Your Director's are pleased to present the 42nd Annual Report of Saraswati Commercial (India) Limited ("your Company/the Company") together with the annual audited financial statement for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025. This reportprovides a comprehensive overview of the Company's strategic initiatives, financial performance, operational achievements andkey challenges faced during the fiscal year, along with insights into the Company's future growth trajectory.
1. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:
The summary of the Company's financial performance for the year under review along with previous year figures are givenhereunder:
Particulars
Standalone
Consolidated
{Consolidation with Subsidiaries}
Year ended
31.03.2025
31.03.2024
Total Income (I)
7,541.58
12,833.57
7,544.58
12,834.29
Total Expenses (II)
661.47
486.51
662.49
487.49
Profit before tax (I-M=IM)
6,880.11
12,347.06
6,882.09
12,346.80
Less: Tax Expenses (IV)
1,538.99
1,956.45
1,539.37
1,956.49
Profit after Tax (III-IV=V)
5,341.12
10,390.61
5,342.72
10,390.30
Other Comprehensive Income before tax (VI)
17,293.88
17,244.10
17,560.27
17,652.62
Less: Tax Expenses on Other ComprehensiveIncome (VII)
3,570.67
1,950.01
3,646.21
1,995.22
Other Comprehensive Income for the year(VI-VII= VIII)
13,723.21
15,294.10
13,914.06
15,657.40
Total Comprehensive Income (V VIII= IX)
19,064.33
25,684.71
19,256.78
26,047.70
Net Profit attributable to:
Owners of the company
-
5,342.10
10,390.42
Non-controlling interest
0.62
(0.12)
Other comprehensive Income attributable to:
13,839.89
15,516.26
Non-controlling interests
74.17
141.14
Total comprehensive Income attributable to:
19,181.99
25,906.68
74.79
141.02
Earnings per share (EPS)
Basic
517.41
1,008.87
517.51
1,008.85
Diluted
Note:
2. OPERATIONS AND OVERVIEW OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:
The Audited Financial Statements of your Company as on 31* March, 2025, are prepared in accordance with therelevant applicable Indian Accounting Standards ("Ind AS") and Regulation 33 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations") and as per the provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013 ('the Act') read together with the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015, as amendedfrom time to time, other relevant provisions of the Act on an accrual basis.
• Revenues - Standalone:
The standalone revenue from operations and other income of the Company stood at Rs. 7,541.58 Lakhs(Includes a realised gain on financial instruments of Rs. 6,958.16 Lakhs and an unrealised gain of Rs. 77.55Lakhs) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 as against Rs. 12,833.57 Lakhs in the previous financial year.After providing for Depreciation the Company has earned a profit before tax of Rs. 6,880.11 Lakhs as againstRs. 12,347.06 Lakhs. After making provision for tax for the year; the profit for the year amounted to Rs. 5,341.12Lakhs as against Rs. 10,390.61 Lakhs.
The Company's other comprehensive income (net of tax) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 wasRs. 13,723.21 Lakhs (Includes a realised gain on financial instruments of Rs. 331.40 Lakhs and an unrealised gain ofRs. 16,962.48 Lakhs) as against Rs. 15,294.10 Lakhs in previous year. The company's total comprehensive incomefor the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 was profit of Rs. 19,064.33 Lakhs as against Rs. 25,684.71 Lakhs in theprevious financial year.
• Revenues - Consolidated:
The Company has consolidated its subsidiaries in the financial statement as per Ind AS 110 "Consolidated FinancialStatement".
The consolidated revenue from operations and other income of the Company stood at Rs. 7,544.58 Lakhs(Includes a realised gain on financial instruments of Rs. 6,958.16 Lakhs and an unrealised gain of Rs. 78.30Lakhs) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 as against Rs. 12,834.29 Lakhs in the previous financial year.After providing for Depreciation the Company has earned a profit before tax of Rs. 6,882.09 Lakhs as againstRs. 12,346.80 Lakhs. After making provision for tax for the year; the profit for the year amounted to Rs. 5,342.72Lakhs as against profit of Rs. 10,390.30 Lakhs in previous financial year.
Company's other comprehensive income (net of tax) for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 was profit ofRs. 13,914.06 Lakhs (Iincludes a realised gain on financial instruments of Rs. 331.40 Lakhs and an unrealised gain ofRs. 17,228.87 Lakhs) as against Rs. 15,657.40 Lakhs in previous year. The Company's total comprehensive incomefor the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 was profit of Rs. 19,256.78 Lakhs as against Rs. 26,047.70 Lakhs in theprevious financial year.
The Company is a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) primarily engaged in investment activities. Considering thecapital-intensive nature of the business and in order to support the Company's future growth plans, the Board of Directorshas deemed it prudent not to recommend any dividend for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025.
The provisions of Section 125(2) of the Companies Act, 2013 do not apply as there was no dividend declared and paid lastyear.
Under section 45-IC(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are required totransfer a sum of not less than 20% of its net profit every year to the reserve fund. Your Company has transferred a sum ofRs. 1,068.22 Lakhs to Reserves u/s. 45-IC(1) of the Reserve Bank of India Act.
The Company is a non-banking financial company (NBFC) registered with the Reserve Bank of India under the category ofInvestment and Credit Company (NBFC-ICC). The Company is engaged in the business of investment and trading in sharesand securities and lending activities.
There has been no change in nature of the business of the Company during the financial year under review.
7. SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES AND ASSOCIATES:
• Subsidiaries:
The following Companies are the Subsidiaries:
Sr. No.
Name of the subsidiaries
% of holding
1
Sareshwar Trading and Finance Private Limited
60.77
2
Arkaya Commercial Private Limited
61.83
Subsidiaries
Sareshwar Tradingand Finance PrivateLimited
Arkaya CommercialPrivate Limited
Year ended 31st March, 2025 {Standalonefigures}
1.75
1.25
0.48
0.55
Profit before share in profit/(loss) before tax (I-II= III)
1.27
0.70
Less: Tax expenses (IV)
0.38
0.00
Profit/ (loss) for the year (III-IV= V)
0.89
170.07
96.32
Less: Tax Expenses on other Comprehensive Income (VII)
45.30
30.24
Other Comprehensive Income (VI-VII= VIII) (Net of Tax)
124.77
66.08
125.67
66.78
Earnings per Share (EPS)
0.58
2.44
• Associates:
The Company does not have any Associates.
• Joint Ventures:
The Company does not have any Joint ventures.
• Salient Features of Subsidiaries:
Pursuant to Section 129 (3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the Rules (5) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules,2014 the salient feature of Financial Statement of Subsidiaries in Form AOC 1 which forms part of the annual report.
. BOARD OF DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
The composition of the Board is in accordance with provisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation17 of the Listing Regulations, with an appropriate combination of Executive, Non-executive and Independent Directors.
As on 31st March, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company comprised of following Six (6) Directors including One (1)Whole Time Director and Three (3) Independent Directors.
Name of the Director
Date ofappointment
Date ofResignation
Position held
Mrs. Rupal Vora
28.04.2021
Chairperson- Non- Executive Independent Director
Mrs. Vaishali Dhuri
09.10.2024
Whole Time Director
Mr. Hetal Khalpada
14.05.2021
Non-Executive Director
Mr. Sandeep Kumar Kejariwal
25.07.2019
Mr. Vallabh Prasad Biyani
11.02.2022
Non-Executive Independent Director
Mrs. Neha Bandyopadhyay
11.02.2025
--
Mr. Ketan Desai
13.02.2015
11.02.2025(Completion ofTenure)
Mr. Ritesh Zaveri
13.11.2017
None of the Directors is disqualified from being appointed as 'Director', pursuant to Section 164 of the Act or underany other applicable laws. The Company has obtained a certificate from Avani Gandhi & Associates, PracticingCompany Secretaries, that none of the directors on the Board of the Company has been debarred or disqualified frombeing appointed or continuing as directors of companies by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (the "SEBI")/Ministry of Corporate Affairs (the "MCA") or any such statutory authorities as on 31st March, 2025. A copy of the saidcertificate is attached to the Corporate Governance Report, which is annexed hereto and forms part of this Report.
In terms of the provision of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 17 (1) of the Listing Regulations,a Company shall have at least one woman director on the board of the Company. Your Company has Three womendirectors on the Board.
Date of appointment
Mrs. Rupal Vora was appointed as a Non-Executive Independent Directorw.e.f. 28th April, 2021
Mrs. Vaishali Dhuri was appointed as a Whole Time Director w.e.f.9th October, 2024
3
Mrs. Neha Bandyopadhyay was appointed as a Non-Executive IndependentDirector w.e.f. 11th February, 2025
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, Mr. Sandeep Kumar Kejariwal, Director, retires byrotation at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment. A brief profileof the Director proposed to be re-appointed is provided in the Notes to the Notice of the ensuing Annual GeneralMeeting.
> The Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committeeat its meeting held on 29th July, 2024, proposed the appointment of Mrs. Vaishali Dhuri (DIN: 03607657)as a Whole-time Director of the Company for a period of three years, subject to the approval of the Membersand the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Pursuant to the approval of the Members at the Annual General Meetingheld on 26th September, 2024, and the subsequent approval received from the RBI on 9th October, 2024,Mrs. Vaishali Dhuri was formally appointed as a Whole-time Director of the Company for a term of threeconsecutive years with effect from 9th October, 2024.
> The Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee,appointed Mrs. Neha Bandyopadhyay (DIN: 08591975) as an Additional (Non-Executive) IndependentDirector witheffect from 11th February, 2025. Her appointment was subsequently regularized as aNon-Executive Independent Director with effect from 16th March, 2025, through Postal Ballot. Mrs. NehaBandyopadhyay is a science graduate with Honours in Textile Design from Delhi University and also holds anMBA, MSc. and B.Ed. She serves as a Director in the International Indian Folk Art Gallery, Australia, and isthe National Executive and State Coordinator for SPICMACAY. The Board considers her appointment to be inthe best interests of the Company, and her association is expected to bring immense value to the Company.She is independent of the management and fulfils the conditions specified under the Companies Act, 2013and the rules made thereunder for appointment as an Independent Director.
> The Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee at
its meeting held on 12th November, 2024, proposed the appointment of Mr. Rohit Kothari (DIN: 00054811) asan Additional Non-Executive Director of the Company. He was subsequently regularized as a Non-ExecutiveDirector with effect from 16th March, 2025, through Postal Ballot, subject to the approval of the Reserve Bankof India (RBI). Upon receipt of the RBI approval, Mr. Rohit Kothari was formally appointed as a Non-ExecutiveDirector of the Company with effect from 30th May, 2025.
> Mr. Ritesh Zaveri, Non- Executive Non Independent Director of the Company resigned from the directorshipof the Company w.e.f. 9th October, 2024 due to his other professional commitments. He has furtherconfirmed that there are no other material reasons apart from his aforesaid commitments.
