Your Directors are pleased to present the 13th Annual Report of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2024.
The Summary of the Company's financial result for the financial year 2023-24 as compared to the previous financial year2022-23 is given below:
(' in Million)
Particulars
Standalone
Consolidated
FY 2023-24
FY 2022-23
Revenue from operations
7,755.98
5,534.60
Other Income
112.71
11.15
Total Income
7,868.69
5,545.75
Expenditure
7,050.08
5,053.64
Profit before exceptional items, finance costs, depreciation,and taxes
818.61
492.11
Less:
Finance Cost
137.17
113.77
Depreciation and Amortization
83.63
61.99
Profits before exceptional items and tax
597.81
316.35
Exceptional Items
0
Net Profit for the year before Taxes
Less: Provision for Taxes
Current Tax
162.11
85.97
Deferred Tax Assets
(4.50)
1.37
Prior Year tax
Profit after tax (PAT)
440.20
229.01
Other Comprehensive Income
(2.96)
0.34
Total Comprehensive Income for the year
437.24
229.35
The Company has recorded total revenue of ' 7,868.69Million during the year as against ' 5,545.75 Millionin the previous year, recording a quantum jump ofover 41.89% in the total revenue. The net profit afterprovision for tax is ' 440.20 Million as against net profitafter tax of ' 229.01 Million in the previous year.
Your Directors are optimistic about Company's businessand hopeful of better performance with increasedrevenue in the current year.
Zaggle is one of the first home-grown new age SaaSfintech companies listed in India, with a mission todigitise spends through automated workflows. Weoperate in a segment where we interact and interface
with our Customers (i.e., businesses) and end Users(i.e., employees, channel partners & vendors) and areamong a small number of uniquely positioned playerswith a diversified offering of fintech products andservices, having one of the largest number of issuedpayment instruments ( prepaid Cards & CommercialCredit Cards) in India in partnership with our bankingpartners. We operate through three key businesssegments:
Propel: a corporate SaaS platform for channel rewardsand incentives, employee rewards and recognition
Save: a SaaS-based platform and a mobile applicationto offer expense management solution for businessesfacilitating digitised employee reimbursements and taxbenefits
Zoyer: an integrated data driven, SaaS invoice topay platform with embedded automated financecapabilities.
During the year under review, the Company hasdelivered robust growth across all segments.
The Company catered to 3,016 customers in financialyear 2023-24 compared to 2,411 customers in previousfinancial year 2022-23. The number of users grewto 2.73 Mn in financial year 2023-24 from 2.27 Mn inprevious financial year 2022-23.
This year the Company's latest product offering“Zoyer” started getting great traction and contributedmeaningfully to the revenues. The Company seespositive signals for greater uptake for the valueproposition of Zoyer bundled with commercial creditcards in the upcoming quarters.
The Company launched its Spend analytics platform“Zatix” the year under review. This platform wouldempower the Businesses with Real Time Analyticssolution and Integrated Commercial credit card(Purchase and Corporate Travel and Expense cards)for enhanced Spend Management and Data-drivendecision-making.
The Company also launched Forex programme viapartnership with banks and authorised dealers. Thiswill help the Company to expand its offering in thespace of forex cards which is a huge space with largeprofit pools. The Company will see this program start toclock in revenues in the financial year 2024-25.
Fleet management is a multibillion-dollar opportunityin India and globally. The Company launched its Fleetloyalty program and signed up the first contract withTorrent Gas this year. The Company see this as a bigopportunity in the upcoming years.
The Company signed up with BOB Financial SolutionsLimited (BFSL) for Implementing Commercial cardOnboarding & value-added services platform for BFSL.
With Visa Worldwide Pte, the Company has signed aGrowth agreement for the issuance of Forex CoBrandCards. Visa will also pay incentives to the Company onForex transactions basis defined spend commitments.The Company would leverage its existing corporatebase to sell forex cards to employees of the corporateclients, and it can be tightly coupled with theCompany's expense management solution. The deal
size is approximately USD 20 Mn in next 5 years.
The Company has contracted to provide services toAxis Bank whereby the Company's accounts payablesoftware & expense management software, and theAxis bank Corporate Credit Cards and Forex Cards arebundled and jointly offered to the Company's corporatecustomers to drive card spends & greater usage ofthe software. The Company can leverage its existingcorporate base to sell Axis Bank commercial creditand Forex cards tightly coupled with the Company'saccounts payable and expense management software.
The Company has got into a strategic collaborationwith Kotak Mahindra bank. Through this co-brandagreement, corporates will have access to a unifiedoffering comprising of a suite of financial products,including Kotak's payroll banking services, suchas salary accounts and co-branded prepaid cards,seamlessly integrated with the Company's market¬leading SaaS solutions, specifically designed foremployee flexi-benefits and travel and expensemanagement (Zaggle SAVE). This integration will enableworking professionals to boost their incomes throughflexible benefits designed to facilitate tax savings,giving complete visibility and greater control over theirpay, flexi-benefits, advances, reimbursements, andspending, all of which would be accessible through asingle mobile app.
The Company got empanelled with three public sectorbanks - Punjab National Bank, Indian Bank and CanaraBank as their Fintech partners for providing digitizationsolutions. Now the Company has public sector banksas its partners along with marquee private banks. TheCompany sees substantial business coming from thesePSB's over the next 2 years to 3 years.
The Company has partnered with travel companieslike EaseMyTrip and Riya travels which will help it offerIntegrated Travel & Expense Management Solutionsto its Corporate Clients. Travel and Expense is acritical component in the Spend management spaceand this functionality would significantly enhance theCompany's offerings to its Enterprise customers.
The Company has signed up to be a Co-brand partnerwith Nishi Forex who is an Authorised Dealer II forforex card to carry out activities such as Sales andDistribution, Marketing and Campaigning bundled withthe Company's expense management to drive cardspends & greater usage of the software. Subject toRBI approval the product launch will be done in duecourse.
The Board of Directors of the Company afterconsidering various factors, business strategies andinvestment requirements for growth plan, decided toconserve funds to maximize the Shareholders wealthon a long run and hence did not recommend anydividend during the FY 2023-24.
The Company has formulated and adopted a DividendDistribution Policy in terms of Regulation 43A ofthe Securities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,2015, which set out parameters and circumstancesthat will be taken into account by the Board whiledetermining the distribution of dividend to theshareholders for bringing transparency in the matterof declaration of dividend and to protect the interestof shareholders. The Policy is available on the websiteof the Company at https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/dividend-distribution-policv.pdf.
During the year under review, the Company has nottransferred any amount to the general reserves of theCompany
The Register of Members and Share Transfer Books ofthe Company will be closed from Thursday, September19, 2024, to Wednesday, September 25, 2024 (bothdays inclusive) for the purpose of Annual GeneralMeeting of the Company.
The Company, in consultation with the BookRunning Lead Managers (BRLMs), has undertakenthe Pre-IPO Placement of 59,75,609 equity sharesat an issue price of ' 164/- per equity share(including a premium of ' 163/- per equity share)for an amount aggregating to ' 980.00 Million,by way of a preferential issue in accordance withSection 42, 62 of the Companies Act, 2013 readwith Companies (Prospectus and Allotment ofSecurities) Rules, 2014 and Companies (ShareCapital and Debentures) Rule, 2014, as amended.The Pre-IPO Placement has been undertakenpursuant to the approval of the Board of Directorsand Shareholders at their meeting held on August10, 2023 and August 11, 2023, respectively.The amount raised from the Pre IPO Placementwas reduced from the fresh issue, subject to
compliance with the Rule 19(2)(b) of the SecuritiesContracts (Regulation) Act, 1957
The Company has allotted equity shares in thePre-IPO Placement pursuant to the resolutionpassed by the Board, in the manner as set forthbelow:
Date of allotment
Number ofequity sharesallotted
Issue priceper equityshare (?)
