There are no qualification(s), reservation(s) or adverse remark(s) in the Cost Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2017.
Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act,
2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Company had appointed M/s. S. Anantha & Ved LLP, (LLPIN: AAH8229) Practising Company Secretaries to conduct the Secretarial Audit of your Company. The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed herewith as Annexure - IV to this Report.
Internal Auditors
M/s. Patil Hiran Jajoo, Chartered Accountants, have been appointed as internal Auditors of the Company and the reports of the Internal Auditors are reviewed by the Audit Committee from time to time.
Audits and internal checks and balances
M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants, audit the accounts of the Company. The Company has independent internal auditors who review internal controls and operating systems and procedures. A dedicated Legal Compliance ensures that the Company conducts its businesses with legal, statutory and regulatory compliances. The Company has instituted a legal compliance programme in conformity with requirements of the Companies Act, 2013, to ensure that there exists a system which is adequate and operates effectively and efficiently. This system covers various statutes, such as industrial and labour laws, taxation laws, corporate and securities laws and health, safety and environment regulations.
Familiarization Programme for Independent Directors
Pursuant to the requirement of Regulation 25 (7) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Company needs to formally arrange Induction or Familiarization Programme for Independent Directors to familiarize them with their role, rights and responsibility as Directors, the working of the Company, nature of the industry in which the Company operates, business model etc. The details are mentioned in the Report on Corporate Governance which is a part of this annual report.
Related party transactions
All related party transactions that were entered into during the financial year were in compliance with the requirement of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules framed there under and SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. All Related Party Transactions are placed before the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors and Shareholders, as the case may be, for approval. During the financial year 2016-17, your Company entered into transactions with related parties as defined under Section 2(76) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Specification of Definitions Details) Rules,
2014, which were in the ordinary course of business and on armâs length basis and in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Rules issued there under and Regulation 23 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
During the financial year 2016-17, there are no materially significant Related Party Transactions entered into by the Company with Promoters, Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, which may have a potential conflict with the interest of the Company at large, except the following:
i) With Ashoka Kharar Ludhiana Road Limited, a step down subsidiary for rendering services on EPC basis worth Rs, 1,275 Crore; and
ii) With Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited, a step-down subsidiary for rendering services on EPC basis worth Rs, 54.73 Crore.
The details of the related party transactions are set out in Note 43 to the standalone financial statements forming part of this Annual Report.
The Form AOC- 2 pursuant to Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8(2) ofthe Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 in respect of disclosure of contracts / arrangements with related parties under section 188 is set out as Annexure II to this Report.
The policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board is uploaded on the website of the Company at www.ashokabuildcon.com.
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantee given and securities provided under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013
The details of loans, guarantees and investments under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Meetings of Board and its Powers) Rules,
2014 are as follows:
A. Details of investments made by the Company in equity/preference shares and compulsorily convertible debentures, as on March 31, 2017 (including investments made in the previous years) are mentioned in Note 4 to the standalone financial statements.
B. Details of loans given by the Company to its Subsidiaries, Associates as on March 31, 2017 are mentioned in Note 33 to the standalone financial statements.
C. Details of guarantees issued by the Company are as follows:
(Rs, in Lakh)
Name of entity |
March 31, 2017 |
Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited |
31,428 |
Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway Limited |
3,000 |
GVR Ashoka Chennai ORR Limited |
82,840.72 |
Ashoka GVR Mudhol Nipani Roads Limited |
28,000 |
Total |
145,268.72 |
Risk Management
Your Company recognizes that risk is an integral part of business and is committed to manage the risk in a proactive and efficient manner. Your Company has Risk Management Policy in place. Major risks, like operational, strategic, resources, security, industry, regulatory & compliance risks are identified and are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuous basis. The Company has laid down procedures to inform Board Members about the Risk Assessment and mitigation procedure, which are periodically reviewed and discussed by the Board and relevant steps are taken for mitigation of such risks.
Extract of Annual Return
The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return in Form MGT- 9 in accordance with Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, are set out herewith as Annexure V to this Report.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The Company continues to believe in operating and growing its business in a socially responsible way. This belief forms the core of the CSR policy of the Company that drives it to focus on holistic development of its host community and immediate social and environmental surroundings qualitatively. Hence in accordance with the requirements of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, your Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee (âCSR Committeeâ). The composition and terms of reference of the CSR Committee are provided in Corporate Governance Report. The Company has framed Corporate Social Responsibility policy which is available at www.ashokabuildcon.com. Annual Report on CSR activities as required under the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 has been annexed as Annexure VI to this report.
Policy on prevention of sexual harassment The Company has in place Anti Sexual Harassment Policy in line with the requirements of The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary, trainees) are covered under this policy. The Company has provided a safe and dignified work environment for employee which is free of discrimination. The objective of this policy is to provide protection against sexual harassment of women at workplace and for redressal of any such complaints of harassment. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress the complaints, received under the Act.
Disclosure as per Section 22 of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 is given below.
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 22 of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 read with the Rules there under, the Company has not received any complaint of sexual harassment during the year under review.
Disclosure under section 134 (3) (l) of the Companies Act, 2013
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this report, there have been no material changes and commitments which can affect the financial position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the Company and date of this report. Conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo as stipulated under section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is as follows :
(A) Conservation of energy
The Company does not have any manufacturing facility; the other particulars required to be provided in terms of Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are not applicable.
Nevertheless, during the period the Company continued its endeavor to conserve energy through various modes. Energy conservation continues to be a focus area for the Company. The Company is committed to use the best practice in energy conservation such as :
- Intelligent lighting system at all road projects;
- Daily Monitoring of fuel and energy conservation;
- Using fuel/energy efficient machines and equipment
- More ecofriendly structures & roofing system;
- Eco-Friendly Techniques like;
- Warm Mix Macadam technique is being used in road construction activity which saves the fuel directly and final carbon emissions are reduced.
- Solar panel based High Mast is purchased at road project site
- Solar Electrical Energy: - At corporate office, 180 KWP Capacity Solar Power generation plant is installed and generates the 2, 44,000 units per year.
- Fly ash utilized in road project which directly replace the same quantity of aggregate and save the mines and stone
The Company is pioneer in construction industry for 4Rs (Reduce, Reclaim, Recycle, Reuse) and the Company has taken initiative in the sector of milling and reclaiming the used Asphalt pavement, use of fly ash and pond ash in embankment etc. The Company has been appreciated and being practiced at various projects.
The Company is also certified for the IMS (QMS: EMS: OHSAS) as well as Green House Gases Emissions Monitoring and measuring and complying with following standards;
i. QMS : Quality Management System- ISO:9001:2015
ii. EMS : Environment Management System-ISO:14001:2015
iii. OHSAS: 18001:2007
iv. GHG (ISO: 14064-1&2): Green House Gases Emissions Monitoring and Measuring as well as Reduction.
5) Technology Absorption
Specific Areas in which R & D has been carried out by the company
No R & D activities carried out during the financial year 2016-17.
Expenditure on Research & Development: - No Expenditure incurred on R & D
The Company has set-up Ashoka Highway & Research laboratory (NABL accredited) and it is supported with all the latest testing equipment and library. This laboratory is having set-up for research test and certified by NABL and various new technologies being tested.
- Warm Mix Technology implemented at various road projects including Job mix formula.
- Pond Ash and fly Ash is one major pollutant generated from thermal power station is being used in road projects for embankment.
- Milling Technique / Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement is being used in Bituminous and other layer which directly reduces the mining, transportation and handling fuels.
- Slope protection measures using Geomat / Geotextile instead of Stone Pitching.
Benefits of using the latest Technology:
- Speedy execution of Work;
- Elimination of costly material;
- Ensured quality of end products; and
- Environmental Conservation
(C) DETAILS OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS
AND EXPENSES
i) The earnings in foreign currency amounted to Rs, 1,105.89 Lakh during the year under review.
ii) Details of expenses in foreign exchange are as under:
Particulars |
Amt. (Rs, In Lakh) |
Foreign Travel Expenses |
29.02 |
Purchase of Machinery |
1,374.08 |
Details on Internal Financial Controls
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls, some of which are outlined below.
Your Company has adopted accounting policies which are in line with the Accounting Standards prescribed in the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006 that continue to apply under Section 133 and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014 to the extent applicable. These are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in India including Indian Accounting Standards (IND AS). Changes in policies, if any, are approved by the Audit Committee in consultation with the Auditors.
The policies to ensure uniform accounting treatment are prescribed to the subsidiaries of your Company. The accounts of the subsidiary companies are audited and certified by the respective Auditors of the Subsidiaries for consolidation.
Your Company operates in a Tally ERP system and has many of its accounting records stored in an electronic form including in Far Vision ERP Module and have been backed up periodically. The Management periodically reviews the financial performance of your Company against the approved plans across various parameters and takes appropriate action, wherever necessary. Internal Auditors have been appointed who report on quarterly basis on the processes and system of accounting of the Company. The observations, if any, of the Internal Auditors, are resolved to their satisfaction and are implemented across all the sites. During the year the internal financial controls were reviewed and tested by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants who report on quarterly basis on the process and systems of accounting and other operational processes of the Company. The main thrust of internal audit is to test and review controls, appraisal of risks and business processes, besides benchmarking controls with best practices in the industry.
Particulars of Employees
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12)ofthe Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are provided as Annexure III to this Report.
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, a statement showing the names and other particulars of the employees drawing remuneration in excess of the limits set out in the said rules forms part of this Annual Report and is provided as Annexure III to this Report.
Management Discussion and Analysis Report Management Discussion and Analysis is given in a separate section forming part of this Report.
Corporate Governance
The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 forms an integral part of this report and the requisite Certificate duly signed by the practicing Company Secretary confirming compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance is attached to this report.
Business Responsibility Report
As stipulated under the SEBI (Listing Obligations And Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Business Responsibility report describing the initiatives taken by the Company from environmental, social and governance perspective is attached as part of the Annual Report as Annexure IX to this Report.
General
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these items during the year under review:
- Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
- Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or otherwise.
- Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the Company under any scheme
- Receipt of any remuneration or commission by the Managing Director, the Whole-time Directors of the Company from any of its subsidiaries.
- No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Companyâs operations in future.
- No fraud has been reported by the Auditors to the Audit Committee or the Board.
- The Company does not have any scheme of provision of money for the purchase of its own shares by employees or by trustees for the benefit of employees. Acknowledgement
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank various Government Authorities, including National Highways Authority of India, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Public Works Departments, Road Development Corporations of the various States, Power Distribution Corporations of various States where we have operations, Central and State Governments for their support, continuous co-operation and guidance.
Your Directors also thank the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, BSE Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Regulatory Authorities, Financial Institutions & Banks, Credit Rating Agencies, Shareholders, Contractors, vendors, and Business Associates for their continuous support during the year and look forward for their support in future as well.
The Directors would also like to place on record their appreciation for the contribution and dedication of the employees of the Company at all levels to the Companyâs growth.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Sd/-
(Ashok Katariya)
Chairman
Place: Mumbai DIN: 00112240
Date: 05.06.2017
Mar 31, 2016
Dear Members,
Ashoka Buildcon Limited
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 23rd Annual Report of
your Company for the year ended March 31, 2016.
Financial Results
The financial performance of your Company for the year ended March 31,
2016 is summarized below :
(Rs. In Lacs)
Particulars Standalone Consolidated
2015 -2016 2014 -2015 2015 -2016 2014 -2015
Total Receipts /
Gross Sales and
Operating Income 202,457.87 202,512.55 268,129.22 234,874.59
Gross Profit
Before
Depreciation
and Tax 29,813.99 24,919.37 36,247.05 23,088.48
Depreciation 6,484.53 5,534.92 24,914.11 15,267.99
Profit Before Tax 23,329.46 19,384.45 5,630.95 7,820.49
Provision for
Taxation 6,443.48 5,166.85 9,733.15 7,955.48
Profit after tax 15,940.59 14,217.60 5,845.44 8,148.28
Dividend 2,807.29 2,420.85 2,807.29 2,420.85
Balance carried to
Balance sheet 15,940.59 14,217.60 5,845.44 8,148.28
Earnings per
Equity Share (EPS)
Basic (face
value Rs. 5/- each) 8.60 8.98 3.15 5.15
Diluted (face value
Rs. 5/- each) 8.52 8.96 3.12 5.14
Operations
a. During the year 2015-2016, the Company has been awarded its First
international Project in Maldives by Housing Development Corporation
Republic of Maldives viz. Development of Road Network for Hulhumale'',
Phase 2, Stage 1 at a Project Cost of USD 38.11 Million.
b. The Company has received Letters of Award (LoAs) for the following
Projects in India:
Company has in the year under review picked up road related orders to
the tune of Rs. 2800 Crore out of which certain projects could not
start construction due to site handover issues from the Employer which
the Company expects to be sorted out shortly in the current year.
