DEAR MEMBERS,
Your Directors present their Report together with the audited financial
statements for the year ended March 31, 2024.
FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE/SUMMARY (Rupees in Crores)
Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
31st March 2024 |
31st March 2023 |
31st March 2024 |
31st March 2023 |
Revenue from operations |
76.32 |
63.06 |
206.23 |
181.99 |
Total Expenses |
75.14 |
60.45 |
203.68 |
174.75 |
Profit Before Tax |
4.99 |
4.96 |
8.04 |
10.17 |
Tax Expense / (Tax Benefit) |
1.52 |
1.40 |
2.46 |
2.00 |
Profit after tax |
3.48 |
3.56 |
5.58 |
8.14 |
Total Comprehensive Income |
3.31 |
3.40 |
7.97 |
11.76 |
Reserves & Surplus |
29.50 |
26.30 |
92.83 |
79.15 |
EPS |
1.77 |
1.81 |
2.84 |
4.15 |
REVIEW OF OPERATIONS / STATE OF COMPANY'S AFFAIRS FOR THE FY 2023 - 24
The Company primarily operates in the software development. Our Company
is a global business & technology services company. Our technology services help
businesses to establish a critical foundation for digital and AI transformation through
strategic workshops and assessments, ready-to-deploy solutions, R & D implementation
cycles. For over 20 years, we have been helping businesses use solutions for Artificial
Intelligence, Machine Learning and cloud solutions. Our expertise in a wide range of
domains and industries, help businesses unlock value to stay ahead and relevant in a
changing world. Application Services - As an end-to-end service provider, we help clients
design, build and deploy robust applications that help unlock the true potential of your
business with an AI-led approach. We enable navigate legacy or SaaS applications'
complexities to drive measurable performance and growth with an agile methodology and
innovation at the core of your application lifecycle. We help create custom apps that
drive personalization, engagement, user experiences and increase time-to-market.
Infrastructure and Cloud Services - Fast track digital transformation and migration with
services that cover the entire IT infrastructure stack with AI and automation. Modernize
client IT infrastructure by designing, managing, migrating, and monitoring them better
with the agile and DevOps processes. Get complete compliance and governance support for
accurate infrastructure and cloud deployment across all environments, embedding best
practices and business continuity. Make client's cloud accessible, scalable, agile,
efficient, reliable, secure, and flexible with 24/7 global cloud management services,
including private or public cloud like AWS, Google, or Microsoft Azure. AI and Data - We
help businesses simplify, modernize, and automate processes with machine learning and
data-backed personalization that embed business intelligence with AI. We help imbibe
transparency, visibility, and value with an AI-first approach through AIaaS models across
various consumption models and hybrid multi-cloud architectures. With pre-built and
pre-integrated AI solutions and ML models, we enable businesses to build, deploy,
configure solutions faster, improve process automation, detect anomalies, and get
data-driven insights.
There has been no change in the business of the Company during the
financial year ended March 31, 2024. Please refer our website www.ctepl.com for details on
business.
During the financial year under review, your Company's revenue
increased by 21.02% on standalone basis. On standalone basis, revenue from operations of
your company for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 is Rupees 76.32 crores
("cr") as compared to Rupees 63.06 cr for the financial year ended March 31,
2023. Profit After Tax decreased by 2.25% to Rupees 3.48 cr for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 as compared to Rupees 3.56 cr for the same period last year. Total
comprehensive income decreased by 2.65% to Rupees 3.31 crores for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 as compared to Rupees 3.40 cr for the same period last year. Reserves and
Surplus have increased by 12.17% from Rupees 26.30 cr in FY 2022-23 to Rupees 29.50 cr in
FY 2023-24.
Further, on consolidated basis, total revenue from operations of your
company increased by 13.32% to Rupees 206.23 crores ("cr") for the year ended 31st
March, 2024 as compared to the previous year's total revenue of Rupees 181.99 cr. Profit
After Tax decreased by 31.45% to Rupees 5.58 cr for the year ended 31st March,
2024 as compared to Rupees 8.14 cr for the same period last year. Total comprehensive
income also decreased by 32.23%to Rupees 7.97 cr for the year ended 31st March,
2024 as compared to Rupees 11.76 cr for the same period last year. Reserves and Surplus
have increased by 17.28% from Rupees 79.15 cr in FY 2022-23 to Rupees 92.83 cr in FY
2023-24.
The Company has adopted Ind AS from 1st April, 2017. The
audited financial statements (both standalone and consolidated) prepared in accordance
with Section 129 and Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules made
thereunder ("the Act") and applicable Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) along
with the Auditor's Report that forms part of this Annual Report.
As required under Section 136 of the Companies Act, 2013, audited
financial statements including the consolidated financial statements and all other
documents required to be attached thereto and audited or unaudited accounts, as the case
may be, of each of its subsidiaries whose accounts are consolidated are available on the
website of the company i.e., www.ctepl.com. These documents will also be available for
inspection during the business hours at the registered office of the Company.