August 16, 2023
44,51,219
164.
August 21, 2023
15,24,390
164
Total
59,75,609
During the year under review, the Company madean IPO of 34,352,255 equity shares of face valueof ' 1/- each of the Company for cash at a price of' 164/- per equity share, including a premium of' 163/- per equity share aggregating to ' 5633.77Million, comprising of a fresh issue of 23,902,439equity shares aggregating to ' 3,920 Millionand an offer for sale of 1,04,49,816 equity sharesaggregating up to ' 1,713.77 Million by the sellingshareholders. The IPO was opened on September14, 2023 and closed on September 18, 2023. TheIPO was led by BRLMs viz. ICICI Securities Limited,Equirus Capital Private Limited, IIFL SecuritiesLimited and JM Financial Limited. The Companysuccessfully completed the IPO process and theequity shares of the Company were listed onNational Stock Exchange of India Limited and BSELimited on September 22, 2023.
The utilization of funds raised through IPO havebeen mentioned hereunder:
Object
AmountAllocated(' inMillion)
AmountUtilized ason March31, 2024(' in Million)
Expenditurecustomerand retention
towards
acquisition
3,000.00
852.67
Expenditure towardsdevelopment oftechnology and products
400.00
6.13
Repayment or pre¬payment of certainborrowings, in full orin part, availed by theCompany
170.83
168.00
Amount
Allocated
Utilized as
(' in
on March
Million)
31, 2024
General corporatepurposes (GCP)
50.77
1.62
The Company has appointed CARE Ratings Limitedas Monitoring Agency in terms of Regulation 41of the Securities and Exchange Board of India(Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2018 (“ICDR Regulations”), asamended from time to time, to monitor theutilization of IPO proceeds and the Company hasobtained monitoring reports from the MonitoringAgency from time to time confirming no deviationor variation in the utilization of proceeds of the IPOfrom the objects stated in the Prospectus datedSeptember 18, 2023. The Company has submittedthe statement(s) and report as required underRegulation 32 of the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015 to both theexchanges where the shares of the Company arelisted, namely, National Stock Exchange of IndiaLimited and BSE Limited on timely basis.
Your Directors would like to thank the BRLMs andlegal counsels involved with the IPO for helpingthe Company achieving successful IPO andlisting. Your Directors would also like to thankthe regulators Securities and Exchange Board ofIndia, BSE Limited (BSE), National Stock Exchangeof India Limited (NSE) and Registrar of Companiesfor enabling the Company to take its equity storyto the public market. Last but not the least, yourDirectors extend their heartfelt gratitude to theshareholders for investing in the IPO and reposingtheir continuous trust and faith in the Company &its management.
7. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTSAFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION BETWEENTHE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND THE DATEOF THE REPORT
There have been no material changes and commitmentsaffecting the financial position of the Company whichhave occurred between the end of the financial year ofthe Company to which the financial statements relateand the date of this report.
During the year under review, the Company has notaccepted any deposits in terms of Section 2(31) readwith Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule2(1)(c) of the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits)Rules, 2014 and as such there are no such overduedeposits outstanding as on March 31, 2024.
The equity shares of the Company are listed at BSELimited, Mumbai and National Stock Exchange of IndiaLimited, Mumbai. The applicable annual listing feeswere paid before the due date. The annual custodianfees have also been paid to the depositories beforethe due date.
The Authorized Share Capital of the Company ason March 31, 2024 was ' 15,00,00,000/- dividedinto 15,00,00,000 equity shares of ' 1/- each. Thepaid-up equity share capital as on March 31, 2024stood at ' 12,24,82,493/- divided into 12,24,82,493equity shares face value of ' 1 /- each
During the year under review the Company hasundertaken following transactions:
• Pursuant to a resolution passed by the Boardof Directors at their meeting dated August 10,2023 and the Shareholders at their extraordinarygeneral meeting dated August 11, 2023, theCompany has increased its authorized sharecapital from ' 12,00,00,000/- to ' 15,00,00,000/-
• Pursuant to the Pre IPO-Placement as mentioned inpoint no. 6 of this report, the Company has issuedand allotted 59,75,609 equity shares of ' 1/- eachat a premium of ' 163/- per share aggregating to' 980.00 Million through preferential issue. ThePaid up capital of the Company increased to' 9,81,94,319/-
• During the year under review, the Companyhas made an Initial Public Offering of34,352,255 equity shares of face value of' 1/- each of the Company for cash at a price of' 164/- per equity share, including a premium of' 163/- per equity share aggregating to ' 5,633.77Million, comprising of a fresh issue of 23,902,439equity shares aggregating to ' 3,920.00 Millionand an offer for sale of 10,449,816 equity sharesaggregating up to ' 1,713.77 Million by the sellingshareholders. The Paid up capital of the Companyincreased to ' 12,20,96,758/-.
• The Board of Directors at their meeting held onFebruary 06, 2024 have allotted 385,735 equityshares of ' 1/- each, upon exercise of stock optionsby eligible employees under Zaggle EmployeeStock Option Scheme 2022 (“Zaggle ESOP 2022”or “Scheme”). The Paid up capital of the Companyincreased to Rs. 12,24,82,493/-
• Further the Board of Directors at their meeting heldon July 30, 2024 have approved the allotment of1,24,306 equity shares of ' 1/- each, upon exerciseof stock options by eligible employees underZaggle ESOP 2022. As on the date of this reportthe Paid up capital of the Company increased to' 12,26,06,799/-
During the previous financial year 2022-23, theCompany had successfully raised ' 500 Million, byway of allotment of 500 secured, unlisted, rated non¬convertible debentures (NCDs) having a face value of' 10,00,000 each, pursuant to Board resolution passedby Board of directors in its meeting held on November30, 2022 in accordance with the terms specified underthe private placement offer cum application letterdated November 30, 2022. The proceeds of the Issuehave been fully utilized for the purpose for which it wasraised. During the year under review, the companyprepaid the NCDs.
The Company adopted Zaggle Employee Stock OptionScheme 2022” (hereinafter referred to as the “Scheme”or “ZAGGLE ESOP 2022”) with the objective to attractand retain high-quality human talent by providing themincentives and reward opportunities, to improve theEmployee performance with ownership interests andprovide them with wealth creation opportunity whilst inemployment with the Company and achieve sustainedgrowth by aligning Employee interest with long terminterests of the Company.
During the year under review, subsequent to the InitialPublic Offering (‘IPO') of its equity share, the Companyamended the ZAGGLE ESOP 2022 by passing specialresolutions via Postal Ballot dated November 09, 2023,to meet regulatory requirements mandated by theSecurities and Exchange Board of India (Share BasedEmployee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations,2021.
During the year under review, the Board of Directors attheir meeting held on February 06, 2024 have allotted385,735 equity shares of ' 1 each, upon exercise ofstock options by eligible employees under ZaggleESOP 2022.
Further the Nomination and Remuneration Committeeat their meeting held on April 30, 2024 has granted5,66,252 Stock Options to the eligible employees ofthe Company under Zaggle ESOP 2022.
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on July 30,2024 have allotted 1,24,306 equity shares of ' 1/- each,upon exercise of stock options by eligible employeesunder Zaggle ESOP 2022.
The Company has obtained certificate from M/s. S SReddy & Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries,Secretarial Auditor of the Company, confirmingthat Zaggle ESOP 2022 has been implemented inaccordance with the Securities and Exchange Boardof India (Share Based Employee Benefits and SweatEquity) Regulations, 2021.