Otherwise the good progress was achieved on the other Roads and
especially better in the Power Projects during the financial year. The
Company is confident of completing the balance construction works as
per schedule.
Awards and Recognitions received by the Company during the year :
Awarded by Name of the Award/Recognition
Construction World Award India''s 3rd Fastest growing Construction
Company
D& B Infra Awards -
Infra Company Performance award in Construction &
Infrastructure Sector
World Quality Congress
Award Outstanding contribution for carbon
reduction in construction industry
Capital Expenditure
As at March 31,2016, the Gross Fixed Assets & Intangible Assets stood
at Rs. 13,793.80 Crore and net fixed assets & net intangible assets at
Rs. 12,928.62 Crore (including Rs. 7,446.14 Crore of NHAI premium
payable). Additions during year amounted to Rs. 462.86 Crore.
Future Outlook
We, at Ashoka Buildcon Limited, are bullish on the long-term growth
opportunities that the sector offers. We believe we are well positioned
to capitalize on these opportunities on the back of our execution
capabilities, track record and robust balance sheet.
The Company, with its competence to design and execute EPC Projects
would focus on BOT and EPC projects in Roads and Highways sector. Your
Company is also looking at other infra spaces like Railways, Mining and
Gas Distribution infrastructure development.
Share Capital
The paid-up Equity Share capital of the Company as at March 31, 2016
stood at Rs. 93.57 Crore. During the year under review, the Company had
allotted 80,777 equity shares of Rs. 5/- each to eligible employees
under Employee Stock Option Scheme. Further the Company had issued
28,441,411 Equity Shares of Rs. 5/- each under Qualified Institutional
Placements @ premium of Rs.170.80 per share.
During the year under review, the Company has not issued any shares
with differential voting rights.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company is duly
constituted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 177 (8) of
the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 6 and 7 of the Companies
(Meetings of the Board and its Powers) Rules, 2013 and Regulation 18 of
SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 which consists of the following Members;
Sr. Name Designation
No
1 Mr. Gyan Chand Daga Chairman (Independent Director)
2 Mr. Michael Pinto Member (Independent Director)
3 Mr. Sharad Abhyankar Member (Independent Director)
4 Mr. Satish Parakh Member (Executive Director)
All the recommendations of the Audit Committee during the year were
accepted by the Board of Directors of the Company. For further
details, please refer the Corporate Governance Report forming part of
the Annual Report.
Vigil Mechanism:
Your Company is committed to highest standards of ethical, moral and
legal business conduct. Accordingly, the Board of Directors has
formulated a Whistle Blower Policy in compliance with the provisions of
Section 177 (9) and (10) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 22
of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. The policy has been annexed to
this report as Annexure VIII. The policy provides for a framework and
process whereby concerns can be raised by its Employees/ Directors or
any other person against any kind of discrimination, harassment,
victimization or any other unfair practice being adopted against them.
More details on the vigil mechanism and the Whistle Blower Policy of
your Company have been outlined in the Corporate Governance Report
which forms part of this report. The Whistle Blower Policy of the
Company is placed on Company''s website www.ashokabuildcon.com.
Subsidiaries
In accordance with Section 129 (3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Accounting Standard (AS) 21, the Company has prepared the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries, which
forms part of this Annual Report.
The salient features of financial statements of Subsidiary / Associates
/ Joint Ventures as per the Companies Act, 2013, are given in
prescribed form AOC-1 as Annexure I to the Boards'' Report.
During the year under review, the following subsidiaries have been
incorporated as wholly owned subsidiaries viz.:
i. Ashoka Bagewadi Saundatti Road Limited;
ii. Ashoka Hungund Talikot Road Limited;
iii. Ashoka Highways Research Centre Private Limited; and
iv. Unison Enviro Private Limited
During the year under review, Ashoka Path Nirman (Nasik) Pvt. Limited
has been acquired as wholly owned subsidiary.
The Company''s subsidiary companies viz. Ashoka Concessions Limited (in
which Company holds 66% Equity) and Viva Highways Limited (a wholly
owned subsidiary), hold in aggregate 48% of paid-up share capital of
Jaora-Nayagaon Toll Road Company Private Limited (JTCL). Ashoka
Concessions Limited increased its equity holding from 23% to 37.74% and
Viva Highways Limited acquired 10.26% stake in JTCL.
Dividend
During the financial year, your Company declared and paid two Interim
Dividends of Re. 0.70 (Paise Seventy only) and Re. 0.80 (Paise Eighty
only) per equity share of the face value of Rs. 5/- in the month of
February, 2016 and March, 2016 respectively. The total outflow on
account of dividend during the year was Rs. 28.07 Crore.
Transfer to Reserves
Your Company has transferred Rs. 2.81 Crore to the general reserve
during the year.
Public Deposits
During the financial year 2015-16, your Company had not accepted any
deposits within the meaning of the provisions of Section 73 of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits)
Rules, 2014.
Disclosure relating to remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial
Personnel and particulars of employees
In accordance with Section 178 and other applicable provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with the Rule 6 of the Companies (Meeting of
Boards and its Powers) Rules, 2014 issued thereunder and Regulation 19
of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Board of Directors at their
meeting held on 30th September, 2014 formulated the Nomination and
Remuneration Policy of your Company on the recommendations of the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The salient aspects covered in
the Nomination and Remuneration Policy, covering the policy on
appointment and remuneration of Directors and other matters have been
outlined in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this
Report.
The Managing Director and Whole-time Directors of your Company do not
receive remuneration from any of the subsidiaries of your Company. The
information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014 in respect of Directors/employees of your
Company is set out in Annexure VII to this Report and is also available
on the website of your Company.
Directors and Key Managerial Personnel
In compliance with the provisions of Sections 149, 152, Schedule IV and
other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, Mr.
Michael Pinto, Mr. Sharadchandra Abhyankar, Mr. Albert Tauro and Mr.
Gyan Chand Daga have been appointed as Independent Directors on the
Board of Directors of your Company to hold office up to five (5)
consecutive years up to March 31, 2019 and Ms. Sunanda Dandekar to hold
office up to March 30, 2020.
Mr. Sanjay Londhe, Whole-time Director is liable to retire by rotation
at the ensuing AGM pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act,
2013 read with the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of
Directors) Rules, 2014 and the Articles of Association of the Company,
and being eligible has offered himself for re-appointment. The brief
resume of Mr. Sanjay Londhe and other information under Regulation 36
of the SEBI (LODR) 2015 with respect to the Director seeking re-
appointment has" been provided in the Notice convening 23rd AGM. Your
Directors recommend his re-appointment.
Mr. Satish Parakh, Managing Director, Mr. Paresh Mehta, Chief Financial
Officer and Mr. Manoj Kulkarni, Company Secretary are the Key
Managerial Personnel of your Company in accordance with the provisions
of sections 2(51) and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014.
None of the Key Managerial Personnel has resigned during the year under
review.
In accordance with the Section 149(7) of the Act, each Independent
Director has given a written declaration to the Company at the time of
their appointment and at the first meeting of the Board of Directors in
every financial year confirming that he/she meets the criteria of
independence as mentioned under Section 149(6) of the Companies Act,
2013 and Regulation 16(1) (b) of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015.
Annual evaluation of Board''s performance
In terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rules
issued thereunder and the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the Board of
Directors has carried out the annual performance evaluation of the
entire Board, Committees and all the Directors based on the criteria
laid down by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The criteria
for evaluation of the Board performance has been mentioned in the
Corporate Governance Report.
Number of meetings of the Board
The details of the number of Board meetings of your Company are set out
in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this Report.
In terms of requirements of Schedule IV of the Companies Act, 2013 a
separate meeting of Independent Directors was also held on February 15,
2016 to review the performance of Non-independent Directors (including
the Chairperson), the entire Board and quality, quantity and timelines
of the flow of information between the Management and the Board.
Directors'' Responsibility Statement
To the best of knowledge and belief and according to the information
and explanations obtained by them, your Directors make the following
statement pursuant to Section 134 (3) (c) of the Companies Act, 2013
and confirm that:
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March
31, 2016, the applicable accounting standards read with requirements
set out under Schedule III to the Act, have been followed and there are
no material departures from the same:
(b) the Directors have approved the accounting policies and the same
have been applied consistently and have made judgment 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 March 31,2016 and of the
profit of the Company for the year ended on that date;
(c) proper and sufficient care has been taken 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 annual accounts have been prepared on a ''going concern'' basis;
(e) proper internal financial controls are followed by the Company and
that such financial controls are adequate and are operating
effectively; and
(f)proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws are in place and such systems are adequate and
operating effectively.
Auditors and Auditors'' Report
Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 of Companies Act, 2013 and
the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, M/s. M. P. Chitale &
Co., Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, Statutory Auditors (Firm
Registration No. 101851W) hold office till the conclusion of the Annual
General Meeting for the Financial Year 2016-17, and the Company has
received written consent and a certificate stating that they satisfy
the criteria provided under Section 141 of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014 and that the
appointment, if ratified, shall be in accordance with the applicable
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules issued thereunder. As
required under Clause 33 (1) (d) of the SEBI (LODR), Regulations, 2015,
M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, have also
confirmed that they hold avalid certificate issued by the Peer Review
Board of ICAI.
The Auditors'' Reports on Standalone (SFS) and Consolidated Financial
Statements (CFS) for the financial year 2015-16 do not contain any
qualification, reservation or adverse remark.
However there is an emphasis of matter at Sr. No. 5 of the Auditors''
Report on SFS & CFS and an observation by the statutory auditors in
Annexure to the Auditors'' Report on SFS which are as follows.
Sr. No. 5 of the Audit Report - Emphasis of Matter Auditors invite
attention to Note 27(XIII) of the financial results regarding the
provision made against / write offs of the exposure of the Company in
one of its associates, PNG Tollway Limited due to the termination of
the service concession agreement with NHAI by the associate company.
Our opinion is not modified in respect of these matters.
Reply : PNG Tollway Limited ( PNG) has terminated the service
concession agreement after giving notice to NHAI in accordance with the
termination clauses of the service concession agreement and claimed
compensation from NHAI. The Company based on its legal evaluation has
assessed the probable amount of claims to be received from NHAI by PNG
and PNG''s obligation towards its lenders and other creditors. On the
basis of the said evaluation, the management has also assessed the
recoverability of its investments in PNG in the form of equity and
preference share capital, loans granted to PNG and interest receivable
thereon. Accordingly, the Management has recognised provisions/write
off in the statement of profit and loss and disclosed as an
"Exceptional Item" and had accordingly charged off complete value of
investment / advances given to PNG.
Sr. No. vii) (a) as per Annexure to the Auditors'' Report :
According to the information and explanations given to us and the
records of the Company examined by us, in our opinion, the Company has
been generally regular in depositing undisputed statutory dues
including investor education and protection fund, provident fund,
employees state insurance, income tax, Value Added Tax (VAT), sales
tax, custom duty, excise duty, value added tax, cess and other material
statutory dues, as applicable, with the appropriate authorities, except
that there have been certain delays in payments in case of Income Tax
Deducted at Source, VAT, sales tax, works contract tax and profession
tax in certain cases. There are no statutory dues that are outstanding
as of March 31, 2016 for a period of more than six months.