REPORT ON SUBSIDIARIES/JOINT VENTURE
As on March 31, 2024, the Company has six wholly owned subsidiaries
viz., CTE Web Apps Private Limited, India, Cambridge Technology Inc., USA, Cambridge
Technology Investments Pte. Ltd., Singapore; FA Software Services Private Limited, India,
R.P. Web Apps Private Limited, Appshark Software, Inc., USA., and 4 step-down subsidiaries
viz., M/s Cambridge Innovation Capital LLC, USA, M/s Cambridge Biz Serve Inc.,
Philippines, M/s CT Asia SDN. BHD., Malaysia (formerly known as CT Software Solutions SDN.
BHD., Malaysia and Cambridge Technology Financial Services Inc, USA.
The Company incorporated a wholly owned subsidiary under the name
"N2T1 AI Solutions Private Limited" on April 21, 2024 with initial paid-up
capital of Rupees 100,000/-, divided into 10,000 Equity shares of face value of Rupees
10/- each.
Names of companies which have become Subsidiaries, joint ventures or
associate companies during the financial year 2023-24:
The following companies have become Subsidiaries during the financial
year 2023-24:
FA Software Services Private Limited, RP Web Apps Private Limited
and Appshark Software Inc.
1. The Company has completed acquisition of 80% of voting rights/equity
shares of FA Software Services Private Limited during the period ended March 31, 2023. The
Company further completed the acquisition of remaining 20% of the shares as on March 15,
2024, the cost of acquisition for remaining 20% being INR 150,000. Accordingly, the
Company has completed 100% acquisition of FA Software Services Private Limited and the
same has become the Wholly Owned Subsidiary of the Company w.e.f March 15, 2024.
2. The company has completed acquisition of 100% of shares/voting
rights of Appshark Software, Inc on January 23, 2024. The cost of acquisition or the price
at which the shares are acquired is USD 4.98 million (INR 42.16 Crores). Appshark
Software, Inc is 100% wholly owned subsidiary of the Company w.e.f January 23, 2024.
3. The Company has completed acquisition of 100% of shares/voting
rights of RPWAPL as on July 31, 2023. The cost of acquisition or the price at which the
shares are acquired is INR 2.98 crores. R.P. Web Apps Private Limited is 100% wholly owned
subsidiary of the Company w.e.f July 31, 2023.
Names of companies which have ceased to be Subsidiaries, joint ventures
or associate companies during the financial year 2023-24: Not Applicable
The Company does not have any joint venture or associate companies as
on March 31, 2024.
Highlights of Performance of Subsidiaries and their contribution to the
overall performance of the company during the period under report
FA Software Services Private Limited, which became a subsidiary
of the Company w.e.f March 20, 2023 had net revenue of Rupees 7.96 cr during the period
under review. The net loss after tax is Rupees 8.11 cr in FY 2023-24.
Cambridge Technology Inc., USA, had net revenue of Rupees
175.49cr during the financial year 2023-24 as compared to Rupees 149.26 cr during the
previous financial year. The net profit after tax is Rupees 13.45 cr in FY 2023-24 as
compared to Rupees 1.87 cr in FY 2022-23. The contribution of Cambridge Technology Inc.,
USA to the overall performance of the company is in the form of revenue, earned by the
company by rendering its services amounting to Rupees 67.39 cr.
Cambridge Innovation Capital LLC, USA, a step - down subsidiary
company had no revenue during FY 2023-24 as compared to 8.47 cr revenue during the
previous financial year. The net loss after tax is Rupees 2.87 cr in FY 2023-24 as
compared to Rupees 1.83 cr in FY 2022-23.
Cambridge Technology Investments Pte. Ltd, Singapore has nil
revenue and net loss of Rupees 0.16 lakhs during the year as compared to Rupees 4.45 cr
revenue and net profit of Rupees 22.73 lakhs during the previous financial year.
Cambridge Biz Serve Inc., Philippines has net revenue of Rupees
1.06 cr as on March 31, 2024 and net loss of Rupees 0.39 cr as compared to net revenue of
Rupees 2.51 cr and net profit of Rupees 1.65 cr during the previous financial year.
CT Asia SDN. BHD. (formerly known as CT Software Solutions SDN.
BHD.) had net revenue of Rupees 6.13 lakhs and net profit of Rupees 6.01 lakhs as on March
31, 2024 when compared to Rupees 6.98 cr and net profit of Rupees 1.06 cr during the
previous financial year.
CTE Web Apps Private Limited has net revenue of Rupees 9.88 cr
and net profit after tax is Rupees 0.24 cr during financial year 2023-24. It did not
commence operations during previous financial year.
R. P. Web Apps Private Limited which became a subsidiary of the
Company w.e.f July 31, 2023 had net revenue of Rupees 4.44 cr and net profit after tax is
Rupees 7.65 lakhs during the period under review.
Appshark Software, Inc which became a subsidiary of the Company
w.e.f January 23, 2024 and had net revenue of Rupees 6.99 cr and net loss after tax of
Rupees 1.44 cr in during the period under review.
CT Financial services Inc a step - down subsidiary company had
net revenue of Rupees 1.30 cr and net profit after tax of Rupees 84.13 lakhs during the
period under review.
Except for as stated above, there is no material contribution to the
overall performance of the company during the financial year 2023-24.
Further, as per provisions of section 129(3) of the Companies Act,
2013, a statement containing the salient features of financial statement of our
subsidiaries i.e., a report on the financial
performance and financial position of each of the Subsidiaries included
in the Consolidated Financial Statements is provided in the prescribed format AOC-1
appended as Annexure - 1 to the Board's Report and forms part of this Annual
Report.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES
The Board of Directors did not propose to transfer any amount to
reserves for the period under review.
