Your Directors take pleasure in presenting the 60th Annual Report on the business and operations of theCompany together with the Audited Accounts for the year ended 31st March, 2024.
(Rupees in Lakhs)
Particulars
As on
31st March 2024
31st March 2023
Other Income
-
Profit/(Loss) before interest, depreciation and tax
(18.57)
(16.51)
Less: Interest
6.48
5.40
Less: Depreciation
Profit/(Loss) before prior period Items & Taxation
(25.05)
(21.91)
Add: Exceptional item
Add/(Less) Prior period expenses
Profit/(Loss) before Taxation
Taxation
Profit/(Loss) for the Year
The operation of your Company has been closed since the year 2010 due to working capital shortage.During the year under review, the Loss of the company was stood at Rs.25.05 Lakhs against the loss ofRs. 21.91 Lakhs as compare to previous year. The Promoters of the Company are in the process ofinfusing funds for the operation & revival of the Company.
During the year under review, there has been no change in the nature of business of the Company.
There is no material change in commitments affecting the financial position of the Company occurredsince the end of the financial year 2023-2024.
Your Company has no Associate Company and does not have any subsidiaries or joint ventures, duringthe year under review.
Considering your Company's present situation, your Directors regret to recommend a dividend for theyear under review.
During the year under review, no amount was proposed to be transferred to Reserves. The details ofmovement due to decrease in loss for financial year 2023-24 has been given in Note No.8 forming part ofFinancial Statements.
Pursuant to the provision of the Companies Act, there is no unclaimed or unpaid dividend lying whichrequires to be transferred to the Investor Education & Protection Fund (IEPF) of the Central Govt.
On the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, the Board of Directors of theCompany during its Meeting held on 12.02.2024 has appointed Mr. Pushkar Laxmichand Galav(DIN:09600593) as an Additional Non-Executive Director on the Board of the Company.
Mr. Devendra Kumar Agarwalla (DIN:00451072), Executive Director, has resigned from the Directorshipof the Company with effect from 12.02.2024.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 152(6) and other applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013and Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Adarsh Agarwalla (DIN:00527203), retires by rotationfrom the Board at the ensuing Annual General Meeting and being eligible, offers himself for re-appointment.
In terms of Section 203 of the Act, the Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs) of the Company during FY2023-24 are as follows:
> Mr. Adarsh Agarwalla (Whole-time Director);
> Mr. Avinash Landge (Chief Financial Officer);
> Mr. Om Prakash Ojha (Company Secretary).
There is no change in Key Managerial Personnel of the Company from the date of last Annual GeneralMeeting.
None of the Directors of the Company are disqualified as per section 164(2) of the Companies Act, 2013.The Directors have also made necessary disclosures to the extent as required under provisions of section184(1) as applicable.
The details of the number of meetings of the Board held during the financial year 2023-2024 forms part ofthe Corporate Governance Report.
As required by Section 134(3)(c) of the Companies Act, 2013, your directors state that :
a. in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followedwith proper explanation relating to material departures;
b. the directors had selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and madejudgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of thestate of affairs of the company at the end of the financial year 2023-2024 and of the loss of thecompany for that period;
c. the directors had taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accountingrecords in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the companyand for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d. the directors had prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e. they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the Company and such internalfinancial controls are adequate and operating effectively;
f. they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable lawsand that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
The Company has received necessary declaration from each Independent Director of the Company underSection 149 (7) of the Companies Act, 2013 that the Independent Directors of the Company meet with thecriteria of their Independence laid down in Section 149 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation16(1 )(b) of Securities Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015 (hereinafter referred to as the SEBI (LODR), Regulations, 2015).
Pursuant to provisions of Section 178 of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015,the Board of Directors of the Company, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and RemunerationCommittee, has formulated a Remuneration Policy. At the present situation, no remuneration or sittingfees are being paid or payable by the Company to its Directors as the Company is running with heavylosses & cash crunch.
The criteria for identification of the Board Members including that for determining qualification, positiveattributes, independence etc. are summarily given here under:
> The Board Member shall possess appropriate skills, qualification, characteristics and experience.The objective is to have a Board with diverse background and experience in business, government,academics, technology, human resources, social responsibilities, finance, law etc. and in such otherareas as may be considered relevant or desirable to conduct the Company's business in a holisticmanner.