Reply: There have been few cases of delay in payment of Taxes due to
logistics and unavoidable challenges and subsequently the Company has
made the payments and the Company will ensure that the same are paid in
time in future.
Cost Auditors
The Board of Directors had appointed M/s CY & Associates, Cost
Accountants, as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the financial
year 2015-16, to conduct the audit of cost records of your Company for
its Construction segment.
As per Section 148 and other applicable provisions of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the
Board of Directors of your Company appointed M/s. CY & Associates, Cost
Accountants, (Firm Registration No. 000334) as the Cost Auditor for the
financial year 2016- 17 on the recommendations made by the Audit
Committee. The remuneration proposed to be paid to the Cost Auditor,
subject to the ratification by the members at the ensuing AGM, would be
not exceeding Rs. 5,15,000 (Rupees Five Lacs and Fifteen Thousand only)
excluding taxes and out of pocket expenses.
Your Company has received consent from M/s. CY & Associates, Cost
Accountants, to act as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the
financial year 2016-17 along with a certificate confirming their
independence. As required under the Companies Act, 2013, a resolution
seeking members'' approval for the ratification of the remuneration
payable to the Cost Auditors forms part of the Notice convening the
Annual General Meeting for their ratification.
There are no qualification(s), reservation(s) or adverse remark(s) in
the Cost Audit Report for the financial year ended March 31, 2016.
Secretarial Auditors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Company has appointed M/s. S. Anantha &
Co., Practising Company Secretary to conduct the Secretarial Audit of
your Company. The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed herewith as
Annexure - IV to this Report.
Necessary explanation to the observations made in the Secretarial Audit
Report is as given below:
a) Non-Filing of E-Form-MGT 10 i.e., Return to be fled with Ministry of
Corporate Affairs, whenever there is an increase or decrease of two per
cent or more in the shareholding of the Promoters and top ten
shareholders within 15 days of such change by the Company:
Reply: The Company is required to fled e-form MGT-10 in case of any
change of increase / decrease of shareholding of the Promoters and the
top ten shareholders. During the year there was no change in the
shareholding of the promoters and the change, if any, in the
shareholding of the top ten shareholders is less than 2% of the total
paid-up share capital of the Company.
Internal Auditors
M/s. Patil Hiran Jajoo, Chartered Accountants, are internal Auditors of
the Company and their reports are reviewed by the Audit Committee from
time to time.
Familiarisation Programme for Independent Directors
Pursuant to the requirement of Regulation 25 (7) of the SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015, the Company needs to formally arrange Induction or
Familiarization Programme for Independent Directors to familiarize them
with their role, rights and responsibility as Directors, the working of
the Company nature of the industry in which the Company operates,
business model etc. The details are mentioned in the Report on
Corporate Governance which is a part of this annual report.
Related party transactions
During the financial year 2015-16, your Company has entered into
transactions with related parties as defined under Section 2(76) of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Specification of
Definitions Details) Rules, 2014, which were in the ordinary course of
business and on arm''s length basis and in accordance with the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Rules issued thereunder and
Regulation 23 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. During the
financial year 2015-16, the Company did not enter into materially
significant transactions with Promoters, Key Managerial Personnel or
other related parties.
The details of the related party transactions as required under AS - 18
are set out in Note 27 (II) to the standalone financial statements
forming part of this Annual Report.
The Form AOC- 2 pursuant to Section 134 (3)(h) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 in
respect of disclosure of contracts / arrangements with related parties
under section 188 is set out as Annexure II to this Report.
The policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board is
uploaded on the Company''s website at www. ashokabuildcon.com.
Particulars of loans given, investments made, guarantee given and
securities provided under section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013
The details of loans, guarantees and investments under Section 186 of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Meetings of Board and
its Powers) Rules, 2014 are as follows:
A. Details of investments made by the Company in equity/preference
shares and compulsorily convertible debentures, as on March 31, 2016
(including investments made in the previous years) are mentioned in
Note 11 to the standalone financial statements.
B. Details of loans given by the Company to its Subsidiaries,
Associates as on March 31, 2016 are mentioned in Note 27 to the
standalone financial statements.
C. Details of guarantees issued by the Company are as follows :
(Rs. in Lacs)
Name of entity Amount as at
March 31, 2016
Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) 31,914.00
Limited
Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway 3,000.00
Limited
GVR Ashoka Chennai ORR Limited 82,840.72
Ashoka GVR Mudhol Nipani Roads 14,199.00
Limited
Total 1,31,953.72
Risk Management
Your Company recognizes that risk is an integral part of business and
is committed to manage the risk in a proactive and efficient manner.
Your Company has Risk Management Policy in place. The Policy provides
for a risk management framework to identify and assess risk such as
operational, strategic, resources, security, industry, regulatory &
compliance and other risk and put in place an adequate risk management
infrastructure capable of addressing these risks. The Board
periodically reviews the risk, if any, and ensures to take steps for
its mitigation.
Extract of Annual Return
The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return in Form
MGT- 9 in accordance with Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with the Companies (Management And Administration) Rules, 2014, are set
out herewith as Annexure V to this Report.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The Company continues to believe in operating and growing its business
in a socially responsible way. This belief forms the core of the CSR
policy of the Company that drives it to focus on holistic development
of its host community and immediate social and environmental
surroundings qualitatively. Hence in accordance with the requirements
of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, your Company has constituted
a Corporate Social Responsibility Committee ("CSR Committee"). The
composition and terms of reference of the CSR Committee are provided in
Corporate Governance Report. The Company has framed Corporate Social
Responsibility policy which is available at www.ashokabuildcon.com.
Annual Report on CSR activities as required under the Companies
(Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 has been appended
as Annexure VI to this report.
Policy on prevention of sexual harassment
The Company has in place Anti Sexual Harassment Policy in line with the
requirements of The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. Internal Complaints
Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress the complaints received
regarding sexual harassment. All employees (permanent, contractual,
temporary, trainees) are covered under this policy.
Your Directors state that during the year under review, no cases have
been reported pursuant to the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
Disclosure under section 134 (3) (l) of the Companies Act, 2013
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this report, there have been no
material changes and commitments which can affect the financial
position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the
Company and date of this report.
Conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange
earnings and outgo.
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption,
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo as stipulated under section 134 of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014
is as follows :
(A) Conservation of energy
The Company does not have any manufacturing facility, the other
particulars required to be provided in terms of Section 134(3)(m) of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts)
Rules, 2014 are not applicable.
Nevertheless, during the period the Company continued its endeavor to
conserve energy through various modes. Energy conservation continues
to be a focus area for the Company. Energy conservation measures are
meticulously followed and conform to the highest standards.
(B) Technology Absorption
Specific Areas in which R&D has been carried out by the company
No R&D activities carried out during the financial year 2015-16.
Expenditure on Research & Development: - No Expenditure incurred on R &
D
Technology Absorption, Adoption and Innovation, Efforts made, Benefits
derived, Import of Technology:
Not Applicable
(C) Details Of Foreign Exchange Earnings And Expenses
i) The earnings in foreign currency amounted to Rs. 663.33 Lacs during
the year.
ii) Details of expenses in foreign exchange are as under:
Particulars Amt. (Rs. In Lacs)
Raw Materials 14.33
Foreign Travel Expenses 12.35
Consultancy Fees 6.71
Details on Internal Financial Controls
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls with
reference to financial statements, some of which are outlined below.
Your Company has adopted accounting policies which are in line with the
Accounting Standards prescribed in the Companies (Accounting Standards)
Rules, 2006 that continue to apply under Section 133 and other
applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 7 of
the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 to the extent applicable. These
are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in
India. Changes in policies, if any, are approved by the Audit Committee
in consultation with the Auditors.
The policies to ensure uniform accounting treatment are prescribed to
the subsidiaries of your Company. The accounts of the subsidiary
companies are audited and certified by their respective Auditors for
consolidation.
Your Company operates in a Tally ERP system, and has many of its
accounting records stored in an electronic form and backed up
periodically.
The Management periodically reviews the financial performance of your
Company against the approved plans across various parameters and takes
necessary action, wherever necessary. Internal Auditors have been
appointed who report on quarterly basis on the processes and system of
accounting of the Company. The observations, if any, of the Internal
Auditors, are resolved to their satisfaction and are implemented across
all the sites. During the year the internal financial controls were
reviewed and tested by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants who
report on quarterly basis on the process and systems of accounting of
the Company. The main thrust of internal audit is to test and review
controls, appraisal of risks and business processes, besides
benchmarking controls with best practices in the industry.
Particulars of Employees
The table containing the names and other particulars of employees in
accordance with the provisions of Section 197 (12) of the Companies
Act, 2013, read with the Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is appended as
Annexure III to the Board''s Report.
A Statement containing the names of every employee employed throughout
the financial year and in receipt of remuneration of Rs. 60 Lacs or
more, or employed for part of the year and in receipt of remuneration
of Rs. 5 Lacs or more per month, under Rule 5(2) of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is
enclosed as Annexure III to the Board''s Report.
Corporate Governance
The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under the SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015 forms an integral part of this report and the
requisite Certificate duly signed by the practicing Company Secretary
confirming compliance with the conditions of Corporate Governance is
attached to the report.
Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOP)
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Company, inter alia, administers and monitors the Employees'' Stock
Option Scheme of the Company in accordance with the applicable SEBI
Guidelines. The applicable disclosures as stipulated under the SEBI
Guidelines as on March 31, 2016 with regard to the ESOP Scheme are
provided in Annexure IX to this Report. The Company had received In-
Principle Approval for ESOP Scheme 2007 from BSE Limited and National
Stock Exchange of India Limited.
The issue of equity shares pursuant to exercise of options does not
affect the Statement of Profit and Loss of the Company, as the exercise
is made at the pre-determined exercise price plus taxes as applicable.
No employee has been issued share options during the year, equal to or
exceeding 1% of the issued capital of the Company. No fresh options
have been granted during the financial year.
The Company has received a certificate from the Auditors of the Company
that the Scheme has been implemented in accordance with the SEBI
Guidelines and the resolution passed by the members. The certificate
would be placed at the Annual General Meeting for inspection by
members. Voting rights on the shares issued to employees under the ESOP
are either exercised by them directly or through their appointed proxy.
Please note that the said ESOP Scheme has been concluded as per the
Scheme documents in December, 2015. 24,513 Options have been lapsed
since the employees have not exercised the said options in a given
period. The Company has issued and allotted 80,777 Equity Shares under
ESOP Scheme during the financial year 2015-16.
Details of the shares issued under Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP),
as also the disclosures in compliance with Section 62 of the Companies
Act, 2013 and Rule 12 of the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures)
Rules, 2014 and SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014
and SEBI (Employees Stock Option Scheme and Employees Stock Purchase
Scheme) Guidelines, 1999 are set out in the Annexure IX to this Report.
General
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in
respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these
items during the year under review:
- Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
- Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend,
voting or otherwise.
- Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the
Company under any scheme save and except ESOP referred to in this
Report.
- Receipt of any remuneration or commission by the Managing Director,
the Whole-time Directors of the Company from any of its subsidiaries.
- No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or
Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Company''s
operations in future.
- No fraud has been reported by the Auditors to the Audit Committee or
the Board.
- The Company does not have any scheme of provision of money for the
purchase of its own shares by employees or by trustees for the benefit
of employees.
Acknowledgement
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Shareholders,
Ministry of Road Surface Transport & Highways, National Highway
Authority of India, State and Central Governments, State Public Works
Departments, Road Development Corporations of the various States Power
Distribution Corporations of various States, where we have operations
and other Government Agencies, for their support and guidance. Your
Directors also thank Ministry of Corporate Affairs, BSE Limited,
National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Financial Institutions &
Banks, Contractors, vendors, and business associates for their
continued support during the year and look forward for their support.
Your Directors wish to convey their gratitude and place on record their
appreciation for all the employees at all levels for their hard work,
solidarity, cooperation and dedication during the year which has
resulted in the consistent growth of the Company.