DIVIDEND
Keeping in view the expected cash flow requirements and in order to
conserve the resources for future business operations, expansion and for the future growth
of the Company, the Board of Directors were not able to recommend any dividend for the
financial year ended 31st March, 2024.
CAPITAL STRUCTURE
During the year, the authorized share capital and paid up capital of
the Company remained unchanged at Rupees 300,000,000/- divided into 30,000,000 equity
shares of Rupees 10/- each & Rupees 196,310,150/- divided into 196,310,15 equity
shares of Rupees 10/- each respectively.
DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors of your Company comprises of 6 (Six) Directors
as on the date of this report representing the optimum blend of professionalism, knowledge
and having varied experience in different disciplines of corporate functioning. Of these,
4 (Four) are Independent Directors, 1 (one) Whole-Time Director and 1 (one) Non-Executive
Director.
Appointments / Re-appointments
The Shareholders, based on the recommendation of Board of Directors, by
way of Postal Ballot (April 13, 2023, being the last date for remote e-voting w.r.t Postal
Ballot) have approved appointment of:
1. Mr. Chirravuri Subrahmanya Leeladhar as Whole-Time Director
(designated as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer) of the Company for a period
of 5 (five) years with effect from January 14, 2023.
2. Mr. Srinivas Medepalli as an Independent Director of the Company for
a period of five consecutive years with effect from March 08, 2023.
Also, Shareholders, based on the recommendation of Board of Directors,
in Annual General Meeting held on September 27, 2023 have approved re-appointment of:
1. Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop (DIN: 00453250) as Whole-time Director
of the for a further period of 5 years, w.e.f. March 01, 2024.
Pursuant to provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, Mr. Dharani
Raghurama Swaroop (DIN: 00453250) is liable to retire by rotation at the ensuing Annual
General Meeting and being eligible offers himself for re-appointment to the office of
directorship. The Directors propose the reappointment of Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop for
approval of the shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Company.
A Brief profile of Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop along with the nature
of his expertise and the number of companies in which he holds directorship and membership
/ chairmanship of
committees of the Board and other requisite details, as stipulated
under Companies Act, 2013, SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations" or "SEBI (LODR) Regulations,
2015") and Secretarial Standard 2 as issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries
of India is given below and/or annexed to the notice of the Annual General Meeting.
Name of the Director |
Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop |
DIN |
00453250 |
Date of Birth |
April 09, 1959 |
Date of first appointment on the Board |
28th January, 1999 |
Age |
65 Years |
Brief Resume |
Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop is a senior board member with a
vast knowledge of running businesses and setting them on a growth trajectory. With an
experience of nearly three decades in the IT space, he has begun businesses in multiple
geographies like Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and US while handling their operations
and strategy smoothly. He heads the overall operations in Asia Pacific and is responsible
for the corporate governance and statutory compliances-related aspects of CTEL. Prior to
his association with CTEL, Swaroop co-founded a successful IT systems integration company
comprising of more than 150 personnel. He has more than 35 years of experience in the
field of IT Services and Corporate Strategic Planning. Swaroop holds an Electrical
Engineering degree from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India. He is a member
of Audit Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee and occupies Chairmanship of
Finance Committee of the Company. |
Qualification |
Degree in Electrical Engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru
Technological University. |
Experience |
He has more than 38 years of experience |
Terms & Conditions of appointment along with
Remuneration sought to be paid |
i. Consolidated Salary including House Rent Allowance: upto
Rupees 90,00,000 per annum payable monthly. |
|
ii. Performance Bonus not exceeding 10,00,000 per annum
payable quarterly/half yearly or as may be determined by the Board. |
|
iii. Special allowance subject to limit of Rupees 10,00,000
per annum |
|
iv. Variable pay subject to limit of Rupees 15,00,000 per
annum. |
|
v. Perquisites, allowances, reimbursement of expenses, other
benefits, etc., respectively, as set out in detail herein above. The terms and conditions
along with detailed remuneration are as specified in Notice of 24th Annual General Meeting
to be conducted on September 27, 2023 and the same is available on website of the Company
i.e., www.ctepl.com. |
Remuneration last drawn |
Remuneration drawn for the FY 2023-24 is INR 1,36,43,330/- |
Disclosure of relationships between directors inter-
se/Relationship with other Directors, Manager and other Key Managerial Personnel of the
Company |
Nil |
Nature of his expertise in specific functional areas |
Statutory Compliances, Overseeing Operations, IT Services and
Corporate Strategic Planning |
Number of Meetings of the Board attended during the |
07 |
year 2023-24 |
|
Names of Companies/LLP in which he holds the directorship |
Cambridge Technology Enterprises Limited, DS Unics Infotech
Private Limited, CTE Web Apps Private Limited and N2T1 AI Solutions Private Limited. |
Names of listed entities in which he holds the
directorship |
Cambridge Technology Enterprises Limited |
Name of Listed entities from which he has resigned in the
past three years |
Nil |
Names of Companies (including Listed Companies) in which
he holds the membership of Committees of the Board |
He is a member of the following Committees of the Board of
the Cambridge Technology Enterprises Limited (Listed Entity) viz., Audit Committee,
Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee and Finance
Committee. |
Shareholding in the Company including shareholding as a
beneficial owner |
He holds 12,000 Equity Shares (0.05%) of the Company. |
Resignation(s)/Vacation of Office
1. Pursuant to Section 167 of the Companies Act, 2013, the office of
the Director shall become vacant in case a Director absents himself from all the meetings
of the Board of Directors held during a period of twelve months with or without seeking
leave of absence of the Board. Accordingly, as Mr. Amudala Sreeramulu Nageswar Rao did not
attend the meetings of the Board of Directors held during a period of twelve months, he
ceased to be Director w.e.f November 10, 2023.