The details of Company's stock option Schemesas required under Regulation 14 of the Securitiesand Exchange Board of India (Share BasedEmployee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations,2021, are available on the Company's websitehttps://ir.zaggle.in/.
During the year under review, the following were thechanges in the Subsidiary/Joint Venture/Associate ofthe Company:
During the financial year 2022-23, the Companyhas incorporated M/s. Zaggle TechnologiesLimited, a private company as a wholly-ownedsubsidiary, in the United Kingdom under the UKCompanies Act, 2006 on January 12, 2023 withthe Registrar of Companies, England and Wales.
The subsidiary had not commenced any businessor conducted any operations, transactions oractivities since the date of its incorporation.Zaggle Technologies Limited was not a materialsubsidiary of the Company.
On August 26, 2023, Zaggle TechnologiesLimited has applied to the Registrar of Companiesin the United Kingdom to strike its name off theregister, in compliance with applicable provisionsof the UK Companies Act 2006. Accordingly,the Zaggle Technologies Limited got dissolvedw.e.f. November 21, 2023. As on the date of thisreport, the Company is not having any SubsidiaryCompany.
During the year under review, the Company madean investment in Span Across IT Solutions privateLimited (‘Span Across') by way of acquisition of
9,00,000 equity shares of face value of ' 10/-each constituting of 45% of the total equity capitalof Span Across and accordingly, it became anassociate Company. This acquisition will helpthe Company in achieving inorganic growthand gives opportunity to enter new segment ofemployee related business, which will benefit allthe stakeholders associated with the Companyincluding shareholders at large.
As per the provisions of Section 129 of the CompaniesAct, 2013 read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules2014, a separate statement containing the salientfeatures of the financial statements of Subsidiarycompanies/Associate companies/Joint ventures isdetailed in Form AOC-1 and is annexed as Annexure Ito this Report.
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on July30, 2024 have approved to shift the registered office ofthe Company within local limits of the city of Hyderabadfrom 301, III Floor, CSR Estate, Plot No.8, Sector 1, HUDATechno Enclave, Madhapur Main Road, Hyderabad,Rangareddi 500081, Telangana, India, to 15th Floor -Western Block, Vamasiram - Suvarna Durga Tech Park,Nanakramguda Village, Serilingampally Mandal, GHMCSerilingampally Circle, Ranga Reddy District, 500032,Telangana, w.e.f. August 31, 2024.
Pursuant to the listing of equity shares of theCompany on BSE Limited (BSE) and NationalStock Exchange of India Limited (NSE), theCorporate Identification Number of the Companyhas changed from U65999TG2011PLC074795 toL65999TG2011PLC074795 and status has beenchanged from Unlisted to Listed in the Company'sMaster Data on the website of the Ministry of CorporateAffairs (MCA).
The Directors of the Company are eminentpersons of proven competencies and integrity.Besides experience, strong financial acumen,strategic astuteness and leadership qualities, theyhave a significant degree of commitment towardsthe Company and devote adequate time to themeetings. The Company recognizes and embracesthe importance of a diverse board in its success.
The Company believes that a truly diverse boardwill leverage differences in thought, perspective,knowledge, skill, industry experience andgender which will help the Company to retain itscompetitive advantage.
As on March 31, 2024, the Company's Directorateconsisting of six Directors out of which threeDirectors were Independent Directors includingone Woman Director. Mr. Raj P Narayanam isthe Chairman of the Board. The composition ofthe Directorate is in conformity with the relevantprovisions of the Companies Act, 2013 andRegulation 17 of the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosuresRequirement) Regulations 2015.
The Directors possess requisite qualifications andexperience in general corporate management,strategy, finance, information technology andother allied fields which enable them to contributeeffectively to the Company in their capacity asDirectors of the Company.
The Board diversity offers several advantages.Here are some of the key benefits of havingdiverse boards:
• Enhanced decision-making: Board
diversity brings together individuals fromdifferent backgrounds, experiences, andperspectives. This diversity of thought andexpertise can lead to more robust and well-rounded decision-making processes. Byconsidering a wider range of viewpoints,boards can avoid groupthink and make moreinformed and innovative choices.
• Enhanced problem-solving: Diverse boardstend to be more effective in addressingcomplex problems. The varied backgroundsand experiences of board members enablethem to approach challenges from multipleangles. This diversity of perspectives canresult in more effective problem-solvingand better outcomes for the organization.
• Improved corporate governance: Diverseboards can contribute to better corporategovernance practices. When a boardcomprises individuals with diverse skills,knowledge, and experiences, it ensuresa more comprehensive oversight of theCompany's activities. This can help inaddressing conflicts of interest, promotingtransparency, and ensuring accountability.
• Better understanding of customers andmarkets: India is a diverse country witha wide range of cultures, languages, andconsumer preferences. Having diverseboards can provide valuable insights intothe diverse needs and preferences ofcustomers in different regions and segmentsof the market. This understanding can helpcompanies tailor their products, services,and marketing strategies to effectively targetand serve diverse customer groups.
• Increased creativity and innovation:Diversity stimulates creativity and innovationwithin organizations. By incorporatingdiverse perspectives, boards can fostera culture of openness, collaboration,and inclusivity. Different viewpoints canchallenge existing norms, encourage freshideas, and lead to more innovative solutionsand strategies.
• Mitigation of biases: Diverse boards canhelp mitigate unconscious biases andpromote fairness and equity. By ensuringrepresentation from different genders,ethnicities, age groups, and backgrounds,boards can counterbalance any inherentbiases and ensure a more equitable andinclusive decision-making process.
• Improved reputation and stakeholder trust:Companies with diverse boards often enjoya positive reputation for being inclusive andsocially responsible. Such companies areperceived as more attuned to societal valuesand needs. Board diversity can enhancethe Company's brand image, attract diversetalent, and build trust with stakeholders,including investors, customers, andemployees.
Board diversity offers numerous advantages,including improved decision-making, enhancedcorporate governance, increased creativity andinnovation, better problemsolving, understandingof diverse markets, improved reputation, and themitigation of biases. These benefits contributeto the long-term success and sustainability oforganizations in the Indian business landscape.
The Board of Directors has adopted the Policy onDiversity of Board of Directors which sets out theapproach to diversity of the Board of Directors.The Policy is available in the website of theCompany website https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/policy-on-diversity-of-board-of-directors.pdf.
C) Appointment/Reappointment
During the year under review, Mr. Raj P Narayanam(DIN: 00410032) was reappointed as Whole timeDirector with designation as Executive Chairmanw.e.f. June 01, 2023, pursuant to resolution passedat the meeting of Board of Directors and specialresolution passed at the Extra-Ordinary GeneralMeeting of the Company held on May 24, 2023and June 23, 2023 respectively.
The members of the Company approved the re¬appointment of Mr.Avinash Ramesh Godkhindi(DIN: 05250791) as Managing Director and ChiefExecutive Officer of the Company for a term of 2years effective from May 07, 2024 through postalballot by remote electronic voting on April 27,2024.
In order to comply with the provisions of Section152 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013 and rulesapplicable thereunder, the appointment of Mr.ArunVijaykumar Gupta (DIN: 05131228) Non-ExecutiveDirector is liable to retire by rotation at this AnnualGeneral Meeting, being eligible offers himselffor re-appointment. Pursuant to the provisionsof Regulation 36 of the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015 and SecretarialStandards 2 on General Meetings issued byInstitute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI),brief particulars of the director proposed to bere-appointed are provided as an annexure to thenotice convening the AGM.
D) Retirements and Resignations
During the year under review, none of theDirectors retired or resigned from the Board.
E) Key Managerial Personnel
In accordance with the provisions of Sections 2(51)and 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 read withCompanies (Appointment and Remuneration ofManagerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 and Securitiesand Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligationsand Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015,the following are the Key Managerial Personnel ofthe Company as on March 31, 2024.