For and on behalf of the Board
(ASHOK M. KATARIYA)
Date : 20.05.2016 Chairman
Place : Mumbai (DIN: 00112240)
Mar 31, 2015
Dear Members,
The Directors have pleasure in presenting the 22nd Annual Report of
your Company for the year ended March 31,2015.
FINANCIAL RESULTS
The financial performance of your company for the year ended March
31,2015 is summarized below.
(Rs. In Lacs)
Particulars Standalone
2014-2015 2013 -2014
Total Receipts / Gross 202,512.56 160,404.26
Sales and Operating
Income
Gross Profit Before 24,919.37 19,668.74
Depreciation and Tax
Depreciation 5,534.92 4,337.79
Profit Before Tax 19,384.45 15,330.94
Provision for Taxation 5,166.85 4,987.07
Profit after tax* 14,217.60 10,343.87
Dividend 2,420.85 2,369.30
Balance carried to 14,217.60 10,343.87
Balance sheet
Earnings per Equity
Share (EPS) Basic 8.98 6.55
(face value
Rs. 5/- each)
Diluted 8.96 6.51
(face value
Rs. 5/- each)
Particulars Consolidated
2014 -2015 2013 -2014
Total Receipts / Gross 234.874.58 182,459.35
Sales and Operating
Income
Gross Profit Before 22,991.35 27,832.81
Depreciation and Tax
Depreciation 15,17086 13,890.61
Profit Before Tax 7,820.49 13,942.20
Provision for Taxation 7,955.48 6,879.70
Profit after tax* 8,148.27 9,744.92
Dividend 2,420.85 2,369.30
Balance carried to 8,148.27 9,744.92
Balance sheet
Earnings per Equity
Share (EPS) Basic 5.15 6.17
(face value
Rs. 5/- each)
Diluted 5.14 6.14
(face value
Rs. 5/- each)
* Consolidated results disclose Profit after tax post the
adjustment of minority interest.
OPERATIONS
a) During the year 2014-15, the Company has successfully achieved
financial closure for the Project viz. PROJECT NO. WAP - 2: - Design,
Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) the Existing
State Highway (SH18) from Mudhol to Maharashtra Border (Approx. length
107.937 Kms) in the State of Karnataka being presently executed along
with GVR Infra Projects Ltd. ("Consortium"). The Consortium has
incorporated a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) viz. Ashoka GVR Mudhol
Nipani Roads Ltd. in which the Company and GVR Infra Projects Ltd. have
invested in equity of the SPV in 51:49 ratio.
b) The Company has received Letters of Award (LoAs) for the following
Projects.
Name of the Project Authority / Project
Concessionaire Cost
(Rs. In
Crore)
Composite Tender for South Bihar Power 136.50
Rural Electrification Distribution
works Company Limited
Composite Tender for North Bihar Power 730.67
Rural Electrification Distribution
works Company Limited
Supply, Test, Transport, Maharashtra 102.61
Construction, State Electricity
Erection, Testing and Distribution
Commissioning of the Company Ltd.
works (MSEDCL)
Rehabilitation Ministry of 219.40
and upgradation Road Transport
of Madhugiri- and Highways
Chikkaballapura- Government of
Mulbagal Section of India ("MoRTH")
NH-234 in the State of
Karnataka
c) During the period under review, toll collection has started on
Sambalpur Baragarh Road Project in the State of Odisha.
d) Company has achieved considerable progress in construction of
various Road and Power Projects during the financial year. The progress
is in line with the estimates and the Company is confident of
completing the construction as per schedule.
e) Awards and Recognitions received by the Company during the year.
Name of the Award/ Awarded by
Recognition
Road Contractor of the year Construction Week
Project of the Year for Construction Week
Dhankuni-Kharagpur Road
Project, (Runner Up)
Construction Company of the World Wide Achievers
year
Corporate Excellence Award Lokmat Newspaper
Best Award for promoting Institute of Engineers
Green Building Concept and of India
Infrastructure
Best Professionally Managed CIDC Vishwakarma
Company
India''s Top 16 Challenger Construction World
Companies Global
Excellence in Infrastructure - National Award
Roads and Highways for Real Estate and
Infrastructure
Corporate Excellence Award CMO Asia
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
As at March 31, 2015, the Gross Fixed Assets & Intangible Assets stood
at Rs. 13,352.84 Crore and net fixed assets & net intangible assets at
Rs. 12,721.75 Crore (including 7,642.61 Crore of NHAI premium payable).
Additions during year amounted to Rs. 909.22 Crore.
FUTURE OUTLOOK
We, at Ashoka Buildcon Limited, are bullish on the long-term growth
opportunities that the sector offers. We believe we are well positioned
to capitalize on these opportunities on the by leveraging back of our
execution capabilities, track record and robust balance sheet.
The Company, with its competence to design and execute EPC Projects
would focus on BOT and EPC projects in Roads and Highways sector. Your
Company is also looking forward to take up projects on an O&M and toll
collection contract basis and also eyeing other infra spaces like
irrigation and railways. The Company will also strengthen its skills in
executing EPC Power distribution projects and would selectively bid for
more number of such projects.
SHARE CAPITAL
The paid up Equity Share capital of the Company as at March 31, 2015
stood at Rs. 79.31 Crore. During the year under review, the Company has
issued 673,533 equity shares under Employee Stock Option Scheme.
Further the Company has issued 28,441,411 equity shares of Rs. 5/- each
under Qualified Institutional Placements on April 22, 2015 and 9,507
equity shares of Rs. 5/- each under Employee Stock Option Scheme after
the balance sheet date.
NON-CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES
During the year under review, the Company has allotted 1500 (One
Thousand Five Hundred Only) unsecured redeemable Non-Convertible
debentures aggregating Rs. 150 Crore.
BOARD COMMITTEES :
The details of the Committees of the Board, composition, terms of
reference etc. are given in the Corporate Governance Report.
VIGIL MECHANISM:
Your Company is committed to highest standards of ethical, moral and
legal business conduct. Accordingly, the Board of Directors have
formulated a Whistle Blower Policy which is in compliance with the
provisions of Section 177 (10) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Clause 49
of the Listing Agreement. The policy has been annexed to this report
as Annexure VIII. The Policy provides for a framework and process
whereby concerns can be raised by its employees against any kind of
discrimination, harassment, victimization or any other unfair practice
being adopted against them. More details on the vigil mechanism and the
Whistle Blower Policy of your Company have been outlined in the
Corporate Governance Report which forms part of this report. The
Whistle Blower Policy of the Company is placed on Company''s website
www.ashokabuildcon.com.
SUBSIDIARIES
In accordance with Section 129 (3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Accounting Standard (AS) 21, the Company has prepared the Consolidated
Financial Statements of the Company and all its subsidiaries, which
forms part of this Annual Report.
The salient features of financial statements of Subsidiary / Associates
/ Joint Ventures as per the Companies Act, 2013, are given in Annexure
I to the Boards'' Report.
DIVIDEND
During the financial year, your Company declared and paid an Interim
Dividend of Rs. 0.70 (Paise Seventy only) per equity share of the face
value of Rs. 5/- each in the month of February 2015. In addition your
Directors recommend the payment of Rs. 0.70 (Paise Seventy only) per
equity share of the face value of Rs. 5/- each as final dividend for
the Financial Year 2014-2015, for the approval of shareholders at the
ensuing AGM. If approved the total dividend for the financial year
would be Rs. 1.40 (Rupee One and Paise Forty only) per equity share of
the face value of Rs. 5/- each. The total outflow on account of
dividend would be Rs. 24.89 Crore.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Company proposes to transfer Rs. 15.32 Crore to the general
reserve.
PUBLIC DEPOSITS
During the financial year 2014-15, your Company has not accepted any
deposits within the meaning of the provisions of Section 73 of the
Companies Act, 2013 read together with the Companies (acceptance of
Deposits) Rules, 2014.
DISCLOSURE RELATING TO REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS, KEY MANAGERIAL
PERSONNEL AND PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
In accordance with Section 178 and other applicable provisions if any,
of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Rules issued thereunder and
Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement, the Board of Directors at their
meeting held on September 30, 2014 formulated the Nomination and
Remuneration Policy of your Company on the recommendations of the
Nomination and Remuneration Committee. The Remuneration Policy has been
annexed to this Report as Annexure VII. The salient features covering
the policy on appointment and remuneration of Directors and other
matters have been outlined in the Corporate Governance Report which
forms part of this Report.
DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS:
In compliance with the provisions of Sections 149, 152, Schedule IV and
other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules,2014,
Shri Michael Pinto, Shri Sharadchandra Abhyankar, Shri Albert Tauro and
Shri Gyanchand Daga were appointed as Independent Directors on the
Board of Directors of your Company at the 21st AGM held on August 26,
2014 to hold office up to five(5) consecutive years upto March 31,2019.
Further during the financial year 2014-15, Ms. Sunanda Dandekar was
appointed as Additional/Non-Executive Director of your Company at the
meeting of the Board of Directors held on March 30, 2015 and
subsequently her appointment was approved as a Non-Executive Director
by the shareholders through Postal Ballot on June 12, 2015.
During the year 2014-15, Mr. Shyam Sundar, Non-executive Director, of
the Company resigned from the post of Director. Mr Shyam Sundar played
a stellar role in working of the Company especially in its formative
years. The Board places on record its appreciation for his valuable
contribution during his association with your Company.
Shri Ashok Katariya and Shri Sanjay Londhe, Whole-time Directors are
liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing AGM pursuant to the
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (appointment
and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and the Articles of
Association of the Company and being eligible have offered themselves
for re-appointment. Appropriate resolutions for their re-appointment
are being placed for your approval at the ensuing AGM. The brief resume
of the Directors and other related information has been provided in the
notes to the Notice convening 22nd AGM. Your Directors recommend their
re-appointment.
Shri Satish Parakh, Managing Director, Shri Paresh Mehta, Chief
Financial Officer and Shri Manoj Kulkarni, Company Secretary are the
Key Managerial Personnel of your Company in accordance with the
provisions of sections 2(51), 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with
Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014.
ANNUAL EVALUATION OF BOARD''S PERFORMANCE:
In terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rules
issued thereunder and Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement, the Board of
Directors on recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, have evaluated the effectiveness of the Board/Director(s)
for the financial year 2014-15.
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
The details of the number of Board and Audit Committee meetings of your
Company are set out in the Corporate Governance Report which forms part
of this Report.
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Your Company has received declarations from all the Independent
Directors confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as
prescribed under the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Schedules and Rules issued thereunder as well as Clause 49 of the
Listing Agreement.
DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134 (3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of
Directors confirm that:
(a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended March
31, 2015, the applicable accounting standards read with requirements
set out under Schedule III to the Act, have been followed and there are
no material departures from the same.
(b) the Directors have approved the accounting policies and have
applied consistently and made judgment 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 March 31,2015 and of the profit of the
Company for the year ended on that date;
(c) proper and sufficient care has been taken 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 annual accounts have been prepared on a ''going concern'' basis;
(e) proper internal financial controls are followed by the Company and
that such financial controls are adequate and are operating
effectively; and
(f) proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws were in place and such systems are adequate and
operating effectively.
AUDITORS AND AUDITORS'' REPORT
STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, Statutory
Auditors hold office till conclusion of the ensuing annual general
meeting and are eligible for re-appointment, subject to ratification by
the Members of the Company at the ensuing Annual General Meeting. Your
Company has received written consent and a certificate stating that
they satisfy the criteria provided under Section 141 of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014 and
that the appointment, if ratified, shall be in accordance with the
applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules issued
thereunder. As required under Clause 49 of the Listing Agreement, M. P.
Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants, Mumbai, have also confirmed that
they hold a valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of ICAI.
The Auditors'' Report on standalone financial statements for the
financial 2014-15 does not contain any qualification, reservation or
adverse remark. However there is an observation of the Statutory
Auditors in Annexure to Auditors'' Report on consolidated financial
statements as follows :
The Holding Company and three subsidiary companies have no accumulated
losses as at the financial year end. There were no cash losses incurred
in the financial year or the previous financial year. However, two
subsidiary companies have accumulated losses in excess of its net worth
and have incurred cash losses in the current year and its immediately
preceding financial year.