2. Mr. Chirravuri Subrahmanya Leeladhar, Executive Director & Chief
Financial Officer of the Company has tendered his resignation vide his resignation letter
dated November 08, 2023 from all his positions in the Company with effect from close of
business hours of November 10, 2023 owing to personal issues, and hence, he ceased to be
the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer of the Company w.e.f said date.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
As on date of this report, the following are Key Managerial Personnel
of the Company:
Name of Key Managerial Personnel |
Designation |
Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop |
Whole-time Director |
Mr. Purnayya Puppala |
Chief Financial Officer |
Mr. Ashish Bhattad |
Company Secretary & Compliance Officer |
Appointments / Resignations
All appointments/ re-appointments of Directors are made in accordance
with the relevant provisions of the Act and the rules framed thereunder, the SEBI Listing
Regulations, and the rules, guidelines and circulars issued by the Ministry of Corporate
Affairs therein.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Board ('NRC') conducts
due diligence before appointment of Directors and ensures adherence to Regulatory
Requirements, Fit and Proper Criteria & Board Diversity.
Changes in the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company during the
Financial Year 2023-24, are as follows:
1. Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop (DIN: 00453250) Whole-time Director of
the Company, was reappointed for a further period of 5 years, w.e.f. March 01, 2024. The
said reappointment was approved by the shareholders of the Company at the 24th
AGM held on September 27, 2023.
2. Mr. Chirravuri Subrahmanya Leeladhar (DIN: 01643014), Chief
Financial Officer of the Company who was designated as Executive Director and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company has resigned from all his positions in the Company with
effect from close of business hours of November 10, 2023 owing to personal issues, and
hence, he ceased to be the Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer of the Company
w.e.f said date.
3. Mr. Purnayya Puppala, a qualified Chartered Accountant, Cost &
Management Accountant, and Certified IFRS was appointed as the Chief Financial Officer of
the Company w.e.f. November 10, 2023.
4. Mr. G.V.S. Ravi Kumar was appointed as Company Secretary &
Compliance Officer of the Company w.e.f. November 10, 2023. However, Mr. Ravi Kumar
tendered his resignation vide his resignation letter dated February 12, 2024 from all his
positions in the Company with effect from close of business hours of February 29, 2024
owing to his personal commitments and pursuits and hence, he ceased to be the Company
Secretary & Compliance Officer of the Company w.e.f said date.
5. Mr. Ashish Bhattad, Company Secretary & Compliance Officer of
the Company has tendered his resignation vide resignation letter dated October 11, 2023
from all his positions in the Company w.e.f close of business hours of October 17, 2023.
However, Mr. Bhattad re-joined the Company as Company Secretary & Compliance Officer
w.e.f March 01, 2024.
BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS
The Board met 07 (seven) times during the year. Details of the
composition of the Board and its Committees and of the meetings held and attendance of the
Directors at such meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report. The
intervening gap between the Meetings was within the period prescribed under the Section
173(1) of Companies Act, 2013.
DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
Pursuant to Section 149(7) of the Companies Act, 2013, Rule 6(3) of the
Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014 and Regulation 25(8) of
the Listing Regulations, the Company received declaration from Independent Directors (IDs)
at the time of appointment and also at the first meeting of the Board held in FY 2023-24,
that they meet the criteria of independence and that in the judgement of the Board, they
are Independent.
There has been no change in the circumstances affecting their status as
ID. In the opinion of the Board, the IDs possess the requisite integrity, experience,
expertise and proficiency required under all applicable laws.
All Independent Directors have declared that they have complied with
sub-rule (1) and/or subrule (2) of Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification
of Directors) Rules, 2014. Also, all Independent Directors have complied with sub-rule (4)
of Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014,
except for Mr. Srinivas Medepalli who declared that he will comply with the same on or
before the period mentioned in the said rule.
FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMMES FOR BOARD MEMBERS
The Company at its various meetings held during the financial year
2023-24 had familiarized the Independent Directors through various initiatives. The
Independent Directors of the company have been briefed at the meetings of the Board /
Committees thereof on the matters such as their roles, functions, rights, duties,
responsibilities and liabilities in the Company, nature of the industry in which the
Company operates, the business model, business verticals and operations of the Company,
geographies in which company operates, financial results of the Company and that of its
subsidiary companies, updates on statutory and regulatory changes and impact thereof,
updates on development of business of the company, overview of board evaluation and
procedures, etc. They were made to interact with business heads and senior management
personnel and are given all the documents, reports and internal policies sought by them
for enabling a good understanding of the Company, its various operations and the industry
of which it is a part of which enables the Directors to contribute significantly to the
Company.
Details of familiarization programs extended to the Independent
Directors during the year are also disclosed on the Company website from time to time.