> Independent director shall be person of integrity and possess expertise and experience and/orsomeone who the Committee/Board believes could contribute to the growth/philosophy/strategy ofthe Company.
> In evaluating the suitability of individual Board Members, the Committee takes into account manyfactors, including general understanding of the Company's business dynamics, global business,social perspective, educational and professional background and personal achievements.
> Director should possess high level of personal and professional ethics, integrity and values. Heshould be able to balance the legitimate interest and concerns of all the Company's stakeholders inarriving at decisions, rather than advancing the interests of a particular section.
> Director must be willing to devote sufficient time and energy in carrying out their duties andresponsibilities effectively. He must have the aptitude to critically evaluate management's workingas part of a team in an environment of collegiality and trust.
> The Committee evaluates each individual with the objective of having a group that best enables thesuccess of the Company's business and achieves its objectives.
Disclosure pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12) of the CompaniesAct, 2013 read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)Rules, 2014 is not required to be given as there is no remuneration given to Whole time director oremployees and remuneration to Company Secretary (KMP) is only paid.
The Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicableSecretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and that such systemsare adequate and operating effectively.
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015, the Board hascarried out an annual evaluation of its own performance, the Directors individually as well as the evaluationof the working of various Committees. The evaluation process inter alia considers attendance of Directorsat Board and committee meetings, acquaintance with business, compliance with code of conduct, visionand strategy, which is in compliance with applicable laws, regulations and guidelines. The performanceevaluation of the Independent Directors was carried out by the entire Board. The performance evaluationof the Wholetime Director and the Non-Independent Directors was carried out by Independent Directors.Details of the same are given in the Report on Corporate Governance annexed hereto.
In compliance with provisions of Section 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI LODR Regulations,2015, the Company has framed a Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy to deal with unethical behaviour,actual or suspected fraud or violation of the company's code of conduct or ethics policy, if any.
The provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 on Corporate Social Responsibility are notapplicable to the Company.
The Equity Shares of your Company are listed at Bombay Stock Exchange Limited (BSE). The Companyhad earlier filed application with the Calcutta Stock Exchange Ltd, Ahmedabad Stock Exchange Ltd. &The Magadh Stock Exchange Ltd. for delisting of its equity shares under SEBI delisting guidelines. VideSEBI exit notice to Regional Stock Exchanges, the Ahmedabad Stock Exchange & Magadh Stock Exchangehas stopped its operation as a Stock Exchange although the Calcutta Stock Exchange is yet to comply theSEBI circular for de-recognition of stock exchanges.
In terms of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015your Company has adopted the Code of Conduct for Prevention of Insider Trading and the same is alsoplaced on the Company's website: www.foundryfuel.co.in.
The Board has constituted the Audit Committee complete details of the Committee are given in theCorporate Governance Report, attached as Annexure to this Board's Report.
There were no such instances where the recommendation of Audit Committee has not been acceptedby the Board during the financial year under review.
The Board has constituted the Nomination & Remuneration Committee complete details of the saidCommittee are given in the Corporate Governance Report, attached as Annexure to this Board'sReport.
The Board has constituted the Stakeholders Relationship Committee complete details of the saidCommittee are given in the Corporate Governance Report, attached as Annexure to this Board'sReport.
v) Risk Analysis:
The Company has well defined risk management framework in place comprising of regular auditsand checks for identifying, assessing, mitigating, monitoring and reporting of risks associated withthe businesses of the Company. Major risks as identified are systematically addressed by theconcerned process owners through risk mitigation actions on a continuing basis.
vi) Annual Return:
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 and amendments thereof and in complianceof the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017, effective August 28, 2020, the draft Annual Return forthe financial year 2023-24 is placed on the website of the Company at www.foundryfuel.co.in
vii) Corporate Governance:
Your Company has initiated, by providing the shareholders, to avail the option of receiving onlinethe requisite documents i.e. notices, annual reports, disclosures and all other communications, byregistering their e-mail id for the success of ‘Green Initiative' as per MCA circular no. 17/2011 & No.18/2011.