> Mr. Ketan Desai (DIN: 07092422) Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company, completed his secondterm on 11th February, 2025. Accordingly, he ceased to be an Independent Director of the Company witheffect from the close of business hours on the said date.
The Company has devised a policy on directors' appointment and remuneration including criteria for deemingqualifications, independence of director and other matter provided under sub-section (3) of Section 178. SuchNomination & Remuneration policy devised by the company can be accessed on the website of the company-www.saraswaticommercial.com.
Pursuant to the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 17 of the Listing Regulations, the Board carriedout evaluation of its own as well as performance of that of its committees. The Board also carried out performanceevaluation of all the individual directors. Additionally, the Nomination and Remuneration committee of the Boardalso carried out the evaluation of the performance of the individual directors. The performance evaluation wascarried out by the way of obtaining feedback from the directors through a structured questionnaire prepared inaccordance with the Board Evaluation Policy.
The structured questionnaire prepared to evaluate the performance of individual directors, the Board andcommittees contained various different parameters.
The independent directors of the Company met separately at their meeting held on 12th March, 2025, withoutthe attendance of non-independent directors and members of the management and reviewed the performance ofnon-independent directors, chairman and various committees of the Board and assessed the quality, quantity andtimeliness of the flow of information between the Management and the Board.
The independent directors expressed their satisfaction regarding the overall functioning of the Board and itsCommittees for the financial year 2024-25.
All the Independent Directors have confirmed to the Board they meet the criteria of Independence as specifiedunder section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013, and that they qualify to be the Independent Directors pursuant toRule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. Further, they have also confirmedthat they meet the requirements of Independent Directors as mentioned under Regulation 16(1)(b) of the ListingRegulations.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of theComnanu are as follows1
Name
Designation
Mr. Rajiv Pathak
Chief Executive Officer
Mrs. Vaishali Dhuri*
Whole Time Director & Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Avani Sanghavi
Company Secretary & Compliance Officer
Pursuant to the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2023, the Senior Management personnel (SMP) of the Companyis as follows:
Mr. Sanket Baheti
Research Analyst & Chief Information Officer
Mrs. Meenakshi Bishnoi1
Chief Compliance Officer
*The Board of Directors, based on the recommendations of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee at itsmeeting held on 27th May, 2025 designated Mrs. Meenakshi Bishnoi, Chief Compliance Officer of the Company asthe Senior Managerial Personnel of the Company w.e.f. 27th May, 2025.
9. CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL:
During the year under review, the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 11th February, 2025 had,subject to the approval of the shareholders of the Company by way of a special resolution through the postal ballot(by remote e-voting) and subject to receipt of approvals of statutory, regulatory or governmental authorities as may berequired under applicable laws, approved issue of 66,000 equity shares of face value Rs. 10 each of the Company at an issueprice of Rs. 11,913 per equity share (including premium of Rs. 11,903 per equity share) aggregating Rs. 78,62,58,000 onpreferential basis.
Consequent to approval received from the shareholders of the Company & Stock Exchange, the allotment of shares weremade on 19th March, 2025. Pursuant to the allotment, the paid-up share capital of the Company has increased from10,29,928 equity shares to 10,95,928 equity shares.
10. STATEMENT OF DEVIATION AND VARIATION:
During the year under review, the Company issued 66,000 equity shares of face value Rs. 10 each at an issue price ofRs. 11,913 per equity share (including premium of Rs. 11,903 per equity share) aggregating Rs. 78,62,58,000 onpreferential basis.
Pursuant to Regulation 32 of the Listing Regulations, it is hereby confirmed that there have been no deviations or variationsin the use of proceeds from the preferential issue as compared to the objects stated in the offer document.
11. RBI GUIDELINES:
The Company is registered as a non-deposit taking NBFC pursuant to the receipt of Certificate of Registration dated27th April, 2007, issued by the RBI under Section 45-IA of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Since the asset size of the Company as on the balance sheet date has exceeded Rs. 1,000 crores, pursuant to the ScaleBased Regulatory Framework for NBFCs notified by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Company, on a standalone basis,falls under the category of Middle Layer NBFC ("NBFC-ML").
The Company continues to comply with the Scale Based Regulations and all the applicable laws, regulations, guidelines,etc. prescribed by RBI from time to time. The Board periodically reviews the policies and approves amendments in line withRBI guidelines as and when necessary.
12. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 134 (3) (c) of the Companies Act, 2013, your Directors confirm the following that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended on 31st March, 2025, the applicable accountingstandards have been followed;
b) the Directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments andestimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company asat 31st March, 2025 and of the profit of the Company as on that date;
c) the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records inaccordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, for safeguarding the assets of the Company and forpreventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
d) the Directors have prepared the annual accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2025 on a going concern basis.
e) the Directors have laid down Internal Financial Controls to be followed by the company and that such InternalFinancial Controls are adequate and are operating effectively.
f) the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and thatsuch systems are adequate and operating effectively.
Since its inception, the Company has upheld the highest standards of corporate governance set out by the Securities andExchange Board of India (SEBI). We demonstrate an unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and ethical conductin all our business transactions. The Company is committed to transparency in all its transactions and places high emphasison the business ethics.
The report on Corporate Governance as stipulated under the Listing Regulations forms an integral part of this report.