Web link:
https://resources.ctepl.com/pdfs/investors/Familiarisation+Programme+-+CTEL+- +2024.pdf
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, NOMINATION & REMUNERATION POLICY
The Company has adopted the Performance Evaluation, Nomination &
Remuneration Policy as required under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Regulation 19 read with Part D of Schedule II of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Brief features of the policy inter-alia includes
objective and purpose of the policy which is to lay down the criteria for effective
evaluation of performance of Board and that of its committees and individual directors, to
establish a framework for the remuneration of directors, key managerial personnel and
other employees, to lay down criteria for identifying persons who are qualified to become
directors and who may be appointed in senior management in accordance with the criteria
laid down and recommending to the Board their appointment and removal, criteria for
determining qualifications, positive attributes and independence of a director, policy
relating to remuneration of directors, key managerial personnel and other employees, to
ensure reasonable and sufficient level and composition of remuneration to attract, retain
and motivate the Directors, KMPs and Senior Management Personnel etc., and role of
Nomination and Remuneration Committee as defined under Section 178 of the Companies Act,
2013 and Regulation 19 read with Part D of Schedule II of the Listing Regulations, 2015.
During the year 2018-19, the above said policy was amended, inter-alia,
to comply with provisions introduced by Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017 and SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations, 2018 such as specifying
the manner for effective evaluation of performance, amendment in criteria of Independence,
amendment in definition of senior management, recommendation to the board by nomination
and remuneration committee of all remuneration in whatever form payable to senior
management, etc.
Performance evaluation, nomination and remuneration policy is available
on the website of the Company.
Weblink:
https://resources.ctepl.com/pdfs/investors/Performance_evaluation_nomination_remuneration_
policy.pdf
Pursuant to the provisions of Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules
made thereunder and SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015, the performance evaluation of
individual Directors, Board and its Committees was carried out.
The requisite details as required by Section 134(3) and Regulation 34
of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 and other applicable provisions in this regard is
provided elsewhere in this report and/ or Corporate Governance Report.
EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE OF THE BOARD, ITS COMMITTEES AND DIRECTORS
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015, an annual evaluation of performance of the Board, its Committees and of
individual Directors has been carried out.
The Nomination & Remuneration Committee evaluated performance of
the Directors including Independent Directors for the financial year 2023-24 based on the
performance rating document submitted by individual directors and recommended its report
to the Board. Thereafter, the Board reviewed performance of its own, its committees and of
individual directors including independent Directors based on the performance rating
document submitted by individual directors. The assessment is carried out by means of a
structured questionnaire with ranking. Based on the report, the Board and the Nomination
& Remuneration Committee has informed that the performance of Directors including
Independent Directors is satisfactory and they are recommended for continuation as
Directors of the Company.
The criteria for performance evaluation of the Board include aspects
like experience, proper mix of qualifications, skills and competencies to conduct its
affairs effectively, diversity, its roles and responsibilities, its functions, evaluation
of risks, setting up of corporate culture and values, conduct of board meetings and its
effectiveness, corporate strategy, business plans, corporate performance, etc. The
criteria for performance evaluation of the Committees include aspects like structure,
mandate, composition, independence, working procedures and functions of committees and
effective contribution to the board, etc. The criteria for performance evaluation of the
individual Directors (including Independent Directors) include aspects like
qualifications, experience, competency, professional conduct, sufficient understanding and
knowledge of the entity, fulfilling of functions, active initiation with respect to
various areas, attendance at the meetings, contribution to the company and board meetings,
commitment to the Board, integrity, etc., In addition, the performance of Independent
Directors is evaluated on aspects such as his/her independence from the company and other
directors, exercise of judgement and expression of opinion, etc. In addition, the
performance of the Chairman is also evaluated on key aspects of his leadership,
decisiveness, commitment to the Board, roles and responsibilities, etc.
Separate Meeting of the Independent Directors
A separate meeting of the Company's Independent Directors was also held
on February 12, 2024. The meeting was held to:
i. Review the performance of non-independent directors and the Board as
a whole;
ii. Review the performance of the Chairperson of the Company, taking
into account the views of Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors;
iii. Assess the quality, quantity and timeliness of flow of information
between the Company Management and the Board that is necessary for the Board to
effectively and reasonably perform their duties.
Opinion of the Board
The Board is of the opinion that all the Directors of the Company
including Independent Director appointed/re-appointed during the financial year possess
integrity, necessary expertise and experience (including the proficiency) for performing
their functions diligently. The Board also confirms that in its opinion, the independent
directors of the Company fulfill the conditions specified in the Companies Act, 2013 read
with the rules made thereunder and SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and are
independent of the management of the Company. The Board cannot provide its opinion on
proficiency of Mr. Srinivas Medepalli, Independent Director as he is yet to appear for
online proficiency selfassessment test conducted by the institute notified under
Section150(1) of the Companies Act, 2013. However, Mr. Srinivas Medepalli declared that he
will comply with sub-rule (4) of Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of
Directors) Rules, 2014 i.e., pass an online proficiency self-assessment test on or before
the period mentioned in the said rule.