Reply:
The Company''s two (2) step down subsidiaries viz. Ashoka Highways
(Bhandara) Limited and Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited, which have been
incorporated as Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) for execution of
Projects awarded by NHAI under BOT Scheme. The accumulated losses of
theses SPVs at the close of the year have exceeded the networth of
respective SPV and they have also incurred Cash losses during the
financial year. The business model of BOT SPVs, do experience such
situation due to high borrowing cost in initial years of operations,
which in later years is set off with higher margins.
The SPVs have got project loans refinanced which would reduce its cost
of borrowing. Now, it is expected that the net worth would improve
during the subsequent years on account of reduction in borrowing cost
and increased toll revenues, due to increase in toll rates and rise in
traffic. The erosion of net worth of SPVs is a transitory phase which
is expected to recover in coming years, as these SPV''s still have
around 13 years'' of toll collection period in hand.
COST AUDITORS
The Board of Directors had appointed M/s CY Associates, Cost
Accountants, as the Cost Auditors of your Company for the financial
year 2014-15, to conduct the audit of cost records of your Company for
its Construction segment. The Cost Audit Report for the financial year
ended March 31, 2015 does not contain any reservation, adverse comments
or qualification.
As per Section 148 and other applicable provisions, if any, of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules,
2014, the Board of Directors of your Company appointed M/s. CY
Associates, Cost Accountants, as the Cost Auditor for the financial
year 2015-16 on the recommendations made by the Audit Committee. The
remuneration proposed to be paid to the Cost Auditor, subject to the
ratification by the members at the ensuing AGM, would be not exceeding
Rs. 5,15,000 (Rupees Five Lacs and Fifteen Thousand only) excluding
servise tax and out of pocket expenses, if any.
Your Company has received consent from M/s. CY Associates, Cost
Accountants, to act as the Cost Auditor of your Company for the
financial year 2015-16 along with a certificate confirming their
independence.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial
Personnel) Rules, 2014, your Company has appointed M/s. S. Anantha &
Co., Practising Company Secretary to conduct the Secretarial Audit of
your Company. The Secretarial Audit Report is annexed herewith as
Annexure - IV to this Report. The Secretarial Audit Report does not
contain any qualification, reservation or adverse remark except as
follows.
Necessary explanation to the observation made in the Secretarial Audit
Report is as given below:
Non-Fling of E-Form-MGT-10 i.e, Return to be filed with Ministry of
Corporat Affairs, whenever there is an increase or decrease of two
percent or more in the shareholoding of the Promoters and top ten
shreholders within 15 days of such change by the Company.
Reply: The Company is required to file e-form MGT-10 in case of any
change of increase / decrease of 2% or more in the shareholding of the
Promoters and the top ten shareholders and the 2% or more is calculated
on the paid up share capital of the Company.
During the year the change (increase) in the shareholding of the
promoters is less than 2% of the paid up share capital and the change,
if any, of 2% or more of the paid up capital of the top ten
shareholders of the Company have been filed.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
Pursuant to the requirement of clause 49 (II)(B)(7) of the Listing
Agreement, the Company needs to formally arrange Induction or
Familiarization Programme for newly appointed Independent Directors.
The details are mentioned in the Report on Corporate Governance which
is a part of this report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
During the financial year 2014-15, your Company has entered into
transactions with related parties as defined under Section 2(76) of the
Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Specification of Definitions
Details) Rules, 2014, which were either in the ordinary course of
business and on arm''s length basis or were duly approved by the
competent authority in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act, 2013, Rules issued thereunder and Clause 49 of the Listing
Agreement. The details of the related party transactions as required
under AS - 18 are set out in Note 27 (II) to the standalone financial
statements forming part of this Annual Report. Form AOC- 2 pursuant to
Section 134 (3)(h) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8(2) of
the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is set out as Annexure II to this
Report.
The policy on Related Party Transactions as approved by the Board is
uploaded on the Company''s website at www. ashokabuildcon.com.
LOANS AND INVESTMENTS
The details of loans, guarantees and investments under Section 186 of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Meetings of Board and
its Powers) Rules, 2014 are as follows:
A. Details of investments made by the Company in equity/preference
shares and compulsorily convertible debentures, as on March 31, 2015
(including investments made in the previous years) are mentioned in
Note 11 to the standalone financial statements.
B. Details of loans given by the Company are as follows :
(Rs. in Lacs)
Name of entity Balance o/s as
at March 31,
2015
Ashoka GVR Mudhol Nipani Roads 38.24
Limited
Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited 1410.00
Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited 2400.00
Ashoka Technologies Private Limited 21.53
Ashoka Valecha JV 5.80
C. Details of corporate guarantees issued by the Company
are as follows :
(Rs. in Lacs.)
Name of entity Amount of
Guarantee
given (Rs.)
Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited 32,900
Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited 40,500
Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway 3,000
Limited
GVR Ashoka Chennai ORR Limited 6,250
Abhijeet Ashoka Infrastructure Private 4,300
Limited
Ashoka GVR Mudhol Nipani Roads 28,000
Limited
RISK MANAGEMENT
Your Company recognizes that risk is an integral part of business and
is committed to managing the risks in a proactive and efficient manner.
Your Company has a Risk Management Policy in place. There are no risks
which in the opinion of the Board affect the Company operations on
going concern basis. The Board periodically reviews the risks and
measures are taken for mitigation.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN
The details forming part of the extract of the Annual Return in Form
MGT- 9 in accordance with Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, are set
out herewith as Annexure V to this Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
In Accordance with the requirements of Section 135 of the Companies
Act, 2013, your Company has constituted a Corporate Social
Responsibility Committee ("CSR Committee"). The composition and terms
of reference of the CSR Committee are provided in Corporate Governance
Report. The Company has framed Corporate Social Responsibility policy
which is available at www.ashokabuildcon.com. Annual Report on CSR
activities as required under the Companies (Corporate Social
Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 has been appended as Annexure VI to
this report.
POLICY ON PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The Company has in place Anti Sexual Harassment Policy in line with the
requirements of The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. Internal Complaints
Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress complaints received
regarding sexual harassment. All employees (permanent, contractual,
temporary, trainees) are covered under this policy.
The Company has not received any complaint during the year under said
Policy.
DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 134 (3) (l) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013
Except as disclosed elsewhere in this report, there have been no
material changes and commitments which can affect the financial
position of the Company between the end of the financial year of the
Company and date of this report.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
The information on Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption,
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo as stipulated under section 134 of
the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules,
2014is as follows.
(A) Conservation of energy
The Company is not covered by the Schedule of Industries which requires
furnishing of information in Form A of Total Consumption of Energy and
Per Unit Consumption and in Form B of Technology Absorption.
Nevertheless, during the period company continued its endeavor to
conserve energy through various modes. Energy conservation continues
to be a focus area for the Company. Energy conservation measures are
meticulously followed and conform to the highest standards.
(B) Technology Absorption
Specific Areas in which R & D has been carried out by the company
No R & D activities carried out during the financial year 2014-15
Expenditure on Research & Development: - No Expenditure incurred onR&D
Technology Absorption, Adoption and Innovation, Efforts made, Benefits
derived, Import of Technology:
Not Applicable
(C) Foreign Exchange earnings and outgo
There were no foreign exchange earnings during the year. Details of
foreign exchange outgo are as under:
Particulars Amt. (Rs. In Lacs)
Capital Goods 799.99
Foreign Travel Expenses 14.27
Internal Financial Control
The Company has in place internal financial control systems which
commensurate with the size, nature and complexity of its operations to
ensure proper recording of financial and operational information and
compliance of various internal controls and other regulatory and
statutory compliances. Internal Auditors monitor and evaluate the
efficiency and adequacy of internal control systems in the Company.
Based on the reports of the Internal auditors respective departments
undertake corrective action in their respective areas and thereby
strengthen the controls. Significant audit observations and corrective
actions thereon are presented to the Audit Committee.
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The table containing the names and other particulars of employees in
accordance with the provisions of Section 197 (12) of the Companies
Act, 2013, read with the Rule 5(1) and Rule 5(2) of the Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is
appended as Annexure III to the Board''s Report.
Corporate Governance
The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under the Listing
Agreement forms an integral part of this report. The requisite
certificate on Corporate Governance from the practicing Company
Secretary confirming compliance with the conditions of Corporate
Governance is attached to the report.
Employee Stock Option Scheme (ESOP)
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board of Directors of
the Company, inter alia, administers and monitors the Employees'' Stock
Option Scheme of the Company in accordance with the applicable SEBI
Guidelines. The issue of equity shares pursuant to exercise of options
does not affect the Statement of Profit and Loss of the Company, as the
exercise is made at the pre-determined exercise price plus taxes as
applicable. No employee has been issued share options during the year,
equal to or exceeding 1% of the issued capital of the Company. No fresh
options have been granted during the financial year.
The Company has received a certificate from the Auditors of the Company
that the Scheme has been implemented in accordance with the SEBI
Guidelines and the resolution passed by the members. The certificate
would be placed at the Annual General Meeting for inspection by
members. Voting rights on the shares issued to employees under the ESOP
are either exercised by them directly or through their appointed proxy.
Please note that Company has received In-Principle Approval for ESOP
Scheme 2007 from BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India
Limited and are in force. The Company has issued and allotted 673,533
Equity Shares under ESOP Scheme during the financial year 2014-15.
Details of the shares issued under Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP),
as also the disclosures in compliance with Section 62 of Companies Act,
2013 and Rule 12 of Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules,
2014 and SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 and
SEBI (Employees Stock Option Scheme and Employees Stock Purchase
Scheme) Guidelines, 1999 are set out in the Annexure IX to this Report.
GENERAL
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in
respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these
items during the year under review:
* Details relating to deposits covered under Chapter V of the Act.
* Issue of equity shares with differential rights as to dividend,
voting or otherwise.
* Issue of shares (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the
Company under any scheme save and except ESOP referred to in this
Report.
* Receipt of any remuneration or commission by the Managing Director,
the Whole-time Directors of the Company from any of its subsidiaries.
* No significant or material orders were passed by the Regulators or
Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Company''s
operations in future.
Acknowledgement
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Road
Surface Transport & Highways, National Highway Authority of India,
State and Central Governments, State Public Works Departments, Road
Development Corporations of the various States where we have operations
and other Government Agencies, for their support and guidance. Your
Directors also thank Ministry of Corporate Affairs, BSE Limited,
National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Financial Institutions &
Banks, Contractors, vendors, and business associates for their
continued support during the year and look forward for their support.
Your Directors wish to convey their gratitude and place on record their
appreciation for all the employees at all levels for their hard work,
solidarity, cooperation and dedication during the year which has
resulted in the consistent growth of the Company.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Place: Mumbai (Ashok M. Katariya)
Date: 30.07.2015 Chairman
Mar 31, 2013
To The Shareholders of Ashoka Buildcon Limited
The Directors present the Twentieth Annual Report together with the
audited accounts of the Company for the year ended 31st March, 2013.
1) Financial Results
Financial results of the company for the year under review along with
the figures for previous year are as follows:
(Rs. In Lacs except EPS)
Particulars 2012 -2013 2011 -2012
Total Receipts / Gross Sales 169,583.15 136,619.09
& Operating Income
Gross Profit Before 20,500.67 17,269.53
Depreciation and Tax
Depreciation 4,957.12 3,574.13
ProfitBefore Tax 15,543.55 13,695.40
Provision for Taxation 5,328.35 3,246.71
Profit after tax 10,215.20 10,448.69
Dividend 2,106.04 -
Balance carried to Balance 45,023.05 38,179.80
Sheet
Earnings per Share (EPS) of Rs. 10/- each 19.40 19.85
Basic 19.21 19.65
Diluted
2) Operations
During the year under review, the Company along with GVR Infra Project
Ltd. ("Consortium") has bid and has been emerged as the Lowest
Bidder for the following Two Projects. However LoAs are still not
received.