Sr
No
Name
Designation
1
Mr. Raj P Narayanam
Executive Chairman
2
Mr. Avinash RameshGodkhindi
Managing Director andChief Executive Officer
3
Mr. Venkata AdityaKumar Grandhi
Chief Financial Officer
4
Ms. Hari Priya
Company Secretaryand Compliance Officer
During the year under review, the Company hadpromoted Mr. Vidya Niwas Khetawat as ChiefInvestor Relations Officer (CIRO) of the Companyw.e.f. August 25, 2023 and subsequently ceasedas a Key Managerial Personnel of the Company.
As on March 31, 2024, the Independent Directorsof the Company included Mr. Abhay DeshpandeRaosaheb, Mr. Aravamudan Krishna Kumar andMs. Prerna Tandon. All the Independent Directorsof the Company have furnished necessarydeclaration in terms of Section 149(7) of theCompanies Act, 2013 and Regulation 25(8) ofSecurities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015 affirming that they meet thecriteria of independence as stipulated under theCompanies Act, 2013 and Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015. In the opinionof the Board, all the Independent Directorshave the integrity, expertise and experienceincluding the proficiency required to effectivelydischarge their roles and responsibilities indirecting and guiding the affairs of the Company.In terms of Regulation 25(8) of the Securities andExchange Board of India (Listing Obligations andDisclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, theIndependent Directors have confirmed that theyare not aware of any circumstance or situation,which exist or may be reasonably anticipated, thatcould impair or impact their ability to dischargetheir duties.
Independent Directors databank
All the Independent Directors of the Companyhave been registered and are members ofIndependent Directors Databank maintained bythe Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA).
In compliance with Regulation 25(7) of theSecurities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 and Schedule IV of the
Companies Act, 2013 the Company has astructured program for orientation and trainingof Directors so as to enable them to understandthe nature of the industry in which the Company
operates, business model of the Company androles, rights, and responsibilities of IndependentDirectors.
The Program aims to provide insights into theCompany to enable the Independent Directorsto be in a position to take well-informed timelydecisions and contribute significantly to theCompany. The Independent Directors of theCompany are given every opportunity to familiarizethemselves with the Company, its management,and its operations so as to understand theCompany, its operations, business, industry andenvironment in which it functions.
Independent Directors are also issued anappointment letter detailing their role, duties andresponsibilities, remuneration and performanceevaluation process.
In terms of section 134 (3) of the Companies Act,2013 read with Securities and Exchange Boardof India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015, the Companyhad laid down the criteria for reviewing theperformance of the Board, its Committees andindividual Directors. The evaluation process ofDirectors inter alia considers attendance of theDirectors at Board and Committee meetings,acquaintance with business, communicating interse board members, effective participation, domainknowledge, compliance with code of conduct,vision and strategy etc.
In compliance with the provisions of the Act andRegulation 17(10) of the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015, to improve theeffectiveness of the Board and its Committees, aswell as that of each individual Director, a formalBoard review is undertaken on an annual basis.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committeeat their meeting held on February 06, 2024had carried out the evaluation of the Board,its Committees, and Individual Directors on anannual basis and the committee has submittedtheir review/ recommendation to the Board ofDirectors.
The Board of Directors at their meeting held onFebruary 06, 2024 have carried out an annualevaluation of the performance of IndependentDirectors.
The evaluation process broadly covers thefollowing parameters:
i) Board - ♦ Board structure and composition,
♦ Board meetings, information flow andagenda, ♦ Board culture, relationships anddynamics, ♦ strategy, business performance,
♦ succession planning, ♦ risk management,
♦ continuous improvement, etc.
ii) Board Committees - ♦ Overall Committeesof the Board, ♦ composition and diversity,
♦ leadership of the Chair, ♦ meetingsfrequency and duration, ♦ successionplanning of the Committee members,
♦ interaction with management, qualityof discussions, ♦ stay abreast of novelscientific and technological developmentsand innovations, ♦ quality of agenda andsupporting documents, etc.
iii) Individual Directors - ♦ Attendance inmeetings, ♦ experience and expertise,
♦ participation and contribution in Boarddeliberation, ♦ preparedness in subjects,
♦ understanding of governance, regulatory,financial and fiduciary requirements, ♦ stayup to date and brings insight on the industry,
♦ up to date on corporate governance trendsand development, ♦ focused on improvingshareholders value, ♦ understanding oforganization's strategy and risk environment,sufficiently challenges management to setand stretch goals, ♦ maintain high standardsof ethics, integrity, confidentiality andadherence to the Code of Conduct, ♦ strongdesire to make the Board an even betterversion of itself, etc.
iv) Chairman - ♦ Evaluated on the aboveparameters for individual Directors.
♦ evaluated on effective leadership,
♦ moderatorship and conduct of impartialdiscussions, ♦ seeking participation fromBoard members and ♦ availability for otherBoard members and constructive feedback..
The Board of Directors were satisfied with theevaluation process and outcome, Directorsengagement, experience, diversity and expertise.The Board Committees were also found to beeffective in terms of its composition, functioningand contribution. The evaluation processacknowledged that the Board and Boardcommittees have spent sufficient time on futurebusiness strategies and other longterm and short¬term growth plans, operational matters includingreview of business and functional updates,financial results and other regulatory approvals,governance matters and internal controls.
K) Statement Regarding Opinion of the Board withregard to Integrity, Expertise and Experience(Including the Proficiency) of the IndependentDirectors appointed during the YearConsidering the requirement of skill sets on theBoard, eminent people having an independentstanding in their respective field/profession andwho can effectively contribute to the Company'sbusiness and policy decisions are considered bythe Nomination and Remuneration Committeefor appointment as Independent Director onthe Board. The Committee, inter alia, considersqualification positive attributes, area of expertiseand number of Directorships and Membershipsheld in various committees of other Companies bysuch persons in accordance with the Company'sPolicy for determining qualifications, positiveattributes and independence of a director. TheCommittee evaluates the balance of skills,knowledge and experience on the Board andon the basis of such evaluation, prepare adescription of the role and capabilities required ofan independent director.
The person recommended to the Board forappointment as an independent directorshall have the capabilities identified in suchdescription. The Board considers the Committee'srecommendation, and takes appropriate decision.In the opinion of the Board, the IndependentDirectors possess the attributes of integrity,expertise and experience as required to bedisclosed under Rule 8(5)(iiia) of the Companies(Accounts) Rules, 2014 (as amended).
As on March 31, 2024, the Board has the followingCommittees:
i) Audit Committee
ii) Nomination and Remuneration Committee/Compensation Committee
iii) Stakeholders Relationship Committee
iv) Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
v) Risk Management Committee
vi) IPO Committee
vii) Executive Committee
The Board of Directors at their Meeting held onJuly 30, 2024 have approved the dissolution ofthe IPO Committee with immediate effect in termsof respective provisions of the Companies Act,2013 and Securities and Exchange Board of India(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015.
All the recommendations made by the Board committees, including the Audit Committee, were accepted by theBoard.
A detailed note on the Board and its committees is provided under the Corporate Governance Report section in thisAnnual Report. The composition of the committees and compliances, as per the applicable provisions of the Act andRules, are as follows:
Name of the Committee
Composition of the Committee
Terms of reference
Audit Committee
a) Mr. Abhay Deshpande Raosaheb (C)
b) Mr. Aravamudan Krishna Kumar (M)
c) Mr. Raj P Narayanam (M)
The terms of reference have beendiscussed in detail in the CorporateGovernance Section of the AnnualReport.