The requisite certificate from M/s. Avani Gandhi & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries confirming compliance withthe conditions of Corporate Governance as stipulated under Regulation 27 of the Listing Regulations is included as a part ofthis report.
The Board has constituted the following Committees to oversee various aspects of governance and operations:
i) Audit Committee
ii) Nomination and Remuneration Committee
iii) Stakeholders Relationship Committee
iv) Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
v) Risk Management Committee
vi) Asset Liability Management Committee
vii) IT Strategy Committee
viii) IT Steering Committee
ix) Information Security Committee
x) Special Committee of the Board for Monitoring and Follow-Up of Cases of Frauds (SCBMF)
A detailed overview of the composition, terms of reference, meetings held and attendance of members are provided inthe Report on Corporate Governance, which forms part of this Report. The composition and terms of reference of all theCommittees of the Board of the Company are in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Act, Listing Regulations &RBI Regulations.
Pursuant to Section 178(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 and regulation 19(4) read with Part D of schedule II of theSEBI Listing Regulations, the Board has framed a Nomination & Remuneration (NRC) Policy. This policy, inter alia, laysdown:
• The criteria for determining appointment, removal, retirement, qualifications, positive attributes, tenure,and independence of directors; and 1
• Compensation Policy:
In view of detailed RBI Guidelines for NBFCs concerning compensation of KMP and SMP, the Company has in place aspecific Compensation Policy to this effect. Accordingly, this NRC policy has to be read along with this specific policyadopted pursuant to RBI Guidelines as regards compensation of KMP and SMP. The objective of this policy are:
• To lay down broad framework for payment of compensation to the directors (Executive and Non-Executive),Key Managerial Personnel, Senior Management and other employees;
• To ensure 'fit and proper' status of proposed/existing directors and that there is no conflict of interest inappointment of directors on Board of the Company, KMPs and senior management;
• To ensure that the compensation packages of whole-time directors (if any), key managerial personneland senior management involves a balance between fixed and variable pay reflecting short and longterm performance objectives appropriate to the working of the company and aligned with the regulatoryrequirements;
• The level and composition of compensation is reasonable and sufficient to attract, retain and motivatedirectors, KPMs and SMPs of the quality required to efficiently run the company successfully.
The policy is displayed on the website of the Company at -
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Compensation%20Policy%20-%20SCIL.pdf
16. AUDITOR AND AUDIT REPORT:
STATUTORY AUDIT:
M/s. Ajmera Ajmera & Associates, Chartered Accountants (FRN: 123989W) were appointed as the Statutory Auditors ofthe Company to hold office from the conclusion of the 39th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company held on22nd September 2022 until the conclusion of the 44th agm of the Company, i.e., for a period of five years, commencing fromthe financial year 2022-23 (01.04.2022) to the financial year ending 2026-27 (31.03.2027).
The Company is an RBI-registered Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC). As on 31st March, 2025, the Company's assetsize has exceeded Rs. 1,000 crore. As per the RBI Guidelines for Appointment of Statutory Central Auditors (SCAs)/StatutoryAuditors (SAs) of Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs), UCBs and NBFCs (including HFCs) dated April 27, 2021, NBFCs havingan asset size of more than Rs. 1,000 crore are required to appoint statutory auditors for a continuous period of three (3)years and to meet prescribed eligibility criteria for Statutory Auditors. These criteria include the minimum number offull-time partners, the minimum number of Fellow Chartered Accountant (FCA) partners associated with the firm for atleast three years, the minimum number of full-time partners/paid CAs with CISA/ISA qualification, the minimum years ofaudit experience of the firm, and the minimum number of professional staff. Thereafter, the audit firm shall be eligible forre-appointment only after a cooling-off period of six (6) years.
In accordance with the aforementioned Guidelines, M/s Ajmera Ajmera & Associates, the previous Statutory Auditors ofthe Company, did not meet the prescribed eligibility criteria. Consequently, they were unable to continue as the StatutoryAuditors of the Company and tendered their resignation with effect from 13th August, 2025.
Accordingly it is proposed to appoint new statutory auditors and therefore, based on the recommendation of the AuditCommittee, the Board of Directors of the Company, at their respective meetings held on 13th August, 2025, have approvedthe appointment of M/s. GBCA & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants (FRN: 103142W/W100292) as the new StatutoryAuditors of the company for a term of 3 consecutive years and to hold the office from the conclusion of this 42nd agm untilthe conclusion of 45th agm on such remuneration including out of pocket expenses and other expenses as may bemutually agreed by and between the Board of Directors and the Auditor.
The Auditors have confirmed that they have subjected themselves to the peer review process of Institute of CharteredAccountants of India (ICAI) and hold valid certificate issued by the Peer Review Board of the ICAI.
Explanation to Auditor's Remarks:
There are no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks made by M/s Ajmera Ajmera & Associates, Statutory Auditorsin their report for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025. The Auditors Report is enclosed with the financial statementsin this Annual Report.
SECRETARIAL AUDIT:
Due to the sudden demise of the Secretarial Auditor, Mr. Nishant Jawasa, proprietor of M/s. Nishant Jawasa & Associates,the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on 11th February 2025, appointed M/s. Avani Gandhi & Associates, PractisingCompany Secretaries (C.P. No. 16143 and Peer Review Certificate No. 1379/2021), to conduct the Secretarial Audit of theCompany for the financial year 2024-2025.