- Improvement Project - II ("KSHIP-II"), Bangalore for - Design,
Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) the Existing
State Highway (SH18) from Mudhol to Maharashtra Border (Approx length
107.937 Kms) in the State of Karnataka on DBFOMT Annuity Basis.
- Development of Chennai Outer Ring Road Phase II from Nemilicheri in
NH 205 To Minjur in Thiruvottiyur - Ponneri - Panchetti (TPP) Road on
Design, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) Annuity basis at
Chennai, in the State of Tamil Nadu.
Your Company is qualified to bid for an individual Project on DBFOT
Basis, upto Rs. 3183 Crores for upcoming NHAI Projects. Company has
been qualified for Power T & D segment Bids worth Rs. 1200 Crores of
Power Finance Corporation Ltd. and Rural Electrification Corporation
Ltd. and their Subsidiaries.
Company has received an order of Rs. 20 Crores for a Turnkey EPC
Contract of Power T & D segment of Chhattisgarh State Power
Distribution Company Ltd.
During the period under review, the toll collection has been started on
following Project.
Name of the Project SPV Name of the Project
PNG Tollway Limited Pimpalgaon-Nasik-Gonde Project on NH-3
Company has achieved a considerable progress in construction for the
following Projects towards its share of EPC Work
Name of the Project % Completion
Sambalpur Baragarh Road Project 50.00
Belgaum Dharwad Road Project 73.00
Dhankuni Kharagpur Road Project 30.00
Pimpalgaon-Nasik-Gonde Road Project 100.00
During the year under review, PWD, Government of Maharashtra has
prematurely stopped the toll collection of the Ahmednagar- Karmala Road
project, stating that in view of change in lending interest rates by
the Reserve Bank of India and consequently as per contract provisions,
the concession period has been curtailed.
The same has been contested by the Company through Arbitration and is
hopeful of getting compensation for the same.
3) Initial Public Offer
Your Company had come out with Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of
Rs. 225 Crores during the financial year 2010-11. The Company has
fully utilized proceeds of IPO for the Objects as disclosed in the
Offer documents.
The Company had opened a separate Account for Refund. Please note that
entire amount of refund has been paid to all the Investors and no
amount is outstanding in the said account. There is no Investor
Grievance pending at the end of the year.
4) Strategic Investment in Subsidiary
Company along with its Subsidiaries has transferred its share in
following 6 Project SPVs to its Subsidiary viz. Ashoka Concessions
Limited.
- Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited
- Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited
- Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway Limited
- Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Limited
- Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Tollway Limited
- Jaora-Nayagaon Toll Road Company Private Limited
SBI Macquarie Joint Venture has agreed to invest Rs. 800 Crores
(approx.) in Ashoka Concessions Limited, which will be utilized to fund
equity for above-referred Projects.first tranche ofRs. 240 Crores has
been invested in Ashoka Concessions Limited.
Further the Company has transferred its 34% share in Ashoka Concessions
Limited to SBI Macquarie Joint Venture.
5) Capital Expenditure
As at March 31, 2013, the Gross Fixed Assets & Intangible Assets stood
at Rs. 44,940.75 Lacs and net fixed assets & net intangible assets at
Rs. 24,159.36 Lacs. Additions during year amounted to Rs. 6,681.33
Lacs.
6) Future Outlook
The Company, with its competence to design and execute EPC Projects
would focus on BOT projects in highway sector.
It will also strengthen its skills in executing power distribution
projects and would selectively bid for more number of such projects.
7) Subsidiaries
During the year company has transferred its investment in following
subsidiaries to another subsidiary viz. Ashoka Concessions Limited.
Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited
- Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited
- Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Tollway Limited
- Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Limited
- Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Tollway Limited
Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) vide Circular No. 51/12/2007-
CL-III dated 8 February 2011 has given general exemption with regard to
attaching of the balance sheet, profit and loss account and other
documents of its subsidiary companies subject to fulfilment of
conditions mentioned therein. The company has fulfilled all the
necessary conditions in this regard. The summary of the key financials
of the company''s subsidiaries is included in this annual report. The
annual accounts of the subsidiary companies and the related detailed
information will be made available to the members of the company and
its subsidiary companies, seeking such information at any point of
time. The annual accounts of the subsidiary companies will be kept for
inspection by any member of the company at its registered office and
also at the registered office of the concerned subsidiary company.
A statement under section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956,
in respect of the said Subsidiaries, is annexed as Annexure "A"
with the report for information of Members.
8) Dividend
Your Company had declared interim dividend @ 20% of the face value of
equity shares i.e. Rs. 2/- per share, as its maiden dividend during the
year under review. Further your Directors do recommend the final
dividend to be paid on Equity Share Capital for the Financial Year
2012-2013 @ 20% of the face value of the equity share i.e. Rs. 2 per
equity share, subject to approval of the shareholders at the ensuing
annual general meeting. The total outflow on account of dividend is
Rs. 21.06 Crores.
9) Insurance
The Company for all its properties including building, plant &
machinery, stocks etc has taken adequate and proper insurance cover.
10) Fixed Deposits
The Company has not accepted any deposits from the public during the
year within the meaning of the provisions of Section 58A of the
Companies Act, 1956 and the Rules made there under.
11) Auditor''s Report
Auditors Report on your company''s accounts for the year ended March
31, 2013 is self-explanatory in nature and does not require any
explanations as per provisions of section 217 (3) of the Companies Act,
1956, subject however to point no. 7 of Auditors Report as regards
impairment of Right to collect toll, company has preferred an
Arbitration and is hopeful of restoration of the said Right to collect
toll.
12) Appointment/Reappointment of Directors
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Articles of Association of the company, Mr. Michael Pinto and Mr.
Sharadchandra Abhyankar, Directors of the company, retire by rotation
at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible offer
themselves for re-appointment. Your Directors recommend their
re-appointment.
Mr. Gyan Chand Daga has been appointed as an Additional Director of the
Company with effect from 18th February, 2013 and he holds office upto
the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The Company has
received Notice under Section 257 of the Companies Act, 1956, from
member proposing his candidature as Director, liable to retire by
rotation.
The Board of Directors recommends the appointment / re-appointments of
all the above Directors at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
13) Auditors
The retiring Auditors, M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants,
Mumbai, will retire at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being
eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment and your Directors
recommend their re- appointment.
As required under provisions of section 224 (1B) of the Companies Act,
1956, the Company has received a certificate from the Auditors to the
effect that their re- appointment, if made, would be in conformity with
the limits specified under the said section.
14) Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The Particulars of Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption,
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo required to be furnished in
accordance with section 217(1) (e) of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Companies
(Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules,
1988 are as given below :
FORM A
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY, ABSORPTION, REASEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT (R & D)
The Company is not covered by the Schedule of Industries which requires
furnishing of information in Form A of Total Consumption of Energy and
Per Unit Consumption and in Form B of Technology Absorption.
Nevertheless, during the period company continued its endeavor to
conserve energy through various modes. Energy conservation continues to
be a focus area for the Company. Energy conservation measures are
meticulously followed and conform to the highest standards.
FORM B
Conservation of Energy
i) Specific Areas in which R&D has been carried out by the company No
R&D activities carried out during the financial year 2012-13
Expenditure on Research & Development: - No Expenditure incurred onR&D
Technology Absorption, Adoption and Innovation, Efforts made, Benefits
derived, Import of Technology: Not Applicable.
Form C
a) The employment is contractual in nature.
b) Mr. Ashok M. Katariya holds 4,349,439 Equity Shares ofRs. 10/- each
equivalent to 8.26% of the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
c) Mr. Satish D. Parakh holds 3,936,065 Equity Shares ofRs. 10/- each
equivalent to 7.48% of the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
d) Mr. Sanjay P. Londhe holds 101,562 Equity Shares ofRs. 10/- each
equivalent to 0.19% to the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
e) Mr. Anil Gandhi holds 1253 Equity Shares ofRs. 10/- each equivalent
to 0.002% of the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
f) None of the Directors are related to each other.
16) Directors Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to the requirement of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act,
1956, the Board ofDirectors hereby state:
a) That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation
relating to material departures, if any;
b) That the Directors have selected accounting policies and applied
them consistently and made judgment and estimates that are reasonable
and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of
the Company for the year;
c) That the Directors have 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 for
the year; and
d) That the Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going
concern basis.
17) Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance Report is provided in Corporate Governance
section of this Annual Report separately.
18) Employee Stock Option Scheme
The Company had introduced an ''Employee Stock Option Scheme 2007
(ESOP 2007)'' for the employees of the Company & Subsidiary/ies. The
Disclosures pursuant to Clause 12 of SEBI (Employee Stock Option Scheme
and Employees Stock Purchase Scheme) Guidelines 1999 are as given below
:
a) Total No. of options granted 780,050
b) i) The pricing formula
ii) Exercise Price
Exercise Price is equal to FMV as determined by Category I Merchant
Banker Rs. 190/- per share including premium of Rs. 180/- per share
c) No.of options vested as of March 31,2013 First vesting on 15/12/2010
281,013
Second vesting on 15/12/2011 155,565
Third & last vesting on 15/12/2012 155,565
Total Vested Options 592,143
d) No. of options exercised during the year Total Options Exercised
till March 31, 2013
3,009
14,884
e) the total number of shares arising as a result of exercise of option
1 Share per option
f) - No. of options lapsed / forfeited till March 31, 2012 during the
year 2012-13
225,674
14,778
240,252
g) variation of terms of options N. A.
h) money realised by exercise of options Rs. 190/- per Option
aggregating Rs. 28.28 Lacs
i) total number of options in force 524,714
J. employee wise details of options granted to :
I) Senior Managerial Personnel
II) any other employee who receives a grant in any one year of option
amounting to 5% or more of option granted during that year.
N. A. as no fresh grant during the year 2012-13 N. A. as no fresh grant
during the year 2012-13
k. identified employees who were granted option, during any one year,
equal to or exceeding 1% of the issued capital (excluding outstanding
warrants and conversions) of the company at the time of grant.
N. A. as no fresh grant during the year 2012-13
l. diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) pursuant to issue of shares on
exercise of option calculated in accordance with Accounting Standard
(AS) 20 ''Earnings Per Share''.
The impact on fully diluted EPS will be Rs. 19.21
m. The difference between the employee compensation cost so computed
and the employee compensation cost that shall have been recognized if
it had used the fair value of the options, shall be disclosed. The
impact of this difference on profits and on EPS of the company shall
also be disclosed. The Company has calculated the employee compensation
cost using the fair value of the stock options.
If the Company had followed fair value method for accounting the stock
options, compensation cost would have been higher by Rs. 0.35 crores
for Financial Year 2012-13. Consequently Net Profit for Financial Year
2012-13 would have been lower by Rs. 0.35 crores and accordingly basic
earnings per share would be Rs. 19.34
n. Weighted-average exercise prices and weighted-average fair values of
options shall be disclosed separately for options whose exercise price
either equals or exceeds or is less than the market price of the stock.
N. A. as no fresh grant during the year 2012-13
o. A description of the method and significant assumptions used during
the year to estimate the fair values of options, including the
following weighted-average information:
(i) risk-free interest rate,
(ii) expected life,
(iii) expected volatility,
(iv) expected dividends, and
(v) the price of the underlying share in market at the time of option
grant.
N. A. as no fresh grant during the year 2012-13
Please note that Company has received In-Principle Approval for ESOP
Scheme 2007 from BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India
Limited. Company has issued and allotted 3,009 Equity Shares under ESOP
Scheme during the year 2012-13 by which paid-up capital increased to
Rs. 526,510,300/-.
19) SPLIT OF SHARES AND ISSUE OF BONUS SHARES
The Board of Directors of the Company at their meeting held on 10th
May, 2013 has proposed, subject to the approval of the members of the
Company,
a) to split each existing Equity Share of nominal Value of Rs.10/- each
of the Company into 2 Equity Shares of nominal Value of Rs. 5/- each.
b) to Issue Bonus Shares at the ratio of 1 Equity Shares for every 2
fully paid-up Equity Shares held in the Company by capitalisation of
the Free Reserves of the Company.