Nomination and RemunerationCommittee/ CompensationCommittee
a) Mr. Aravamudan Krishna Kumar (C)
b) Mr. Abhay Deshpande Raosaheb (M)
c) Mr. Arun Vijaykumar Gupta (M)
Stakeholders RelationshipCommittee
a) Mr. Arun Vijaykumar Gupta (C)
b) Ms. Prerna Tandon (M)
c) Mr. Avinash Ramesh Godkhindi (M)
Corporate Social ResponsibilityCommittee
a) Mr. Raj P Narayanam (C)
Risk Management Committee
IPO Committee
Executive Committee
# C - Chairman and M - Member
The Board of Directors meets at regular intervalsto discuss and decide on the Company's policiesand strategy apart from other Board matters.
The Company has conducted Eighteen (18)Board meetings during the financial yearunder review. The intervening gap betweenany two meetings was within the periodprescribed by the Companies Act, 2013 andSecurities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015. The composition of the Boardof Directors, Committees, attendance of theDirectors in the Board and Committees are givenin the Chapter on Corporate Governance.
In terms of Schedule IV of the Companies Act,2013 and Regulation 25 of the Securities andExchange Board of India (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015mandate that the Independent Directors of theCompany shall hold at least one meeting in ayear, without the attendance of Non-IndependentDirectors and members of the management.To exercise free and fair judgment in all mattersrelated to the functioning of the Company as wellas the Board, it is important for the IndependentDirectors to have meetings without the presenceof the executive management.
During the year under review, IndependentDirectors met one time without the presence ofExecutive Directors and other members of theManagement. The Company is ready to facilitatemore such sessions as and when required by theIndependent Directors. During this meeting, theIndependent Directors reviewed the performanceof the Company, the Chairman, Board and thequality of information given to the Board werealso discussed.
Every new independent director of the Boardattends an orientation program. To familiarize thenew inductees with the strategy, operations andfunctions of the Company, the Executive Directors/Senior Managerial Personnel make presentationsto the inductees about the Company's strategy,operations, product and service offerings,markets, organization structure, quality and riskmanagement etc.
All the Independent Directors of the Companyhave been appointed as per the provisions ofthe Companies Act, 2013 and the Securities andExchange Board of India (Listing Obligations andDisclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, andformal letter of appointment are issued to theIndependent Directors. As required by Regulation46 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015, the terms and conditions oftheir appointment have been disclosed on thewebsite of the Company at https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/terms-and-conditions-of-appointment-of-independent-directors.pdf.
The Company has procured D & O liabilityinsurance policy that covers the members ofthe Board and Officers of the Company for suchquantum and risks as determined by its Board ofDirectors.
The Company has received necessary declarationfrom all Directors stating that they are notdebarred or disqualified from being appointed orcontinuing as Directors of Companies as per theSecurities and Exchange Board of India, ReserveBank of India, Ministry of Corporate Affairs or anysuch other Statutory Authority.
Pursuant to Regulation 34(3) and Schedule V ParaC clause (10) (i) of the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015, Companyhas obtained a certificate from M/s. S. S. Reddy& Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries,
Hyderabad (Firm Registration NumberS2008AP101300) and forms part of the AnnualReport.
Pursuant to Section 134 (3) (c) and Section 134(5)of the Companies Act, 2013, the Directors herebyreport that:
a) in the preparation of the annual accounts,the applicable accounting standards havebeen followed along with proper explanationrelating to material departures, if any;
b) appropriate accounting policies havebeen selected and applied consistently.Judgement and estimates which arereasonable and prudent have been made soas to give a true and fair view of the state ofaffairs of the Company as at the end of thefinancial year and of the profit of Companyfor the year;
c) proper and sufficient care has been takenfor the maintenance of adequate accountingrecords in accordance with the provisions ofthe Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding theassets of the Company and for preventingand detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) the annual accounts have been prepared onan on-going concern basis;
e) proper internal financial controls have beenlaid down to be followed by the Companyand such internal financial controls areadequate and are operating effectively; and
f) proper systems to ensure compliancewith the provisions of all applicable lawshave been devised, and such systems areadequate and are operating effectively.
The Company strives to maintain an appropriatebalance of skills and experience in the Board andwithin the Company, in an endeavor to introducenew perspectives while maintaining experienceand continuity. Additionally, promoting SeniorManagement within the organization motivatesand fuels the ambitions of the talent force to earnfuture leadership roles. The Board of Directorshas adopted the Policy on Succession Planningfor the Board and Senior Management.
M/s P R S V & Co. LLP, were appointed as StatutoryAuditors of the Company, vide the resolutionspassed by the Board of Director at their meetingheld on June 20, 2015 in place of the casualvacancy and the same was regularised by theshareholders in Extraordinary General Meeting(EGM) held on July 17, 2015.
Further, the Company has reappointed M/s P R S V& Co. LLP, as Statutory Auditors to hold office fromthe conclusion of 4th Annual General Meeting tillthe conclusion of the 9th Annual General Meetingof the Company
Thereafter, they were appointed as StatutoryAuditors for a second term to hold office from theconclusion of 9th Annual General Meeting till theconclusion of the 14th Annual General Meeting ofthe Company
M/s. M S K A & Associates, CharteredAccountants, Hyderabad (Firm Registration No.105047W) were appointed as joint statutoryauditors of the Company to hold office from theconclusion of 11th Annual General Meeting till theconclusion of the 15th Annual General Meetingof the Company.
Further to their discussions with management,M/s P R S V & Co LLP, Chartered Accountants,has expressed to discontinue as the StatutoryAuditors of the Company from the conclusionof this Annual General Meeting. Accordingly, thestatutory audits of the Company from FinancialYear 2024-25 and onwards, will be carried out bythe other auditor viz. M/s. M S K A & Associates.
The Audit Committee and Board at their respectivemeetings placed on record their appreciationto M/s P R S V & Co LLP for their contributionto the Company with their audit processes andstandards of auditing.
The Audit reports dated May 23, 2024 issuedby the M/s. P R S V & Co. LLP, CharteredAccountants, and M/s. M S K A & Associates,Chartered Accountants, Joint Statutory Auditorson the Company's Standalone and Consolidatedfinancial statements for the financial year ended2023-24 is part of the Annual Report. There hasbeen no qualification, reservation or adverseremark in their Report.
The provisions of Section 148 of the CompaniesAct, 2013 read with Rule 3 of the Companies (CostRecords and Audit) Rules, 2014 do not apply tothe Company. Accordingly, the Company is notrequired to appoint a Cost Auditor.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of theCompanies Act, 2013 read with Rule 9 of theCompanies (Appointment and Remuneration ofManagerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 the Boardof Directors have appointed M/s. S. S. Reddy& Associates, Practicing Company Secretaries,Hyderabad (Firm Registration NumberS2008AP101300) as a Secretarial Auditor of theCompany for the financial year 2023-24 at theirmeeting held on May 24, 2023.
The Secretarial Audit Report dated July 30, 2024,issued by the Secretarial Auditor is annexed inAnnexure-II and forms an integral part of theBoard's Report. There has been no qualification,reservation or adverse remark in their Report.
Further, in compliance with Regulation 24A ofthe Securities and Exchange Board of India(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015, the Annual SecretarialCompliance Report issued by the SecretarialAuditor, has been submitted to the stockexchanges within the statutory timelines and thesame is annexed in Annexure-III.
Based on the consent received from M/s. S.S. Reddy & Associates, Practicing CompanySecretaries, Hyderabad (Firm Registration NumberS2008AP101300) and on the recommendation ofthe Audit Committee, the Board of Directors hasapproved their appointment as the SecretarialAuditor of the Company for FY 2024-25. Theyhave confirmed their eligibility for the saidreappointment.