Also, all Independent Directors declared that they have complied with
sub-rule (1) and/or subrule (2) of Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification
of Directors) Rules, 2014 and except for Mr. Srinivas Medepalli who declared that he will
comply with sub-rule (4) of Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of
Directors) Rules, 2014 on or before the period mentioned in the said rule.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(c) and 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013,
the Board of Directors hereby confirm that:
a) In the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting
standards have been followed and there are no material departures;
b) they have selected such accounting policies and applied them
consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to
give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as on March 31, 2024 and
of the profit and loss of the company for that period;
c) they have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of
adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding
the assets of the company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
d) they have prepared the annual accounts on a going concern basis;
e) they have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by
the company and that such internal financial controls are adequate and were operating
effectively; and
f) they have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the
provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating
effectively.
STOCK EXCHANGE LISTING
We confirm that the Annual Listing Fees for the financial year
2023-2024 have been paid to BSE Limited & and National Stock Exchange of India
Limited. However, Annual Listing Fees for the financial year 2024-25 has been paid to
National Stock Exchange of India Ltd and is yet to be paid to BSE Limited as on the date
of this report.
AUDITORS & AUDITORS' REPORT
Statutory Auditors
M/s. B R A N D & Associates LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm
registration No. 012344S/S200101) were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company from
the conclusion of 22nd Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of 27th
AGM of the company to be held in the year 2026.
The Company has received audit report for both standalone and
consolidated audited financial statements of the Company for the financial year ended
March 31, 2024 from the statutory auditors, M/s. B R A N D & Associates LLP, Chartered
Accountants and forms part of this Annual Report. There are no qualifications,
reservation, adverse remarks or disclaimer made by the Statutory Auditors in their
Reports. However, there is an emphasis of matter made by the Statutory Auditors in their
report on standalone as well as consolidated financial statements and they have stated
that their opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Emphasis of Matter - Standalone Financial Statements The Company has
significant investments in subsidiaries.
Explanation by the Board:
Where applicable, the downstream investments of the respective
subsidiaries are expected to carry valuations that will not lead to any diminution in
value of the Company's investment in subsidiaries. (Refer Note 5.1 of the standalone
financial statements).
Emphasis of Matter - Consolidated Financial Statements
The Group has non-current investments which are valued at cost less
impairment.
Explanation by the Board:
The Group is of the opinion that these investments carry value as
stated in the consolidated financial statements. (Refer Note 5 of the consolidated
financial statements).
The statutory auditors stated in their reports stated that they have
relied on the same and their opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.
Internal Auditors
Your Directors have appointed M/s. M. Anandam & Co, Chartered
Accountants, Hyderabad as Internal Auditors of the Company to conduct internal audit for
the financial year 2023 - 24.
Secretarial Auditor
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
read with the Companies (Appointment and remuneration of Managerial personnel) Rules,
2014. M/s. Rajora & Co, Practicing Company Secretaries (Proprietor: Ms. Priyanka
Rajora, Practicing Company Secretary: CP No. 22886) was appointed to undertake the
Secretarial Audit of the Company for the financial year 2023-24. The Secretarial Audit
Report for financial year 2023-24 forms part of the Annual Report as Annexure 2 to
the Board's Report.
There are qualifications/observations/remarks made by the Secretarial
Auditor in her Secretarial Audit Report. However, the explanations or comments by the
Board to the qualifications/observations/remarks made by the Secretarial Auditor forms
part of the Annual Report as Annexure 2A to the Board's Report.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Board of Directors confirm that the Company, during the financial
year ended March 31, 2024, has complied with all applicable mandatory Secretarial
Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India.
ANNUAL RETURN
The Annual Return will be available on the website of the Company, as
mandated under Section 92(3) read with Section 134 (3) of the Companies Act, 2013, and the
same can be accessed at web link: https://resources.ctepl.com/pdfs/investors/MGT-7.pdf
PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
The information required under Section 197 (12) of the Act read with
Rule 5(1) of The Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014, as amended, is annexed as Annexure 3 to this report.
The information required under Rule 5 (2) and (3) of The Companies
(Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is provided in the
Annexure 3 forming part of the Report.
REMUNERATION / FEES TO DIRECTOR FROM WHOLLY OWNED SUBSIDIARY
During FY 2023-24, none of the Directors of the Company received any
commission from the Company except for sitting fees/remuneration, as may be applicable.
Also, there is no payment of remuneration/fees to any Director of the Company from its
wholly owned subsidiary (ies).
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS UNDER SECTION 186
Particulars of loans, guarantees and investments, if any, made by the
Company pursuant to Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 forms part of the financial
statements and notes to the financial statements of the Company provided in this Annual
Report.
TRANSFER TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
In terms of Section 125 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the
Investor Education and Protection Fund (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules,
2016, during the financial year ended March 31, 2024, there is no outstanding amount to be
transferred to Investor Education and Protection Fund.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS AND OUTGO
A. Conservation of Energy:
(i) the steps taken or impact on conservation of energy: The
operations of the Company are not energy intensive. However, adequate steps have been
taken to conserve energy wherever possible by using energy efficient computers, turning
off air-conditioners during weekends and non-peak hours, installing LED lights, etc. The
impact of these measures is not material.
(ii) the steps taken by the company for utilizing alternate sources of
energy: There are no steps taken by the Company for utilizing alternate sources of
energy.
(iii) the capital investment on energy conservation equipments: There
is no capital investment on energy conservation equipment's during the period under
review.