Consequently, the issued, subscribed and paid-up share capital of the
Company will stand as Rs. 526,510,300/- (Rupees Fifty Two Crores Sixty
Five lacs Ten Thousand Three Hundred only) divided into 10,53,02,060
(Ten Crores Fifty Three Lacs Two Thousand Sixty ) equity shares ofRs.
5/- each.
To accommodate the above proposals, the Board of Directors has proposed
to re-classify / modify and increase the Authorised Share Capital of
the Company. The Board has also proposed to amend the Employee Stock
Option Scheme to be in line with said modifications and necessary
approval of the members of the Company are sought to be obtained at the
ensuing Annual General Meeting. Accordingly the details of the proposed
amended Employee Stock Option Scheme of the Company have been
reproduced as below:
Outstanding Options Pre Split and Bonus Post Split and Bonus
Growth Options 370,237 1,110,711
Loyalty Options 154,477 463,431
Total 524,714 1,574,142
20) Acknowledgement
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Road
Surface Transport & Highways, National Highway Authority of India,
State and Central Governments, State Public Works Departments, Road
Development Corporations of the various States where we have operations
and other Government Agencies, for their support and guidance. Your
Directors also thank Ministry of Corporate Affairs, BSE Limited,
National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Financial Institutions &
Banks, Contractors, vendors, and business associates for their
continued support during the year and look forward for their support.
We place on record our deep appreciation for the services rendered by
the employees of the company at all levels. Our consistent growth was
made possible by their continued hard work, dedication, solidarity,
loyalty, cooperation and support.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Place: Mumbai (Ashok M. Katariya)
Date: 10.05.2013 Chairman
Mar 31, 2012
The Shareholders,
Ashoka Buildcon Limited
The Directors present the Nineteenth Annual Report together with the
audited accounts of the company for the year ended 31st March, 2012.
1) Financial Results
Financial results of the company for the year under review along with
the fgures for previous year are as follows:
(Rs. In Lacs)
Particulars 2011 -2012 2010 -2011
Total Receipts / Gross Sales 136,619.09 121,546.64
& Operating Income
Gross Profit Before 17,269.53 14,548.04
Depreciation and Tax
Depreciation 3,574.13 3,072.83
Profit Before Tax 13,695.40 11,475.21
Provision for Taxation 3,246.71 3,001.70
Profit afiter tax 10,448.69 8,473.51
Balance carried to 38,179.80 27,731.11
Balance Sheet
Earnings per Share of Rs. 10/-
each
Basic 19.85 17.32
Diluted 19.65 17.02
2) Operations
In the year under review, the Company has won One DBFOT project viz.
Cuttack Angul Project on NH-42 for cost of about Rs. 1,100 Cr.
Company has also bagged Turnkey EPC Contract in Power T & D segment of
Rs. 557 Crores from Maharashtra State Electric Distribution Company Ltd.
and one Turnkey EPC Contract in Power T & D segment of Rs. 5.82 Crores
from Chhattisgarh State Power Distribution Company Ltd.
During the period under review, the toll collection has been started on
following Projects of respective SPVs.
Name of the Project SPV Name of the Project
Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad Belgaum Project on NH-4
Tollway Pvt. Limited
Ashoka Highways (Durg) Limited Durg Project on NH-6
Jaora-Nayagaon Toll Road MPRDC Ã SH 31 third
Company Pvt. Ltd. & major homogeneous
section
Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Dhankuni Project
Tollway Limited on NH-6
Company has achieved a considerable progress in construction to the
extent of 71% for Pimpalgaon-Nashik-Gonde Project towards its share of
EPC Work.
3) Initial Public Offer
Your Company had come out with Initial Public Offering ("IPO") of Rs. 225
Crores during the fnancial year 2010-11. Company has fully utilized
proceeds of IPO for the Objects as disclosed in the Offer documents.
The Company had opened a suspense account in terms of Clause 5 (A) (i)
of the Listing Agreement. Please note that all the shares have been
credited to respective demat accounts of the Investors.
Total outstanding amount of Refund payable by the Company as on March
31, 2012 stands to Rs. 13,608/-.
4) Capital Expenditure
As at March 31, 2012, the Gross Fixed Assets & Intangible Assets stood
at Rs. 48,703.70 Lacs and net fixed assets & net intangible assets at Rs.
27,279.23 Lacs. Additions during year amounted to Rs. 4,708.19 Lacs.
5) Future Outlook
The Company, with its competence and focus on BOT projects will
continue to bid for projects under DBFOT Scheme.
It will also strengthen its skills in executing power distribution
projects and would selectively bid for more number of such projects.
6) Subsidiaries
During the year under review Two Companies viz. Ashoka Cuttack Angul
Tollway Limited in the form of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPV) and
Ashoka Concessions Private Limited, were incorporated and have been
subsidiaries of the Company. Further Company has purchased 50,000
equity shares of Rs. 10/- each fully paid of Viva Infrastructure Private
Limited (VIPL) to make VIPL its 99% Subsidiary. Company's one more
Subsidiary Company viz. Ashoka Dhankuni Kharagpur Tollway Limited has
been granted April 1, 2012 as an Appointed Date by National Highway
Authority of India.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) vide Circular No. 51/12/2007-
CL-III dated 8 February 2011 has given general exemption with regard to
attaching of the balance sheet, Profit and loss account and other
documents of its subsidiary companies subject to fulflment of
conditions mentioned therein. The company has fulflled all the
necessary conditions in this regard. The summary of the key fnancials
of the company's subsidiaries is included in this annual report. The
annual accounts of the subsidiary companies and the related detailed
information will be made available to the members of the company and
its subsidiary companies, seeking such information at any point of
time. The annual accounts of the subsidiary companies will be kept for
inspection by any member of the company at its registered offce and
also at the registered offce of the concerned subsidiary company.
A statement under section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956, in respect of
the said Subsidiaries, is annexed as Annexure "A" with the report for
information of Members.
7) Dividend
The Directors do not recommend any dividend to be paid on Equity Share
Capital for the Financial Year 2011-2012 and the available surplus is
retained to strengthen the net worth of the company and to pursue
investments in BOT projects.
8) Insurance
The Company for all its properties including building, plant &
machinery, stocks etc has taken adequate and proper insurance cover.
9) Fixed Deposits
The company has not accepted any deposits from the public during the
year within the meaning of the provisions of Section 58A of the
Companies Act, 1956 and the Rules made there under.
10) Auditor's Report
Auditors Comments on your Company's accounts for the year ended March
31, 2012 are self-explanatory in nature and do not require any
explanation as per provisions of section 217 (3) of the Companies Act,
1956 except the following :
Observation: With respect to the observation vide S. No. (iii) (b) viz.
ÃThe Company has not entered into formal agreement for loans, we are
not in a position to comment, whether the rate of interest of loans
granted and other terms and conditions on which the loans are
granted/taken are prima facie not prejudicial to the interests of the
company.
Reply: The amounts given by the Company are majorly to subsidiaries
except for Viva Infrastructure Private Limited for commercial purposes
for purchases of shares & Ashoka Construwell Private Limited &
Jaora-Nayagoan Toll Road Company Pvt. Ltd. in the form of advances for
commercial purposes.
Observation: With respect to the observation vide S. No. (xv), viz.
ÃAccording to the information and explanations given to us, the Company
has given guarantees for loans taken by group companies from banks or
fnancial institutions, for which approvals from Central Government are
to be obtained, which in our opinion are generally not prima-facie
prejudicial to the interests of the company.
Reply: The company is of the view that Corporate Guarantees given by
the company do not warrant central govt. approval since the directors
hold the directorships in such entities as Nominees of Company.
However, company is taking necessary steps to ensure compliance.
11) Appointment/Reappointment of Directors
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Articles of Association of the company, Mr. Milapraj Bhansali and
Mr. Michael Pinto, Directors of the company, retire by rotation at the
ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible offer themselves for
re-appointment. Your Directors recommend their re-appointment.
Mr. Albert Tauro and Mr. Sanjay P. Londhe were appointed as Additional
Directors of the Company with effect from 18th May, 2012 and they hold
offce upto the date of the ensuing Annual General Meeting. The Company
has received Notices under Section 257 of the Companies Act, 1956, from
members proposing their candidature as Directors, liable to retire by
rotation.
Further considering the expanded business activities, Mr. Sanjay P.
Londhe was appointed as a Whole-time Director of the Company with
effect from 18th May, 2012.
The Board of Directors recommends the appointment / re- appointments of
all the above Directors at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
During the year Mr. Anant Deo Narain resigned from the Directorship of
the Company with effect from October 19, 2011. The Board of Directors
of Company acknowledges the contribution made by him in the growth of
the Company, during his tenure as a Director of the Company.
12) Auditors
The retiring Auditors, M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants,
Mumbai, will retire at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being
eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment and your Directors
recommend their re-appointment.
As required under provisions of section 224 (1B) of the Companies Act,
1956, the Company has received a certifcate from the Auditors to the
effect that their re-appointment, if made, would be in conformity with
the limits specifed under the said section.
13) Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The Particulars of Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption,
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo required to be furnished in
accordance with section 217(1) (e) of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Companies (Disclosure of
Particulars in the Report of Board of Directors) Rules, 1988 are as
given below :
FORM A
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, REASEARCH AND
DEVELOPMENT (R & D)
The Company is not covered by the Schedule of Industries which requires
furnishing of information in Form A of Total Consumption of Energy and
Per Unit Consumption and in Form B of Technology Absorption.
Nevertheless, during the period company continued its endeavor to
conserve energy through various modes. Energy conservation continues to
be a focus area for the Company. Energy conservation measures are
meticulously followed and conform to the highest standards.
FORM B
Conservation of Energy
i) Specifc Areas in which R & D has been carried out by the company No
R & D activities carried out during the fnancial year 2011-12
ii) Expenditure on Research & Development: - No Expenditure incurred on
R & D
Technology Absorption, Adoption and Innovation, Efforts made, Benefits
derived, Import of Technology:
Not Applicable.
Form C
There were no foreign exchange earnings during the year. Details of
foreign exchange outgo are as under:
Particulars Amt. (Rs. In Lacs)
Raw Materials -
Capital Goods 851.17
Consultancy Fees -
Foreign Travel Expenses 1.12
14) Personnel
Information required to be furnished as per section 217(2A) of the
Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees)
Rules, 1975 and forming part of Directors Report for the year ended
31st March, 2012.
a) The employment is contractual in nature.
b) Mr. Ashok M. Katariya holds 4,271,819 Equity Shares of Rs. 10/- each
equivalent to 8.11% of the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
c) Mr. Satish D. Parakh holds 3,935,190 Equity Shares of Rs. 10/- each
equivalent to 7.47% of the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
d) Mr. Sanjay P. Londhe holds 101,562 Equity Shares of Rs. 10/- each
equivalent to 0.19% to the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
e) None of the Directors are related to each other.
15) Directors Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to the requirement of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act,
1956, the Board of Directors hereby state:
a) That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation
relating to material departures, if any.
b) That the Directors have selected accounting policies and applied
them consistently and made judgment and estimates that are reasonable
and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the Company at the end of the fnancial year and of the Profit of the
Company for the year.
c) That the Directors have taken proper and suffcient care for the
maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the
provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company for
the year.
d) That the Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going
concern basis.
16) Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance Report is provided in Corporate Governance
section of this Annual Report separately.
18) Acknowledgement
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Road
Surface Transport & Highways, National Highway Authority of India,
State and Central Governments, State Public Works Departments, Road
Development Corporations of the various States where we have operations
and other Government Agencies, for their support and guidance. Your
Directors also thank Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Bombay Stock
Exchange Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Financial
Institutions & Banks, Contractors, vendors, and business associates for
their continued support during the year and look forward for their
support. We place on record our deep appreciation for the services
rendered by the employees of the company at all levels. Our consistent
growth was made possible by their continued hard work, dedication,
solidarity, loyalty, cooperation and support.