In accordance with Section 204 of the Companies Act 2013, read with the rules framed thereunder, and Regulation 24A ofthe SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"), w.e.f 1st April 2025,every listed entity is required to undertake Secretarial Audit by a Peer Reviewed Secretarial Auditor who shall be appointedby the Members of the Company, on the recommendation of the Board of Directors, for a period of five consecutive years.
Based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board, at its Meeting held on 27th May, 2025, subject to theapproval of the Members of the Company, approved appointment of M/s. Avani Gandhi & Associates, Practicing CompanySecretaries (Certificate of Practice No. 16143, Peer Review Certificate No. 1379/2021) as the Secretarial Auditor of theCompany, for a term of five (5) consecutive years, to hold office of the Secretarial Auditor from FY 2025-2026 tillFY 2029-2030.
The Secretarial Audit Report for the financial year ended 31st March, 2025 is appended to this Report in Form MR-3.
The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualifications, reservations or adverse remark. The Secretarial AuditReport (MR-3) forms part of this Annual Report as "(Annexure-1)" to the Directors Report.
Pursuant to Regulation 24A(2) of the Listing Regulations, a report on secretarial compliance has been issued by M/s AvaniGandhi & Associates for the financial year ended 31st March 2025 and the same has been submitted to stock exchanges.There are no observations, reservations or qualifications in the said report.
The Company does not have any material subsidiaries, therefore, the provisions of Regulation 24A of the SEBI ListingRegulations pertaining to secretarial audit is not applicable with respect to the subsidiaries of the Company.
INTERNAL AUDIT:
During the year under review, M/s. Rajiv A. Gupta & Associates, Chartered Accountants, were appointed as the InternalAuditors of the Company in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Act.
COST AUDIT AND MAINTANANCE OF COST RECORDS:
The Cost Audit as specified by the Central Government under sub-section (1) of Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, isnot required and accordingly no such cost accounts and records are made and maintained by the Company.
SECRETARIAL STANDARDS:
The company has complied with the applicable secretarial standards issued by the Institute of Companies Secretaries ofIndia on meeting of the Board of Directors and General Meeting.
17. DISCLOSURE AS PER SEXUAL HARRASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL)ACT, 2013:
The Company has zero tolerance for sexual harassment at workplace and has adopted a policy on prevention, prohibitionand redressal of sexual harassment at workplace in line with the provisions of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 and the rules framed thereunder. The policy is displayed on the websiteof the company at -
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Prevention%20of%20Sexual%20Harassment%20Policy-2014%20(2).pdf
The provisions and guidelines of the Internal Complaints committee are not applicable to the Company. However, duringthe financial year 2024-25, the Company has not received any complaints on sexual harassment and no complaints remainpending as of 31st March, 2025.
Complaints received on sexual Harassment
Number of complaints received during the year under review
NIL
Number of complaints disposed of during the year under review
Number of complaints remain pending for more than 90 days
Number of complaints remain pending at the year end
18. PUBLIC DEPOSITS:
The Company has not accepted any deposits from the public under Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 or thecorresponding provisions of Section 58A of the Companies Act, 1956. Accordingly, no amount of principal or interest onpublic deposits was outstanding as on the balance sheet date.
19. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO:
A] Conservation of Energy and Technology Absorption:
i) The step taken or impacts on conservation of energy - The operation of your Company are not energyintensive. However, adequate measures have been initiated for conservation of energy.
ii) The steps taken by the Company for utilizing alternative sources of energy - though the operations of theCompany are not energy intensive, the Company shall explore alternative sources of energy, as and whennecessity arises.
iii) The capital investment on energy conservation equipments - NIL
PARTICULARS
2024-2025
2023-2024
Foreign Exchange Earning
Nil
Foreign Exchange Outgo
C] Technology Absorption:
a. The Company primarily being an investment company and not involved in any industrial or manufacturingactivities, has no particulars to report regarding technology absorption as required under section 134 of theAct and Rules made thereunder.
b. The benefits derived like product improvement, cost reduction, product development: Not Applicable
c. The Expenditure incurred in Research & Development: Nil
!0. PARTICULARS OF REMUNERATION
The information required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules made there-under, in respect olthe employees of the Company
a) The ratio of the remuneration of each director to the median remuneration of the employee of the Company & thepercentage of increase/ (decrease) in remuneration of each Director & KMPs of the Company for the financial year2024-2025:
Name of the Directors, KMP & their Designation
Remuneration forthe FY 2024-2025(Rs. In Lakhs)
Ratio ofremunerationof each directorto medianremuneration ofemployees
% Increase /(Decrease) inremuneration inthe financial year
- Whole Time Director & Chief Financial Officer
17.53
1.23
13.49
Mr. Rajiv Pathak- Chief Executive Officer
99.02
NA
30.88
- Company Secretary & Compliance Officer
14.20
12.32
- No remuneration is been paid to the Non- Executive Directors of the Company.
- Remuneration to directors does not include sitting fees paid to them for attending Board and/or Committeemeetings.
- However the details of remuneration paid to the Executive Director & the sitting fees paid to the IndependentDirectors for attending the meeting of the Board & committees are furnished in Form MGT- 7, which is available onthe Company's website.
b) The percentage increase/ (decrease) in the median remuneration of employees in the financial year - 10.42%
c) The number of permanent employees on the rolls of company as on 31st March, 2025 - 9 (Nine)
d) Average percentile increase already made in the salaries of employees other than the managerial personnel in thelast financial year and its comparison with the percentile increase in the managerial remuneration and justificationthereof and point out if there are any exceptional circumstances for increase in the managerial remuneration:
- The average increase in salaries of employees other than managerial personnel in 2024-25 was 15.95%.Percentage increase in the managerial remuneration for the year was 18.90%.
e) The key parameters for any variable component of remuneration availed by the directors:
- The variable component of remuneration for Executive Directors is determined based on the following keyparameters:
• Individual performance and leadership contribution; and
• Overall performance of the Company.