M/s. R Y M & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants,were appointed as an Internal Auditor of theCompany for the Financial Year 2023-24 in theBoard meeting held on May 24, 2023 to reportsto the Audit Committee about the adequacyand effectiveness of the internal control systemof the Company. The recommendations of theinternal auditor on improvements required inthe procedures and control systems are alsopresented to the Audit Committee.
Internal audit and control systems play a crucialrole in ensuring the efficient and effectiveoperation of organizations across varioussectors. Internal audit refers to the independentand objective examination of an organization'sactivities, processes, and controls to assess theiradequacy, reliability, and compliance with relevantlaws, regulations, and internal policies. Theprimary objective of internal audit is to provideassurance to management and stakeholdersthat risks are identified, managed, and mitigatedappropriately.
Internal audit encompasses a wide range ofactivities, including evaluating the effectiveness ofinternal controls, identifying areas of improvement,assessing operational efficiency, detecting fraudand irregularities, and ensuring compliance withlegal and regulatory requirements. By conductingregular audits, internal auditors help organizationsidentify potential weaknesses in their systemsand processes, allowing management to takeproactive measures to address them.
Control systems, on the other hand, refer to thepolicies, procedures, and practices put in place bymanagement to safeguard assets, ensure accuratefinancial reporting, and promote operationalefficiency. These control systems aim to mitigaterisks and provide reasonable assurance that theorganization's objectives are achieved.
The internal audit function is responsible forevaluating the design and effectiveness ofthese control systems. Internal auditors assesswhether the controls are properly designed tomitigate risks and whether they are operatingeffectively in practice. They conduct tests andreviews to identify control gaps, weaknesses,or deviations from established policies andprocedures. Based on their findings, they providerecommendations to management for enhancingcontrols and improving processes, thus helpingthe organization operate in a more efficient andrisk-aware manner.
Effective internal audit and control systemscontribute to better governance, risk management,and internal controls within an organization. Theyprovide management and stakeholders withconfidence that risks are managed appropriately,financial information is reliable, and operationsare conducted with integrity. By continuouslymonitoring and evaluating controls, internal audithelps organizations stay ahead of emerging risks,
adapt to changing business environments, andenhance overall performance and accountability.
The Company has an Audit Committee consistingof Two Independent Directors and one ExecutiveDirector. The Audit Committee of the Board ofDirectors and Statutory Auditors are periodicallyapprised of the internal audit findings andcorrective actions taken. The Audit Committeeof the Board of Directors reviews the adequacyand effectiveness of internal control system andsuggests improvements if any for strengtheningthem.
18. DETAILS IN RESPECT OF FRAUDS REPORTED BYAUDITORS UNDER SUB-SECTION (12) OF SECTION143 OTHER THAN THOSE WHICH ARE REPORTABLETO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
The Joint Statutory Auditors of the Company havenot reported any fraud as specified under the secondproviso of section 143(12) of the Companies Act,2013 (including any statutory modification(s) or re-enactment(s) for the time being in force.
Mr. Avinash Ramesh Godkhindi, Managing Director andChief Executive Officer and Mr. Venkata Aditya KumarGrandhi, Chief Financial Officer of the Company havegiven annual certification on financial reporting andinternal controls to the Board in terms of Regulation 17(8)of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,2015 and the same forms part of this Annual Report.Mr. Avinash Ramesh Godkhindi, Managing Director andChief Executive Officer and Mr. Venkata Aditya KumarGrandhi, Chief Financial Officer of the Company alsogive quarterly certification on financial results whileplacing the financial results before the Board in termsof Regulation 33(2) (a) of the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015.
The policy of the Company on Directors' appointmentand remuneration, including criteria for determiningqualifications, positive attributes, independence ofa Director and other matters are adopted as perthe provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. Theremuneration paid to the Directors is as per the termslaid out in the Nomination and Remuneration Policyof the Company. The Nomination and RemunerationPolicy as adopted by the Board is available on the
Company's website https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/nomination-and-remuneration-policy.pdf
The Company adopted a Code of Conduct to Regulate,Monitor and Report Trading by Designated Persons andtheir Immediate Relatives pursuant the Securities andExchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading)Regulations, 2015. This Code of Conduct also includescode of practices and procedures for fair disclosureof unpublished price sensitive information and hasbeen made available on the Company's website athttps://ir.zaqqle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/code-of-practices-and-procedures-for-fair-disclosure-of-unpublished-price-sensitive-information.pdf.The Company is maintaining Structured DigitalDatabase (‘SDD'), for monitoring the dealings in thesecurities of the Company by the promoters, directorsand designated persons including immediate relativeand also to keep record of the persons with whomthe unpublished price sensitive information of theCompany has been shared internally or externally untilit becomes public.
The Board of Directors adopted the Vigil Mechanism/Whistle Blower Policy which is in compliance withSection 177(9) of the Companies Act, 2013 andRegulation 22 of the Securities and Exchange Board ofIndia (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015. The Whistle Blower Policy aimsto conduct the affairs of the Company in a fair andtransparent manner by adopting the highest standardsof professionalism, honesty, integrity, and ethicalbehaviour.
All present employees and Whole-time Directorsof the Company are covered under the WhistleBlower Policy. A mechanism has been establishedfor employees and other stakeholders to reporttheir concerns about unethical behaviour, actual orsuspected fraud or violation of the Code of Conductand Ethics, and leak of price-sensitive informationunder the Company's Code of Conduct formulated forregulating, monitoring, and reporting by Insiders underSecurities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition ofInsider Trading) Regulations, 2015, as amended fromtime to time. It also provides for adequate safeguardsagainst the victimization of employees who avail themechanism and allows direct access to the Chairmanof the Audit Committee. During the year under review,
no complaints were reported under the Whistle BlowerPolicy. The Whistle Blower Policy is available on theCompany's website https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Whistle-Blower-Policy.pdf
The Company has formulated a Policy for determiningMaterial Subsidiaries. The Policy is available onthe Company's website and can be accessed atCompany's website https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/policy-for-determining-material-subsidiaries.pdf.
24. DISCLOSURE UNDER SEXUAL HARASSMENTOF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION,PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
The Company has adopted zero tolerance for sexualharassment at the workplace and has formulated apolicy on prevention, prohibition, and redressal ofsexual harassment at the workplace in line with theprovisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women atWorkplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)Act, 2013 and the rules thereunder for preventionand redressal of complaints of sexual harassment atworkplace.
The Company has constituted the various InternalComplaints Committee at various office locations ofthe Company in accordance with the provisions ofthe Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 andthe Rules made thereunder.
There was no cases filed pursuant to the SexualHarassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention,Prohibition & Redressal) Act' 2013 during the yearunder review.
The Company regularly conducts awarenessprogrammes for its employees.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,2015 mandated the formulation of certain policies forall listed companies. Accordingly, the Company hasadopted the various policies and the following policesare uploaded on the website of the Company. Someinternal policies are available on the intranet platformof the Company. The policies are reviewed periodicallyby the Board/Committee and updated based on needand new compliance requirement.
Name of the policy
Brief description
Vigil Mechanism / Whistle BlowerPolicy
The Company has adopted the whistle-blower mechanism for directors andemployees to report concerns about unethical behavior, actual or suspectedfraud, or violation of the Company's code of conduct and ethics. It also providesfor adequate safeguards against victimization of employees who availed themechanism and also provides for direct access to the Chairperson of the AuditCommittee.
Code of Practices andProcedures for Fair Disclosureof Unpublished Price SensitiveInformation
The Company has adopted a Code of Conduct to Regulate, Monitor & ReportTrading by Insiders and Code of Practices and Procedures for Fair Disclosureof Unpublished Price Sensitive Information as per the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulation 2015, with a view toregulate trading in securities by the Directors and Designated Persons whilein possession of unpublished price sensitive information in relation to theCompany and during the period when the Trading Window is closed and othercertain situations.