The Company continues to comply with the requirements of SEBI LODR Regulations, 2015 regardingCorporate Governance though the Company is exempted from complying with the CorporateGovernance Code. The Report on Corporate Governance, Certification by CEO/CFO and theManagement Discussion & Analysis Report are attached herewith which form part of this AnnualReport.
viii) Nomination, Remuneration and Evaluation Policy:
The Company on recommendation of its Nomination & Remuneration Committee has laid down aNomination, Remuneration and Evaluation Policy, in compliance with the provisions of the CompaniesAct, 2013 read with the Rules made therein and the Listing Agreement with the stock exchanges (asamended from time to time). This Policy is formulated to provide a framework and set standards inrelation to the followings:
a. Criteria for appointment and removal of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) and SeniorManagement Executives of the Company.
b. Evaluation of the performance of the Directors.
c. Criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a Director.SHARE CAPITAL:
The paid up equity capital as on March 31, 2024 was Rs. 801.94 Lakhs. The company has not issuedshares with differential voting rights nor granted stock options nor sweat equity or any kind of shares &securities during the financial year 2023-24
The company continues to focus on judicious management of its working capital, Receivables, inventoriesand other working capital parameters were kept under strict check through continuous monitoring.
Your Company has not accepted any deposits within the meaning of Section 73 of the Companies Act,2013 and the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
The company has not given any loans or guarantees covered under the provisions of section 186 of theCompanies Act, 2013.
The Company has implemented and evaluated the Internal Financial Controls which provide a reasonableassurance in respect of providing financial and operational information, complying with applicable statutesand policies, safeguarding of assets, prevention and detection of frauds, accuracy and completeness ofaccounting records.
The Company has in place an adequate and robust system for Internal Financial Controls commensuratewith the size and nature of its business. Internal Financial Controls Systems are integral to the Company'scorporate governance policy and no reportable material weaknesses were observed in operations.
The Company is committed to uphold and maintain the dignity of women employees and it has in place apolicy which provides for protection against sexual harassment of women at work place and for preventionand redressal of such complaints. During the financial year no such complaints were received.
The operations of the Company has been stopped since the year 2010 there are no materially significantrelated party transactions during the year under review, hence, the provisions of Section 188 of theCompanies Act, 2013 are not attracted.
Risk management is the process of identification, assessment, and prioritization of risks followed bycoordinated efforts to minimize, monitor and mitigate/control the probability and / or impact of unfortunateevents or to maximize the realization of opportunities. The Company has laid a comprehensive RiskAssessment and Minimization Procedure which is reviewed by the Audit Committee and approved by theBoard from time to time.
There is no such employee in the Company, the information of which is required to be furnished underprovisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Having regard to the provisions of Section 136 ofthe Companies Act, 2013, the Annual Report excluding the aforesaid information is being sent to themembers of the Company.
There is a continuous effort for better Human Resource (HR) service delivery in order to better serve thecustomers with simpler well executed processes with proper use of technology. HR service delivery hasbecome all the more critical in the organization due to rise in customer expectation.
Your Company used electricity provided by state electricity board in form of energy, the consumption ofwhich is very minimal. As required under provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 8(3) of Companies(Accounts) Rules, 2014 details relating to Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and ForeignExchange Earnings and Outgo, no such technology absorbed by the Company and no foreign exchangetransactions are there during the period under review.
A. Statutory Auditors:
During the year, M/s. C V Pagariya & Co., Chartered Accountants, (Firm Registration No.: 127772W),have tendered their resignation dated August 12, 2024. Basis this, subject to the approval of themembers of the Company, the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors during their meetingheld on August 12, 2024 have considered and recommended the appointment of M/s. Bohra & Co.,Chartered Accountants, (Firm Registration No.: 136492W) as the Statutory Auditors of the Company,to fill the casual vacancy caused due to resignation of the M/s. C V Pagariya & Co., CharteredAccountants, for a period of 1 (One) year from the conclusion of the ensuing Annual General Meetingto be held for the Financial Year 2023-24 until the conclusion of Annual General Meeting to be heldfor the Financial Year 2024-25 in place of the outgoing Auditors. The Auditors have confirmed theireligibility and that they are not disqualified from holding of office of Auditors of the Company.