Place: Mumbai For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Date: 18.05.2012 Ashok M. Katariya
Chairman
Mar 31, 2011
The Shareholders,
The Directors present the Eighteenth Annual Report together with the
audited accounts of the company for the year ended s3t 1 March, 2011.
1) Financial Results
Financial results of the company for the year under review along with
the figures for previous year are as follows:
(Rs.. in Lacs except EPS)
Particulars 2010 -2011 2009 -2010
Total Receipts / Gross Sales &
Operating Income 121,546.64 113,649.34
Gross Profit Before
Depreciation and Tax 14,548.04 13,474.25
Depreciation 3,072.83 3,558.20
Profit Before Tax 11,475.21 9,916.06
Provision for Taxation 3,005.27 2,341.72
Profit after tax 8,473.51 7,569.19
Balance carried to Balance
Sheet 27,731.11 19,257.60
Earnings per Share of
Rs 1. 0/- each
Basic 17.32 16.57
Diluted 17.02 16.33
2) Operations
In the year under review, the Company has won one DBFOT project viz.
Dhankuni Kharagpur Project on NH-6 for an approx cost of Rs. 2000 cr.
The Company also has started toll collection on Bhandra Project on NH-6
and achieved a considerable progress in construction of Durg Project to
the extent of 95%. The EPC work on the Jaora-Nayagaon Project is
completed by 95 % & for Pimpalgaon - Nashik - Gonde project by 30 %.
The Company has completed first phase of Rs. 268 crores out of EPC
contracts for power distribution network creation aggregating Rs. 1018
Crores awarded by Maharashtra State electricity Distribution Co. Ltd.
and has completed 70% of the total work for other phases. The
performance on the same has been exceptionally good vis-avis peers in
the sector.
3) Initial Public Offer
Your Company had come out with Initial Public Offering of Rs. 225
Crores during the year under review. The issue was oversubscribed by
15.50 times.
The Company had allotted 6,944,444 Equity Shares of Rs. 10/-each for
cash at a Premium of Rs. 314/- and consequently the Issued, Subscribed
and Paid-up Share capital of the Company stands at Rs. 526,361,460,
divided into 52,636,146 Equity Shares of Rs. 10/- each. The Company's
shares are listed with the Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE) and The
National Stock Exchange of India Limited (NSE) with effect from October
14, 2010.
The Company has opened a suspense account in terms of Clause 5 (A) (i)
of the listing agreement. The details of the reconciliation are given
below.
Particulars Remark
Aggregate no. of shareholders
and outstanding 2,676 shares for 43
Investors shares as on
October 14, 2010
No. of shareholders to whom shares
were 2,412 shares were transferred
transferred from Suspense A/C during
the year from Suspense A/C to 39
shareholders.
Aggregate no. of shareholders
and outstanding 264 Shares for 4 Investors
shares in the Suspense A/C as
on March 31, 2011
Please note that the voting rights on these shares shall remain frozen
till the rightful owner of such shares claim the shares.
Total outstanding amount of Refund payable by the Company at the end of
the year stands to Rs. 20,412/-.
By raising capital through IPO, the Company has enhanced its net worth
to Rs. 696 Cr.
4) Capital Expenditure
As at March 31, 2011, the Gross Fixed Assets & Intangible Assets stood
at Rs.. 44,403.96 Lacs and net fixed assets & net intangible assets at
Rs.. 26,241.53 Lacs. Additions during year amounted to Rs..6,111.20
Lacs.
5) Future Outlook
The Company, with its competence and focus on BOT projects will
continue to bid for projects under DBFOT Scheme.
It will also strengthen its skills in executing power distribution
projects and would selectively bid for more number of such projects.
6) Subsidiaries
During the previous year, Company's shareholding in two of its
subsidiaries viz. Ashoka Highways (Bhandara) Limited & Ashoka Highways
(Durg) Limited, has been reduced to 52.02% and 51.00% respectively
keeping in line with the shareholders agreement with India
Infrastrusture Fund.
During the year under review Two Companies viz. Ashoka Belgaum Dharwad
Tollway Private Limited and Ashoka Sambalpur Baragarh Tollway Private
Limited, in the form of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) were
incorporated and have been subsidiaries of the Company.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) vide Circular No. 51/12/2007-
CL-III dated 8 February 2011 has given general exemption with regard to
attaching of the balance sheet, profit and loss account and other
documents of its subsidiary companies subject to fulfilment of
conditions mentioned therein. The company has fulfilled all the
necessary conditions in this regard. The summary of the key financials
of the company's subsidiaries is included in this annual report. The
annual accounts of the subsidiary companies and the related detailed
information will be made available to the members of the company and
its subsidiary companies, seeking such information at any point of
time. The annual accounts of the subsidiary companies will be kept for
inspection by any member of the company at its registered office and
also at the registered office of the concerned subsidiary company.
A statement under section 212 of the Companies Act, 1956, in respect of
the said Subsidiaries, is annexed as Annexure "A" with this report for
information of Members.
7) Dividend
The Directors do not recommend any dividend to be paid on Equity Share
Capital for the Financial Year 2010-2011 and the available surplus is
retained to strengthen the net worth of the company and to pursue
investments in DBFOT projects.
8) Insurance
The Company for all its properties including building, plant &
machinery, stocks etc has taken adequate and proper insurance cover.
9) Fixed Deposits
The company has not accepted any deposits from the public during the
year within the meaning of the provisions of Section 58A of the
Companies Act, 1956 and the Rules made there under.
10) Accounts
In connection with the observations made by the Auditors under the
Annexure to the Auditors' Report, the Directors reply as follows.
Observation: With respect to the observation vide S. No.(iii) (b) viz.
'The Company has not entered into formal agreement for loans, we are
not in a position to comment, whether the rate of interest of loans
granted and other terms and conditions on which the loans are
granted/taken are prima facie not prejudicial to the interests of the
company.
Reply : The amounts given by the Company are majorly to subsidiaries
except for Viva Infrastructure Private Limited for commercial purposes
for purchases of shares & Ashoka Construwell Private Limited in the
form of advances for commercial purposes.
Observation : With respect to the observation vide S. No.( (vii) viz.
'The Company has an internal audit system which needs a scope
enhancement to be commensurate with the size and nature of business'.
Reply: Auditors have reported vide Sr. No. (iv) under an Annexure to
the Auditors' Report that, the Company has adequate internal control
procedures commensurate with the size of the company and nature of the
business.
However, the Board of Directors have advised the Internal Auditors to
meet with the increased requirements of the Company and has interacted
with the Internal Auditors and have carved out a specific scope and
areas of internal audit which are already put in practice.
Observation : With respect to the observation vide S. No.(xv), viz.
'According to the information and explanations given to us, the Company
has given guarantees for loans taken by group companies from banks or
financial institutions, for which approvals from Central Government are
to be obtained, which in our opinion are generally not prima-facie
prejudicial to the interests of the company.
Reply : The company is of the view that Corporate Guarantees given by
the company do not warrant central govt. approval since the directors
hold the directorships in such entities as Nominees of Company. However
company is taking necessary steps to ensure compliance.
11) Appointment/Reappointment of Directors
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Articles of Association of the company, Mr. Anant Deo Narain and
Mr. Sharadchandra D. Abhyankar Directors of the company, retire by
rotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible offer
themselves for re- appointment. Your Directors recommend their
re-appointment.
During the year Mr. Sunil B. Raisoni resigned from the Directorship of
the Company with effect from March 14, 2011. The Board of Directors of
Company acknowledges the contribution made by him in the growth of the
Company, during his tenure as a Director of the Company.
12) Auditors
The retiring Auditors, M/s. M. P. Chitale & Co., Chartered Accountants,
Mumbai, will retire at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being
eligible, offer themselves for re-appointment and your Directors
recommend their re-appointment.
As required under provisions of section 224 (1B) of the Companies Act,
1956, the Company has received a certificate from the Auditors to the
effect that their re-appointment, if made, would be in conformity with
the limits specified under the said section.
13) Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption, Foreign Exchange
Earnings and Outgo
The Particulars of Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption,
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo required to be furnished in
accordance with section 217(1) (e) of the Companies Act, 1956 read with
the Companies (Disclosure of Particulars in the Report of Board of
Directors) Rules, 1988 are as given below :
14) Personnel
Information required to be furnished as per section 217(2A) of the
Companies Act, 1956, read with the Companies (Particulars of Employees)
Rules, 1975 and forming part of Directors Report for the year ended
31st March, 2011
a) The employment is contractual in nature.
b) Mr. Ashok M. Katariya holds 4,250,960 Equity Shares of Rs1.0/- each
equivalent to 8.07% to the paid-up Share Capital of the Company.
15) Directors Responsibility Statement
Pursuant to the requirement of Section 217(2AA) of the Companies Act,
1956, the Board of Directors hereby state:
a) That in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable
accounting standards have been followed along with proper explanation
relating to material departures, if any.
b) That the Directors have selected accounting policies and applied
them consistently and made judgment and estimates that are reasonable
and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the Company at the end of the financial year and of the profit of
the Company for the year.
c) That the Directors have 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 for
the year.
d) That the Directors have prepared the annual accounts on a going
concern basis.
16) Corporate Governance
The Corporate Governance Report is provided in Corporate Governance
section of this Annual Report separately.
17) Employee Stock Option Scheme
The Company had introduced an 'Employee Stock Option Scheme 2007 (ESOP
2007)' for the employees of the Company & Subsidiary/ies. The
Disclosures pursuant to Clause 12 of SEBI (Employee Stock Option Scheme
and Employees Stock Purchase Scheme) Guidelines 1999 are as given below
:
k) diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) pursuant to issue of shares on
exercise of option calculated in accordance with Accounting Standard
(AS) 20 'Earnings Per Share'.
Kindly refer to note no. 11 of Schedule 20 (II) Notes to the Accounts.
(l) Where the company has calculated the employee compensation cost
using the intrinsic value of the stock options, the difference between
the employee compensation cost so computed and the employee
compensation cost that shall have been recognized if it had used the
fair value of the options, shall be disclosed. The impact of this
difference on profits and on EPS of the company shall also be
disclosed.
The Company has calculated the employee compensation cost using the
fair value of the stock options.
Kindly refer to note no. 5 of Schedule 20 (II) Notes to the Accounts.
(m) Weighted-average exercise prices and weighted-average fair values
of options shall be disclosed separately for options whose exercise
price either equals or exceeds or is less than the market price of the
stock.
The options are exercisable atRs1.90.00 including a premium ofRs
1.80.00 per equity share
(n) A description of the method and significant assumptions used during
the year to estimate the fair values of options, including the
following weighted-average information:
(i) risk-free interest rate,
(ii) expected life,
(iii) expected volatility,
(iv) expected dividends, and
(v) the price of the underlying share in market at the time of option
grant.
Kindly refer to note no. 5 of Schedule 20 (II) Notes to the Accounts.
Please note that Company has received In-Principle Approval for ESOP
Scheme 2007 from Bombay Stock Exchange Limited and National Stock
Exchange of India Limited. Company has allotted 4,997 Equity Shares
under ESOP Scheme on 2nd May, 2011 in which Paid-up capital increase to
Rs. 526,411,430.
18) Acknowledgment
Your Directors take this opportunity to thank the Ministry of Road
Surface Transport & Highways, National Highways Authority of India,
State and Central Governments, State Public Works Departments, Road
Development Corporations of the various States where we have operations
and other Government Agencies, for their support and guidance. Your
Directors also thank Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Bombay Stock
Exchange Limited, National Stock Exchange of India Limited, Financial
Institutions & Banks, Contractors, vendors, and business associates for
their continued support during the year and look forward for their
support. We also express our sincere gratitude to the public at large
who have given overwhelming response to our initial public offer. We
place on record our deep appreciation for the services rendered by the
employees of the company at all levels. Our consistent growth was made
possible by their continued hard work, dedication, solidarity, loyalty,
cooperation and support.
Place: Mumbai For and on behalf of the Board of Directors
Date: 10.05.11 Sd/-
(Ashok M. Katariya)
Chairman