Nomination and RemunerationPolicy
This policy formulates the criteria for determining qualifications, competencies,positive attributes and independence for the appointment of a director (executive/ non-executive) and also the criteria for determining the remuneration of thedirectors, key managerial personnel and senior management of the Company
Corporate Social ResponsibilityPolicy
The policy outlines the Company's strategy to bring about a positive impact onSociety through programs relating to hunger, poverty, education, healthcare,environment, relief, disaster management etc., as per the provisions of theCompanies Act, 2013.
Policy for Determining MaterialSubsidiaries
The policy is used to determine the material subsidiaries and material non-listed Indian subsidiaries of the Company and to provide the governanceframework for them.
Policy on Materiality of andDealing with Related PartyTransactions
The policy regulates all transactions between the Company and its relatedparties
Policy on Preservation ofDocuments
The policy deals with the preservation of corporate records of the Company
Policy on Archival of Documents
The policy deals with the retention and archival of corporate records of theCompany
Dividend Distribution Policy
This Policy is to ensure the right balance between the quantum of Dividendpaid and amount of profits retained in the business for various purposes
Policy on Determination ofMateriality of Event
The Policy is to determine materiality of events or information relating to theCompany and to ensure timely and accurate disclosure on all material mattersconcerning the Company.
Risk Management Policy andProcedures
This policy sets out the objectives and accountabilities for the management ofrisk within the Company such that it is structured, consistent and effective
Code of Conduct to Regulate,Monitor and Report Trading byDesignated Persons and theirImmediate Relatives
This code Regulates any kind of Insider Trading by designated persons
Policy on Prevention of SexualHarassment
The policy aims at providing a safe work environment for women at workplace
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(n) of the Companies Act,2013 and Regulation 17(9) of Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company hasformulated and adopted a Policy on Risk Managementand Procedure. The Risk Management policy of theCompany outlines a framework for identification ofinternal and external risks specifically faced by theCompany, in particular including financial, operational,sectoral, information, cyber security risks, or anyother risk as may be determined by the Committee;measures for risk mitigation including systems andprocesses for internal control of identified risks; andBusiness continuity plan. Risk is an integral part of theCompany's business, and sound risk managementis critical to the success of the organization. TheCompany has adequate internal financial controlsystems and procedures to combat the risk. The riskmanagement procedure is reviewed by the AuditCommittee and Board of Directors on a regular basisat the time of review of the quarterly financial resultsof the Company.
Furthermore, pursuant to the requirement ofRegulation 21 of the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company hasconstituted a Risk Management Committee (RMC),consisting of Board members of the Company.
The Company has in place a Risk Managementframework to identify, evaluate business risks andchallenges across the Company both at corporatelevel as also separately for each business division.
The Company has in place a mechanism to identify,assess, monitor and mitigate various risks to keybusiness objectives. Major risks identified bythe businesses and functions are systematicallyaddressed through mitigating actions on a continuingbasis. The Company's internal control encompassesvarious managements systems, structures oforganization, standard and code of conduct which allput together help in managing the risks associatedwith the Company.
During the year under review, there are no risks whichin the opinion of the Board that threaten the existenceof the Company. However, some of the risks whichmay pose challenges are set out in the ManagementDiscussion and Analysis Report which forms part ofthis Annual Report.
The Corporate Social Responsibility Committeehad formulated a Corporate Social Responsibility
Policy (CSR Policy) indicating the CSR activities tobe undertaken and the Company had constitutedCorporate Social Responsibility Committee (“CSRCommittee”). A copy of CSR Policy is available on thewebsite of the Company and can be accessed on theCompany's website at https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Corporate-Social-Responsibility-Policy.pdf. The policy encompasses the philosophyof the Company for delineating its responsibility asa corporate citizen and lays down the guideline andmechanism for undertaking socially useful programsfor welfare of the community at large and for underprivileged community in the area of its operation inparticular.
As per the provisions of Section 135 the Act and theRules made thereunder, the Company is required tospend ' 6.77 Million for the financial year 2023-24 i.e.2% of the average net profits of the Company madeduring the three immediately preceding financialyears.
The Company, however, spent an amount of ' 5.97Million towards CSR activities during the financial year2023-24. However, due to ongoing discussions withNGOs for new projects there was an unspent amountof ' 0.80 million which was not allocated towards CSRactivities. The Company has transferred the unspentamount towards Prime Minister's National ReliefFund (PMNRF) within the time limits specified in theCompanies Act, 2013 and the Rules made thereunder.
The Annual Report on CSR containing the compositionof the CSR Committee, salient features of the CSRPolicy, details of activities, and other informationas required under Companies (Corporate SocialResponsibility Policy) Rules, 2014 are provided inAnnexure IV attached to this Report.
The Company has adequate internal controlsconsistent with the nature of business and size ofthe operations, to effectively provide for safety ofits assets, reliability of financial transactions withadequate checks and balances, adherence toapplicable statues, accounting policies, approvalprocedures and to ensure optimum use of availableresources. These systems are reviewed and improvedon a regular basis. It has a comprehensive budgetarycontrol system to monitor revenue and expenditureagainst approved budget on an ongoing basis.
The Company has a internal auditor to assess theadequacy and effectiveness of the Internal Controls
and System across all key processes coveringvarious locations. Audit Observations along withrecommendations and its implementations arereviewed by the Audit Committee and concerns, ifany, are reported to the Board.
The details pertaining to loans given, guaranteesor securities provided or investments made by theCompany under Section 186 of the Companies Act,2013 during the year under review is forming part ofthe notes to the Financial Statements.
The particulars of contracts or arrangements withrelated parties as per Section 188 of the CompaniesAct, 2013 and rules made thereof as amended fromtime to time and as per the Policy on Materiality ofand Dealing with Related Party Transactions of theCompany during the financial year ended March 31,2024 in prescribed Form AOC-2 is annexed to thisBoard's Report as Annexure V. Further there are nomaterially significant related party transactions duringthe year under review with Promoters, Directors, KeyManagerial Personnel's and their relatives, which mayhave potential conflict with interest of the Companyat large. The related party transactions were placedbefore the audit committee and also to the Board attheir respective meetings for approval. All relatedparty transactions entered during the year were in theordinary course of business and at arm's length basis.Details of the related party transactions during theyear are part of the financial statements forming partof this Annual Report.
In line with the requirements of the CompaniesAct, 2013 and the Securities and ExchangeBoard of India (Listing Obligations and DisclosureRequirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company hasa Policy on Materiality of and Dealing with RelatedParty Transactions, which is also available on theCompany's website at https://ir.zaggle.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/policy-on-materiality-of-and-dealing-with-related-party-transactions.pdf.
31. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGYABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGSAND OUTGO
The information pertaining to conservation of energy,technology absorption, Foreign Exchange Earningsand Outgo as required under Section 134(3)(m) ofthe Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 8(3) of theCompanies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is annexed inAnnexure-VI.
The Annual Return of the Company for the financialyear 2023-24 as required under Section 92(3) and134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 is available onthe website of the Company and can be accessed onthe Company's website at the link https://ir.zaggle.in/disclosures-regulation/.
Management Discussion and Analysis Report forthe year under review as stipulated under Securitiesand Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligationsand Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ispresented in a separate section forming part of thisreport.
A separate report on Corporate Governance standardsfollowed by the Company, as stipulated under ScheduleV (C) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India(Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)Regulations, 2015 is enclosed as a separate sectionforming part of this report.
The certificate from M/s. S. S. Reddy & Associates,Practicing Company Secretaries, Hyderabad (FirmRegistration Number S2008AP101300) with regard tocompliance of conditions of corporate governance asstipulated under Schedule V Part E of the Securitiesand Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations andDisclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and formspart of the Annual Report.