B. Technology Absorption, Adaptation and Innovation:
i) the efforts made towards technology absorption: Not Applicable
(ii) the benefits derived like product improvement, cost reduction,
product development or import substitution: Not Applicable
(iii) in case of imported technology (imported during the last three
years reckoned from the beginning of the financial year): Not Applicable
(a) the details of technology imported;
(b) the year of import;
(c) whether the technology been fully absorbed;
(d) if not fully absorbed, areas where absorption has not taken place,
and the reasons thereof; and
(iv) the expenditure incurred on Research and Development: Not
Applicable
Your Company has neither incurred expenditure on any research and
development nor was any specific technology obtained from any external sources which needs
to be absorbed or adapted. Hence, particulars relating to technology absorption are not
applicable. The Company continue to adapt technologies that increase efficiency and
improve the quality of its operations.
C. Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo: The foreign exchange earned
in terms of actual inflows during the year and the foreign exchange outgo during the year
in terms of actual outflows:
(In Rupees)
Particulars |
Current year |
Current year |
|
31.03.2024 |
31.03.2023 |
Foreign exchange earnings |
840,669,539.06 |
447,548,763.90 |
Foreign exchange outgo |
34,20,805.99 |
16,71,138.65 |
Travel related Expenses |
- |
- |
ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL SYSTEM
Based on the framework of internal financial controls and compliance
systems established and maintained by the Company, work performed by the Internal,
Statutory and Secretarial Auditors and the reviews performed by Management and the
relevant Board Committees, including the Audit Committee, the Board is of the opinion that
the Company's internal financial controls were adequate and effective with reference to
the financial statements during the financial year 202324.
The Company has in place adequate internal financial controls
commensurate with the size and needs of the business. These controls ensures the orderly
and efficient conduct of its Business, including adherence to the Company's policies,
identification of areas of improvement, safeguarding of its assets from unauthorized use,
the prevention and detection of frauds and errors, the accuracy and completeness of the
accounting records and timely preparation of reliable financial statements and / or
disclosures. Company policies, guidelines and procedures provide for adequate checks and
balances, and are meant to ensure that all transactions are authorized, recorded and
reported correctly. Also, please refer details of internal financial controls/Internal
control systems that are provided in the Management Discussion and Analysis Report and
Independent Auditors Report on financial statements which forms part of this annual
report.
VIGIL MECHANISM / WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
The requisite details as required by Section 177 of Companies Act, 2013
and Regulation 22 & 34 (3) of SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is provided in the
Corporate Governance Report.
The Whistleblower policy is available on the website of the Company.
Weblink:
https://resources.ctepl.com/pdfs/investors/Whistle_Blower_Policy.pdf
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
The Company is committed to maintaining a productive environment for
all its employees at various levels in the organization, free of sexual harassment and
discrimination on the basis of gender. The Company has framed a policy on Prevention of
Sexual Harassment in line with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The Company has also set up
an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) for providing a redressal mechanism pertaining to
sexual harassment against women employees at workplace.
The Company has complied with provisions relating to the constitution
of Internal Complaints Committee under the Sexual Harassment of Woman at Workplace
(Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. During the financial year 2023-24, the
Company has not received any complaints pertaining to Sexual Harassment.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The Company process is in place to ensure that all the Current and
Future Material Risks of the Company are identified, assessed/quantified and effective
steps are taken to mitigate/ reduce the effects of the risks to ensure proper growth of
the business. Your Company has a well- defined risk management framework in place and a
robust organizational structure for managing and reporting risks. For details related to
risks and risk management, shareholders are requested to refer to "Threats, risks
& concerns section" and "Internal control systems and their adequacy
section" of Management Discussion and Analysis Report and Note 36 & 37 (for
financial instruments & risk management and financial risk management) of the
Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 33 & 34 (for financial instruments &
risk management and financial risk management) of the Standalone Financial Statements
which forms part of annual report.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME
The details of employee stock options for the financial year ended
March 31, 2024 as per Section 62(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Rule 12(9) of
the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014 are given as Annexure 4 to
this report.
There is no material change in the employee stock option scheme(s)
during the year and the scheme(s) are in compliance with the regulations. Further, the
disclosures pursuant to the provisions of Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share
Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014, and as per Section 62(1)(b) of the Companies
Act, 2013 read with Rule 12(9) of the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014
for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 are available on website of the Company.
Web-link: https://www.ctepl.com/investor- esop-disclosure/
The Certificate from the Secretarial Auditor of the Company under
regulation 13 of SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations, 2014 stating that the
scheme(s) has been implemented in accordance with SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits)
Regulations, 2014, as amended, from time to time and in accordance with the resolution of
the company in the general meeting, will be available for inspection by the members at the
ensuing AGM.
CEO/CFO CERTIFICATION
Mr. Dharani Raghurama Swaroop, Whole - time Director and Mr. Purnayya
Puppala, Chief Financial Officer of the Company have provided Compliance Certificate
(annexed as Annexure 5 to this report) to the Board in accordance with Regulation
17(8) read with Part B of Schedule II of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 for the
financial year ended 31 March 2024.
PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES
The Policy on materiality of related party transactions and on dealing
with related party transactions is available on the website of the Company.