- For the financial year 2024-2025, Mrs. Vaishali Dhuri, Whole Time Director of the Company, was paid a bonus ofRs. 2.15 lakhs as the variable component of her remuneration.
f) Affirmation that the remuneration is as per the remuneration policy of the Company:
- The Company's remuneration policy is driven by the success and performance of the individual employeesand the Company. Through the compensation package, the Company endeavours to attract, retain, developand motivate a high performance staff. The Company follows a compensation mix of fixed pay, benefits andperformance based variable pay. Individual performance pay is determined by business performance and theperformance of the individuals measured through the annual appraisal process. The Company affirmsremuneration is as per the remuneration policy of the Company.
g) Details Pertaining to remuneration as required under Section 197 (12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment & Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 and formingpart of the directors report for the year ended 31st March, 2025:
- The statement containing names of top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn and the particulars ofemployees as required under Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of theCompanies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, is provided in a separateannexure forming part of this report. In terms of the proviso to Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013,the Report and Accounts are being sent to the Members excluding the aforesaid annexure. The said statement isavailable for inspection with the Company. Any Member interested in obtaining a copy of the same may write tothe Company Secretary at saraswati.investor@gcvl.in.
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(a) and Section 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 12(1) of the Companies(Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return as on 31st March, 2025 in Form No. MGT-7, is availableon the Company's website and can be accessed -
https://saraswaticommercial.com/corporate/Form MGT 7%20for%20the%20y.e.%2031.03.2025.pdf
The loan made, guarantee given or security provided in the ordinary course of business by a NBFC registered with RBI areexempt from the applicability of the provisions of Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013.
The Independent Directors hold office for a fixed term and are not liable to retire by Rotation. In accordance with Section149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013 ('Act') and Regulation 25(8) of the Listing Regulations, Mrs. Rupal Vora, Mr. VallabhPrasad Biyani & Mrs. Neha Bandyopadhyay have given a written declaration to the Company confirming that they meet thecriteria of Independence as mentioned under Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations and thesame have been considered and taken on record by the Board.
Further, there nas Deen no cnange in the circumstances wnicn may anect tneir status as inaepenaent airector auring tneyear.
In terms of Section 150 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualificationof Directors) Rules, 2014, as amended, Independent Directors of the Company have confirmed that they have registeredthemselves with the databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs, Manesar ('IICA'). The IndependentDirectors are also required to undertake online proficiency self-assessment test conducted Dy the IICA within a period of2 (two) years from the date of inclusion of their names in the data Dank, unless they meet the criteria specified forexemption.
Mrs. Rupal Vora and Mr. Vallabh Prasad Biyani, Independent Directors of the Company are exempt from the requirementto undertake the online proficiency self-assessment test conducted Dy IICA. However Mrs. Neha Bandyopadhyay hasundertaken online proficiency self-assessment test conducted Dy IICA and passed such test..
The Company has familiarized its independent Directors to provide insights into the Company and to enable them tounderstand the Company's Dusiness in depth, to familiarize them with the processes and functionaries of the Companyto assist them in understanding their roles and responsiDilities. Further, the Independent Directors are provided withopportunity to interact with the Management of the Company and help them to understand the Company's strategy, theirroles, rights, responsiDilities in the Company, nature of the industry in which the company operates, Dusiness model of thecompany and such other areas as may arise from time to time through various programmes.
The said program was conducted for the familiarization of Independent directors. The details of the same can found on thewebsite of the company -
https://saraswaticommercial.com/id/final%20Details of Familiarisation Programme Saraswati%2012.03.2025.pdf
All the related party transactions were placed Defore the Audit Committee for its review on a quarterly Dasis.An omniDus approval of the Audit Committee had Deen oDtained for the related party transactions which wererepetitive in nature. Further, as per applicaDle provisions of the Listing Regulations, necessary approvals of thememDers of the Company were also sought for the material related party transactions proposed to De entered withthe related parties.
All related party transactions that were entered into during the financial year were on an arm's length Dasis andwere in the ordinary course of Dusiness. The details regarding materially significant related party transactions madeDy the Company are disclosed in Form AOC-2 "(Annexure-3)" which forms a part of this Annual report.
The Board has formulated Policy on Related Party Transactions, pursuant to the applicaDle provisions of theCompanies Act, 2013 and SEBI Listing Regulations and the same is displayed on the Company's weDsite athttps://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/RPT%20Policy.pdf
Further, the details on the transactions with related parties are provided in the accompanying financial statements.
The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of the Company have given a Certificate to the Board ascontemplated in Regulation 17 of the Listing Regulations. The Certificate forms a part of this Annual Report.
The Board of Directors have laid-down a "Code of Conduct" (Code) for all the Board MemDers and theSenior Management Personnel of the Company and the same Code is displayed on the Website of the Company -www.saraswaticommercial.com. Annual declaration is oDtained from every person covered Dy the Code.
The Management Discussion and Analysis for the year under review as stipulated under Regulation 34(2) readwith Schedule V of the Listing Regulations, is presented in a separate section forming part of this AnnualReport. The shareholders may refer to the Management Discussion and Analysis section of this Annual Report forcomprehensive insight into the Company's strategic outlook, including industry dynamics, various opportunities andthreats in the industry, risk factors and the efficacy of internal control mechanisms.