A detailed Business Responsibility and SustainabilityReport in terms of the provisions of Regulation 34of Securities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,2015 is available as a separate section in this AnnualReport
The Company has adopted Indian AccountingStandards (Ind AS) with effect from April 01, 2017pursuant to Ministry of Corporate Affairs' notificationof the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards)Rules, 2015. The standalone and consolidated financialstatements of the Company, forming part of theAnnual Report, have been prepared and presented inaccordance with all the material aspects of the IndianAccounting Standards (‘Ind AS') as notified underSection 133 of the Companies Act 2013 read with theCompanies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules 2015
(by Ministry of Corporate Affairs (‘MCA')) and Regulation33 of Securities and Exchange Board of India (ListingObligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,2015 as amended and relevant amendment rulesissued thereafter and guidelines issued by theSecurities Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”). Therewas no revision of Financial Statements (Standalone& Consolidated) and Board Reports during the yearunder review.
In terms of Section 118(10) of the Companies Act, 2013,the Company complies with Secretarial Standards 1 and2, relating to the ‘Meetings of the Board of Directors'and ‘General Meetings', respectively as issued by theInstitute of Company Secretaries of India (“ICSI”) andapproved by the Central Government.
The statement of particulars of appointment andremuneration of managerial personnel as requiredunder Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment andRemuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 isannexed in Annexure-VII.
The statement containing particulars of employeespursuant to Section 197(12) of the Companies Act, 2013read with Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointmentand Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,2014 is open for inspection at the Registered Officeof the Company during business hours on all workingdays of the Company, up to the date of the ensuingAnnual General Meeting.
Any shareholder interested in obtaining such detailsmay write to the Company Secretary of the Companyat haripriya.sinqh@zaqqle.in.
The provisions of Section 125(2) of the CompaniesAct, 2013 do not apply as there was no amount in theunclaimed dividend account remaining unpaid undersub-section (5) of section 124 of the Companies Act,2013.
There is a no change in the nature of business of theCompany during the year under review.
In accordance with Section 77 of the Companies Act,2013 the Company was required to register the charge
created pursuant to availing certain loan facilities, withthe RoC within 30 days or 60 days from the date ofcreation of charge by payment of normal fees or bypaying additional fees, respectively. In the years 2020and 2021, our Company availed two vehicle loans andone home loan from ICICI Bank and created chargeon assets pursuant to such loan, without registeringsuch charge with the RoC within the prescribed period.In this regard, the Company filed a compoundingapplication with the Regional Director, South EastRegion, Hyderabad on November 24, 2022. Pursuantto order dated June 15, 2023, The Company andcertain of our Directors were directed by the Registrarof Companies, Hyderabad to pay an aggregate penaltyof ' 300,000 which was paid by the Company and therelevant Directors. The quantum of the penalty underthe aforesaid order does not fall within the materialitylimit as specified in Regulation 30 of Securities andExchange Board of India (Listing Obligations andDisclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
42. DETAILS OF APPLICATION MADE OR ANYPROCEEDING PENDING UNDER THE INSOLVENCYAND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016 DURING THE YEAR
No applications have been made and no proceedingsare pending against the Company under the Insolvencyand Bankruptcy Code, 2016.
43. DETAILS OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OFTHE VALUATION DONE AT THE TIME OF ONE TIMESETTLEMENT AND THE VALUATION DONE WHILETAKING LOAN FROM THE BANKS OR FINANCIALINSTITUTIONS ALONG WITH THE REASONSTHEREOF
The disclosure under this clause is not applicable as theCompany has not undertaken any one-time settlementwith the banks or financial institutions.
No significant and material order has been passed bythe regulators, courts, tribunals impacting the goingconcern status and Company's operations in future.
During the year under review, the Company reaffirmedits credit rating as BBB Stable Outlook by ACUITE. Therating reaffirmation from ACUITE is primarily owing tosubstantial improvement in the Company's earningsprofile and healthy capitalization levels. It demonstratesthe high reputation and trust the Company has earnedfor its sound financial management and its ability tomeet all its financial obligations.
The Company takes pride in the commitment,competence and dedication shown by its employeesin all areas of business. The company ensuresthat it provides a harmonious and cordial workingenvironment to all its employees. To ensure goodhuman resources management, the Companyfocused on all aspects of the employee lifecycle. Thisprovides a holistic experience for the employee aswell. During their tenure at the Company, employeesare motivated through various skill- developmentprograms, engagement and volunteering programs.The Company has put in continued efforts in buildingcapabilities of Human Resources with adoption ofspecific and targeted interventions. The Companyhas a structured induction process at all locations andmanagement development programs to upgrade skillsof managers. Objective appraisal systems based onKey Result Areas are in place for all employees.
The Company is committed to nurture, enhance andretain talent through superior Learning & OrganizationalDevelopment.
Investor relations is a critical function within a companythat focuses on building and maintaining relationshipswith its investors and stakeholders. It serves as thebridge between the Company's management teamand its shareholders, analysts, and the broaderinvestment community. The primary goal of investorrelations is to effectively communicate the Company'sfinancial performance, strategic direction, and keydevelopments to the investment community.
Investor relations activities play a vital role in managingthe flow of information between the Company andits investors. This disseminates accurate and timelyinformation, such as financial reports, earningsreleases, and regulatory filings, to ensure transparencyand compliance.
The Company's officials participate in investorconferences, roadshows, and earnings calls,where they provide updates on the Company'sperformance and address questions and concernsfrom investors.
Another crucial aspect of investor relations is buildingand maintaining relationships with shareholders andanalysts.
Overall, investor relations is a critical function thathelps companies establish and maintain productiverelationships with their investors and the broaderinvestment community and also contribute toenhancing the Company's reputation, maximizingshareholder value, and supporting its long-term growthobjectives.
The Company has taken adequate insurance cover forall assets and also such types of all risks as considerednecessary by the management from time to time.
We, the Board of Directors, feel compelled to expressour sincere acknowledgment and heartfelt appreciationto the customers, consumers, investors, bankers,vendors and all stakeholders who have played aninvaluable role in our collective success.
To our esteemed customers and consumers, we extendour utmost appreciation. Your loyalty and trust in ourbrand inspire us to continuously improve and exceedyour expectations. Your invaluable feedback andsupport have guided us in refining our products andservices, ultimately enhancing the overall customerexperience. We are honoured to be a part of your livesand strive to consistently deliver excellence.
We would also like to express our gratitude to ourinvestors for their unwavering confidence in our visionand mission. Your financial backing and strategicguidance have propelled our growth and enabled us topursue innovation and expansion.
Your belief in our potential has been instrumentalin transforming our ideas into reality, and we remaincommitted to delivering sustainable returns on yourinvestment.
To our esteemed bankers, we extend our sincereappreciation and your unwavering support andcollaboration has been instrumental in our operationalefficiency and growth. Your partnership has enabledus to navigate challenges and seize opportunities,and we are grateful for the synergy we have cultivatedtogether.
Last but not least, we would like to extend our heartfeltthanks to all our stakeholders. Your collective efforts,dedication, and belief in our organization have beenthe cornerstone of our achievements. We cherish the
relationships we have built, and we are committedto fostering open communication, transparency, andcollaboration as we move forward. In conclusion, wewholeheartedly acknowledge and appreciate thecustomers, consumers, vendors investors, bankers,
and all stakeholders who have contributed to ourjourney thus far. Your unwavering support and trusthave been integral to our success, and we look forwardto continuing this partnership as we strive for newheights together.
For and On Behalf of the Board of DirectorsZaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited
Date: July 30, 2024 Executive Chairman Managing Director & CEO
DIN: 0041003 DIN : 05250791