The notes on accounts referred to in the Auditors' Report are self-explanatory and, therefore, do notcall for any further comments. The Auditors' Report does not contain any qualification, reservation,adverse remark or disclaimer.
B. Secretarial Auditor:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and The Companies(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board had appointedM/s. D. Raut & Associates, Practicing Company Secretary to conduct Secretarial Audit of the Companyfor the Financial Year 2023-2024. The Secretarial Audit Report for the Financial Year ended31st March, 2024 is annexed herewith and marked as ‘Annexure - A’.
The Report is self-explanatory and the Secretarial Auditors has given his observation in his report tothe Board and the Board's reply as under:
Observation of SecretarialAuditor
Reply by the Company
As informed by management ofthe Company the shares aren ow b ein g d elis t ed fr omAhmadabad Stock ExchangeLtd. & The Magadh StockExchange Ltd. while that withCalcutta Stock Exchange ispending. As per our opinion aslong as the shares are notdelisted from Calcutta StockExchange, the Company isrequired to comply with SEBI(LODR) and the related laws forthe respective Stock Exchangealso.
The shares of the Company are listed with BSE (nation-widestock exchange) and the Company is complying with all theregulations under SEBI (LODR). The shares of the Companywere also listed with three Stock Exchanges (SEs) namelyCalcutta Stock Exchange (CSE), Ahmadabad StockExchange Ltd.(ASEL) & The Magadh Stock Exchange Ltd.(MdhSEL) for which the Company delisting applications weremade to those SEs. SEBI. vide Circular No. MRD/DoP/SE/Cir-36/2008 dated December 29, 2008, issued Guidelineslaying down the framework for exit by stock exchanges whoserecognition is withdrawn and/or renewal of recognition isrefused by SEBI and Regional Stock Exchanges (“RSEs “)who may want to surrender their recognition. Furtherguidelines were reviewed and modified by SEBI vide CircularNo. CIR/ MRD/ DSA/ 14/2012 dated May 30, 2012(hereinafter referred to as “Exit Circular”). ASEL vide letterdated July 11,2014 to SEBI exited as a SE.
Accordingly, MdhSEL also been exited as a SE by SEBI videits said circular.
While SEBI vide its exit policy has ordered to shut down theCSE but the matter is subjudice in the Calcutta High Court.As per our Opinion, no such compliance is required to bemade with Calcutta Stock Exchange.
It is observed that Mr. PushkarL Galav, has been appointed asNon-executive Director by theBoard on 12.02.2024. In termsof regulation 17 of SEBI LODR,the above appointment needs tobe approved by the Share¬holders within 3 months of theappointment, which theCompany has not complied yet.We have been informed that thesame shall be placed before theShareholders for approval inensuing AGM.
The management has informed the auditor in terms of regu¬lation 17 of SEBI LODR about the regularization and ap¬proval of Mr. Pushkar L Galav, as Non-Executive Director bythe shareholders in ensuing Annual General Meeting to beheld on September 30, 2024 and the same has been men¬tioned in the Notice of Annual General Meeting.
C. Cost Auditor & Cost Audit Report:
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act 2013 and the Companies (Cost Records and Audit)Rules, 2014 framed thereunder, it is not obligatory for your Company to appoint a Cost Auditor.
As per auditors' report, no fraud u/s 143(12) reported by the auditor.
No significant and material order has been passed by the regulators, courts, tribunals impacting the goingconcern status and company's operations in future.
As on date, there is no proceeding pending under ‘The Insolvency & Bankruptcy Code 2016'.
As on date, there was no instance of one-time settlement with any Bank or Financial Institution.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:
Your Directors express their appreciation or assistance and co-operation received from Governmentauthorities, banks, vendors, customers and Shareholders of the Company. Your Directors also wish toplace on record their sincere sense of appreciation for their continuous support, the sincere efforts put inby all employees and workmen in the performance of the Company.
By Order of the Board of DirectorsFor Foundry Fuel Products Ltd.
Place: Mumbai (Adarsh Agarwalla)
Date: 12.08.2024 Whole time Director