The Listing Regulations mandated the formulation of certain policies for all listed companies. All such policies whichare applicable to the company are available on our website (https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies-and-code.asp).The policies are reviewed by the Board and updated based on need and new compliance requirements.
The Dolicies and programmes adoDted bv the ComDanv alone with their web links are as follows:
Name of the policy
Web link
Document Retention and Archival Policy
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Policv%20-%20
Document%20Retention%20and%20Archival%20Policv.pdf
Policy for determination of Materiality
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Materialitv%20
Policy.pdf
Policy on prevention of sexual harassment
https://www.saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Prevention%20
of%20Sexual%20Harassment%20Policv-2014%20(2).pdf
4
Nomination & Remuneration Policy
https://saraswaticommerdal.com/polides/Policv%20-%20
Nomination%20&%20Remuneration.pdf
5
CSR Policy
https://www.saraswaticommercial.com/policies/CSR%20
Policv%20-%20SCIL.pdf
6
Vigil Mechanism Policy
Whistle%20blower%20&%20Viail%20Mechanism.pdf
7
Related Party Transaction Policy
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/RPT%20Policv.pdf
8
Board Evaluation Policy
Board%20Evaluation.pdf
9
Board Diversity
Diversitv%20of%20the%20Board.pdf
10
Succession Policy
Succession%20Policv.pdf
11
Familiarisation Programme for IndependentDirectors
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/final%20Details of
Familiarisation Proaramme Saraswati%2012.03.2025.pdf
12
Code for Prevention of Insider Trading
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/CODE%20OF%20
C0NDUCT%20F0R%20PREVENTI0N%200F%20INSIDER%20
TRADING.pdf
13
Policy for Determining Material Subsidiaries
https://saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Policv%20on%20
Material%20Subsidiarv.pdf
During the year, Five (5) meetings of the Board of Directors were held. The maximum time gap between any two Meetingswas not more than one hundred and twenty days. These Meetings were well attended.
The 41st Annual General Meeting of the Company was held on 26th September, 2024. However, During the year underreview, no Extraordinary General Meeting were held.
Detailed information on the Meetings of the Board, its Committees, the AGM/ EGM & Postal Ballots is included in theReport on Corporate Governance, which forms part of this Annual Report.
• Risk is an integral part of the business and almost every business decision requires the management to balancerisk and reward. The Company has in place Risk Management committee and Risk Management Policy framed inaccordance with the Risk Management framework as issued by Reserve Bank of India ("RBI") vide Master Direction- Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Company - Scale Based Regulation) Directions, 2023 ("Scale BasedRegulations") and amendments thereon.
• The Company has in place adequate Internal Financial Controls with reference to financial statements. The AuditCommittee actively reviews the adequacy and effectiveness of the internal control systems and is also apprised ofthe internal audit findings and corrective actions.
• The internal financial control system of the Company is supplemented with internal audits, regular reviews bythe management and checks by external auditors. It provides reasonable assurance in respect of financial andoperational information, compliance with applicable statutes safeguarding the assets of the Company, preventionand detection of frauds, accuracy and completeness of accounting records and also ensuring compliance with theCompany's policies.
• The Statutory Auditors and the Internal Auditors of the Company also provide confirmation that the internalfinancial controls framework is operating effectively. During the year, no material or serious observations have beenhighlighted for inefficiency or inadequacy of such controls.
Report of the Statutory Auditors on the Internal Financial Controls with reference to the financial statementsas required under clause (i) of Sub-section 3 of Section 143 of the Companies Act,2013 ("the Act") forms part ofthis Annual Report as Annexure-A to the Auditors Report.
29. INSURANCE:
The company has adequately insured all its Assets and properties.
30. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) committee is established by the Board in accordance with section 135 of theCompanies Act, 2013.
As per the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company's CSR liability for FY 2024-25 wasRs. 1,22,79,027. However, in the previous year, the Company had spent an excess amount of Rs. 1,04,10,321. Aftersetting off the said excess expenditure of the previous year, the net amount required to be spent during FY 2024-25 wasRs. 18,68,706.
Against this requirement, the Company spent Rs. 19,00,000 towards Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in FY 2024-25.Consequently, an excess of Rs. 31,294 has been carried forward to the next year.
The Annual report on the CSR Activities of the Company during the year is enclosed as "(Annexure-2)" and forms part ofthis report in the format prescribed in the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014.
The CSR Policy outlines the activities that can be undertaken or supported by the Company within the applicable provisionsof the Companies Act, 2013, ensuring the alignment with sustainable development goals and principles. Apart from thecomposition requirements of the CSR Committee, the CSR Policy, inter alia, sets forth key parameters, including:
1. Criteria for project and area selection;
2. Funding & Allocation;
3. Execution and implementation modalities;
4. Monitoring mechanisms for CSR initiatives;
5. Formulation of an annual action plan.
The Company has in place Corporate Social Responsibility policy which is displayed on the website of the Company at(https://saraswaticommercial.com/).
The Chief Financial Officer has certified that the funds disbursed on the basis the annual action plan for the financial year2024-25 have been utilised for the purpose and in the manner as approved by the Board.
31. BOARD EVALUATION:
The annual evaluation process of the Board of Directors, the Committees thereof and individual directors was conducted inaccordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Listing Regulations. The structured questionnaires used forassessing the performance of Board and its Committees were framed in accordance with the Board Evaluation Policy.