Web link:
https://resources.ctepl.com/pdfs/investors/Related_party_transactions_policy.pdf
All transactions entered into with Related Parties as defined under the
applicable provisions of Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 23 of the SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015 during the year were in the ordinary course of business and on an arms'
length basis and hence are not covered under the scope of Section 188(1) of the Companies
Act, 2013. However, Information on transactions with related parties pursuant to section
134(3)(h) of the Act read with rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 are given
in Form AOC-2 and is enclosed as Annexure 6 to this Report. Appropriate approvals,
if required, are obtained from Board and / or Audit Committee from time to time. The audit
committee also reviews the transactions from time to time.
During the year 2023-24, the Company/Subsidiary (ies) has not entered
into any contract / arrangement / transactions with Related Parties (except with its
wholly owned subsidiary (ies)) which could be considered as material in terms of
Regulation 23 of the SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. In accordance with Ind AS, disclosures
on related party transactions have been made in the notes to the financial statements,
which forms part of this annual report.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS REPORT & CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The Management Discussion and Analysis Report and the Report on
Corporate Governance for the financial year ended March 31, 2024 along with the
Certificate from Practicing Company Secretary regarding compliance of conditions of
corporate governance under SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015 is forming part of the Board
Report/Annual Report.
Your Company is committed to maintain the prescribed standards of
Corporate Governance and has taken adequate steps to adhere to all the stipulations laid
down in SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
M/s. Rajora & Co, Practicing Company Secretaries (Proprietor: Ms.
Priyanka Rajora, Practicing Company Secretary: CP No. 22886), Secretarial Auditor of the
company has certified the conditions of Corporate Governance for the period ended March
31, 2024 as stipulated under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 and her certificate is annexed as Annexure 7 to this Report.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Your company does not have net worth of rupees five hundred crore or
more, or turnover of rupees one thousand crore or more or a net profit of rupees five
crore or more for the financial year ended March 31, 2021, March 31, 2022 ,March 31, 2023
& March 31, 2024. Hence, Corporate Social Responsibility provisions i.e., Section 135
of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules made thereunder are not applicable to the
Company.
GENERAL
Your Directors further state that no disclosure or reporting is
required in respect of the following items as there were no transactions on these items
during the year under review:
a. The Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits from the
public or otherwise in terms of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with the rules
made thereunder and as such no amount on account of principal or interest thereon on
deposits from public was outstanding as on the date of Balance Sheet.
b. There is no issue of equity shares with differential rights as to
dividend, voting or otherwise.
c. There were no significant or material orders passed by the
Regulators, Courts or Tribunals which impact the going concern status and Company's
operations in future.
d. In addition to the information mentioned in this annual report,
there were no material changes and commitments affecting financial position of the company
between March 31, 2024 and the date of this Board's Report.
e. The Auditors have not reported any matter under Section 143(12) of
the Companies Act, 2013 and therefore no detail is required to be disclosed under Section
134(3)(ca) of the Act.
f. Maintenance of cost records as specified by the Central Government
under sub-section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act 2013 is not required by the
Company and
accordingly such accounts and records are neither made nor maintained.
g. There is no one time settlement done with bank or any financial
institution. Hence, the details of difference between amount of the valuation done at the
time of one time settlement and the valuation done while taking loan from the Banks or
Financial Institutions is not applicable.
h. There is no proceeding pending under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy
Code 2016.
i. The trading in securities of the company has not been suspended.
j. Pursuant to the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits) Regulations,
2014 and the Company's Employee Stock Option Scheme 2011 & Employee Stock Option
Scheme 2015, the Company, during the year 2015 - 16, has granted employee stock options
through a trust set up for the same. The shares purchased by the trust for the said
schemes are held by the trustee(s) for the benefit of the employees and are transferred to
employee(s) when the employee(s) exercise the vested option. Also, the said trust is a non
- promoter and non - public shareholder and it is herewith not exercising its voting
rights. Hence, pursuant to Section 67(3) read with Rule 16(4) of the Companies (Share
Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014, the disclosures in respect of voting rights not
exercised directly by the employees in respect of shares to which the scheme relates to be
made in the Board's report is not applicable.
k. The disclosure required under Rule 8(5)(xi) & (xii) of the
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 is not applicable to the Company for the financial year
ended March 31, 2024.
APPRECIATIONS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your Directors look to the future with confidence. Your Directors wish
to express their appreciation for the valuable support and co-operation received from
customers, vendors, investors, lenders, business associates and bankers for their
continued support during the year. The Directors also thank the State Governments,
Government of India, Governments of various countries, other Government Departments
particularly Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Ministry of Commerce,
the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Income Tax Department,
Reserve Bank of India and other government agencies for their support, and looks forward
to their continued support. Your Directors are especially indebted to employees of the
Company and its subsidiaries at all levels, who through their dedication, cooperation,
support and dynamic work, have enabled the company to achieve rapid growth. The Board also
wishes to place on record their appreciation of business constituents like SEBI, BSE, NSE,
NSDL, CDSL etc. for their continued support for the growth of the Company. Your Directors
seek, and look forward to the same support during the future years of growth.
|
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors |
|
|
Sd/- |
Sd/- |
Place: Hyderabad |
Dharani Raghurama Swaroop |
Sridhar Lalpet |
Date: May 30, 2024 |
Whole - time Director |
Independent Director |
|
DIN:00453250 |
DIN:02539952 |