The evaluation process focused on various aspects of the Board and Committees' functioning including their composition,experience, competencies, performance of specific duties, obligations, monitoring of corporate governance practices,participation in the long-term strategic planning, attendance and contribution of individual directors and exercise ofindependent judgement, including but not limited to, active participation at the Board and Committee meetings.
The performance evaluation of the Chairman and the Non-Independent Director was carried out by the IndependentDirectors. The Board of Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process.
Additionally, a meeting of the independent directors of the Company was held on 12th March, 2025 without the presenceof non-independent directors and members of the Management. During this meeting, the independent directors reviewedthe performance of Non-Independent Directors, the Chairman and various Committees of the Board. They also assessedthe quality, quantity and timeliness of the flow of information between the Management and the Board, while evaluatingprogress on the recommendations made during the previous year. The independent directors expressed their satisfactionregarding the overall functioning of the Board and its Committees for the financial year 2024-25.
During the financial year 2024-2025, there were no significant and material orders passed by any Regulator/ Court thatwould impact the 'going concern' status of the Company and its future operations.
The Company promotes ethical behaviour in all its business activities and has established a vigil mechanism for itsDirectors, Employees and Stakeholders associated with the Company to report their genuine concerns. The VigilMechanism as envisaged in the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules prescribed thereunder and the Listing Regulations isimplemented through the Whistle Blower Policy, to provide for adequate safeguards against victimisation of persons whouse such mechanism and make provision for direct access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
As per the Whistle Blower Policy implemented by the Company, the Employees, Directors, vendors or any Stakeholdersassociated with the Company are free to report illegal or unethical behaviour, actual or suspected fraud or violation of theCompany's Codes of Conduct or Corporate Governance Policies or any improper activity to the Chairperson of the AuditCommittee of the Company.
The Company has a Vigil Mechanism/ Whistle Blower policy to report genuine concerns or grievances pursuant toSection 177 of Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 22 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blowerpolicy has been posted on the website of the Company at-
https://www.saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Policy%20-%20Whistle%20blower%20&%20Vigil%20Mechanism.pdf
There have been no material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the endof the financial year and date of this Report. There has been no change in the nature of the business of the Company.
The Company is committed to ensuring the welfare and rights of its employees in accordance with the applicable laws.The Company has always complied with the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended by the MaternityBenefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.
The Company ensures that all eligible women employees are provided the statutory benefits prescribed under theAct, including paid maternity leave, continuity of salary and service during the leave period, and post-maternity supportsuch as nursing breaks and flexible return-to-work options, as applicable. The Company remains committed to fosteringan inclusive and supportive work environment that upholds the rights and welfare of its women employees in accordancewith applicable laws.
At the company, we place paramount importance on our people, recognizing them as our most valuable strategicassets. We are deeply committed to comprehensive talent management, fostering a culture of continuous growth,and implementing effective performance management practices to empower our teams and drive long-term organizationalsuccess. Our company has built a dynamic and responsive organizational framework designed to drive clear andmeasurable business outcomes. We prioritize consistent communication and ongoing engagement to keep all teammembers aligned with shared goals. At the heart of our approach is a strong, value-driven culture rooted in trust,accountability, and mutual respect, ensuring every employee understands and embraces the principles that shape ourdecisions and actions.
The Board affirms that our remuneration practices are fully aligned with the Company's established policy, promotingfairness, ensuring equitable and transparent treatment throughout the organization.
The Company had a total of 9 employees as of 31st March, 2025.
37. GENDER-WISE COMPOSITION OF EMPLOYEES:
In alignment with the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), the Company discloses below the gendercomposition of its workforce as on 31st March, 2025.
Category
Number of Employees
Percentage (%)
Male
66.67
Female
33.33
Transgender
0
Total
100.00
38. GENERAL:
Your Directors state that no disclosure or reporting is required in respect of the following items as there were notransactions on these items during the year under the 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 share (including sweat equity shares) to employees of the Company under any scheme.
4. None of the Non-Executive Directors of the company receives any remuneration or commission from the Companyas well as from any of its subsidiaries except sitting fees paid to Independent Directors.
5. There was no application made or proceeding pending against the Company under the Insolvency and BankruptcyCode, 2016.
6. Pursuant to provisions of the Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013, neither the Statutory Auditors nor theSecretarial Auditor has reported any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee during the year under review.
7. During the year under review, there were no instances of one-time settlements with Banks or Financial Institutions.Accordingly, the reasons for any difference between the valuation at the time of such settlement and the valuationdone while availing loans from Banks or Financial Institutions are not applicable and, therefore, not reported.
39. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Your Directors take this opportunity to express their gratitude for the support and co-operation from the Investors, Banksand Statutory Authorities. Your Directors express their deep appreciation to the Company's employees at all levels for theirunstinted efforts and valuable contributions during the year.
By order of the Board of DirectorsFor Saraswati Commercial (India) Limited
Place: Mumbai Vaishali Dhuri Hetal Khalpada
Date: 13th August, 2025 Whole Time Director Director
DIN: 03607657 DIN: 00055823
Registered Office:
209-210, Arcadia Building, 195,
Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400 021.
Broad guidelines of structure & remuneration for executive- non-executive directors, key managerialpersonnel and other employees.
https://www.saraswaticommercial.com/policies/Policy%20-%20Nomination%20&%20Remuneration.pdf