To, The Members, Arihant Academy Limited
The Board of Directors of the Company have great pleasure in presenting the 17th Boards' Report of the Company together with Audited Financial Results for the year ended March 31, 2024. This report states compliance as per the requirements of the Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act"), the Secretarial Standards, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations") and other rules and regulations as applicable to the Company.
1. FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE:
The highlight of the financial performance of the Company for the year ended March 31, 2024 is summarized as follows:
(Amount in lakhs)
2. BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OVERVIEW: Business Overview
With the motto of building the nation through education, your Company is constantly contributing in the field of education across age groups, all the while maintaining its core values of integrity, ownership, leadership, trust and continuous learning. We believe that every child has a unique and in finite potential and we are committed to help children realise their capabilities.
Financial Performance Overview
During the year under review, the Company has earned a total revenue of Rs. 3155.46 Lakhs for the year ended March 31, 2024 as against Rs. 2,428.99 Lakhs in the previous financial year. The Company has recorded a profit (PBT) of Rs. 179.21 Lakhs for the year ended March 31, 2024 as compared to Rs. 231.98 Lakhs in the previous financial year.
The Pro t/ (Loss) after Tax (PAT) for the year ended March 31, 2024 stood at Rs. 154.80 Lakhs as compared to Rs. 148.84 Lakhs in the previous financial year.
3. DIVIDEND/ TRANSFER TO RESERVES:
The Board of directors of the company recommended Dividend @10% (Rs 1/- per equity share) for the financial year 2023-24.
In Financial year 2023-24 the reserve maintained with the Company is Rs. 1,514.66 lakhs while in the year 2022-23 reserve was Rs. 1,359.88 Lakhs.
Your Company has not transferred the profits for year ended March 31, 2024 to Reserves and Surplus.
4. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR OF THE COMPANY TO WHICH THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT RELATE AND THE DATE OF THIS REPORT:
The board of directors of the company recommended dividend @ 10% (Rs. 1/- per equity share) for the financial year 2023-24 subject to approval of shareholders at the ensuing Annual General Meeting of the company.
5. DEPOSITS:
The Company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposits falling within the purview of Section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules 2014 as amended from time to time, during the year under review.
6. CHANGE IN THE NATURE OF BUSINESS:
There has been no change in the Business of the Company during the financial year ended March 31, 2024.
7. CAPITAL STRUCTURE: AUTHORIZED SHARE CAPITAL
The Authorized Share Capital of the Company as on March 31, 2024 was Rs 10,00,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Crore) divided into 10,000,000 shares of Rs 10/- each.
ISSUED AND PAID-UP CAPITAL
The paid-up Equity Share Capital as on March 31, 2024 was Rs. 6,05,52,000/- (Rupees Six Crore Five Lakhs Fifty-Two Thousand Only) divided into 60,55,200 Shares of Rs. 10/- each.
CHANGES IN SHARE CAPITAL:
There is no change in share capital of Company during the financial year.
8. DISCLOSURES RELATING TO HOLDING, SUBSIDIARY, ASSOCIATE COMPANY AND JOINT VENTURES:
As on March 31, 2024 the Company has no Holding, Subsidiaries, Associate Company, and Joint Venture.
9. DIRECTORS & KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
The composition of Board of Directors and Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company as on March 31, 2024 were as follows:
10. STATEMENT ON DECLARATION GIVEN BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
Pursuant to the provisions of sub-section (7) of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013, the
Company has received individual declarations from all the Independent Directors confirming that they fulfill the criteria of Independence as specified in Section 149(6) of the Companies Act, 2013.
The Independent Director have complied with the Code of Conduct for Independent Directors prescribed in Schedule IV of the Act. In view of the available time limit, those Independent Director who are required to undertake the online proficiency self-assessment test as contemplated under Rule 6(4) of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, had committed to perform the test within time limit stipulated under the act however two Independent directors yet to complete the online proficiency self-assessment test as they have two years' time period for completion of the same and company already ask them to complete online proficiency self-assessment test. The Company has received declarations from all Independent Directors of the Company confirming that they continue to meet the criteria of Independence as prescribed under Section 149 of the Companies Act 2013.
11. BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETING:
Number of Board Meetings
The Board of Directors met 8 times during the financial year ended March 31, 2024 on 30-05-2023, 12-08-2023, 16-09-2023, 11-10-2023, 09-11-2023, 13-12-2023, 20-02-2024, 16-03-2024 in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and rules made there under. The intervening gap between two Board Meeting was within the period prescribed under the Companies Act, 2013 and as per Secretarial Standard-1. The prescribed quorum was presented for all the Meetings and Directors of the Company actively participated in the meetings and contributed valuable inputs on the matters brought before the Board of Directors from time to time.
12. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD:
The Company has three committees viz; Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee which has been established as a part of the better Corporate Governance practices and is in compliance with the requirements of the relevant provisions of applicable laws and statutes.
I. Audit Committee:
The Audit Committee of the Company is constituted under the provisions of section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013. Composition of the Committee:
All the recommendation made by the Audit Committee in the financial year 2023-24 was approved by the Board.
Meeting of Audit Committee and Relevant Quorum:
The Audit Committee shall meet at least four times in a year and not more than one hundred and twenty days shall elapse between two meetings. The quorum for Audit Committee meeting shall either be two members or one third of the members of the Audit Committee, whichever is greater, with at least two Independent Directors. The Chairman of the Committee must attend the Annual General Meetings of the Company to provide clari cations on matters relating to the audit.
During the year under review, the Company held 4 (Four) Audit Committee meetings. Company Secretary shall act as the secretary to the Audit Committee.
II. Nomination & Remuneration Committee:
The Nomination & Remuneration Committee of the Company is constituted under the provisions of section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013. Composition of the Committee:
Meeting of Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Relevant Quorum:
The quorum necessary for a meeting of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall be two members or one third of the members, whichever is greater. The Committee is required to meet at least once a year. During the year under review, the Company held 3 (three) Nomination and Remuneration Committee meetings. Company Secretary shall act as the secretary to the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
III. Stakeholder Relationship Committee
The Stakeholder Relationship Committee of the Company is constituted under the provisions of section 177 of the Companies Act, 2013. Composition of the Committee:
Meeting of Stakeholder's Relationship Committee and Relevant Quorum:
The Stakeholder's Relationship Committee shall meet once in a year. The quorum for a meeting of the Stakeholder's Relationship Committee shall be two members present. During the year under review, the Company held 1 (one) Stakeholders Relationship Committee meeting. Company Secretary shall act as the secretary to the Stakeholder's Relationship Committee.
13. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY:
The Company believes that building a diverse and inclusive culture is integral to its success. A diverse Board, among others, will enhance the quality of decisions by utilizing different skills, qualifications, professional experience and knowledge of the Board members necessary for achieving sustainable and balanced development. In terms of SEBI Listing Regulations and Act, the Company has in place Nomination & Remuneration Policy.
The said policy of the Company, inter alia, provides that the Nomination and Remuneration Committee shall formulate the criteria for appointment of Executive, Non-Executive and Independent Directors on the Board of Directors of the Company and persons in the Senior Management of the Company, their remuneration including determination of qualifications, positive attributes, independence of directors and other matters as provided under sub-section (3) of Section 178 of the Act (including any statutory modification(s) or re- enactment(s) thereof for the time being in force). The Policy also lays down broad guidelines for evaluation of performance of Board as a whole, Committees of the Board, Individual Directors including the Chairperson and the Independent Directors. The aforesaid Nomination and Remuneration Policy has been uploaded on the website of your Company www.arihantacademy.com
14. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT:
Since the Company is listed on EMERGE platform of National Stock Exchange of India Ltd., the provisions of Corporate Governance are not applicable on the Company.
15. FAMILIARIZATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
The Board members are provided with necessary documents/ brochures, reports and internal policies to enable them to familiarize with the Company's procedures and practices, the website link is www.arihantacademy.com
16. ANNUAL EVALUATION:
Pursuant to the provisions of the Companies Act and the SEBI Listing Regulations, a structured questionnaire was prepared for evaluating the performance of Board, its Committees and Individual Director including Independent Directors. The questionnaires were prepared after taking into consideration the various facets related to working of Board, its Committee and roles and responsibilities of Director. The Board and the Nomination and Remuneration Committee reviewed the performance of the Individual Directors including Independent Directors on the basis of the criteria and framework adopted by the Board. Further, the performance of Board as a whole and committees were evaluated by the Board after seeking inputs from all the Directors on the basis of various criteria. The Board of Directors expressed their satisfaction with the evaluation process. In a separate meeting of Independent Directors, the performance of Non-Independent Directors, performance of Board as a whole and performance of the Chairman was evaluated, taking into account the views of the Executive Directors and Non-Executive Directors.
17. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
Provisions of Corporate Social Responsibility pursuant to the provisions of the Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013 is not applicable on our Company.
18. VIGIL MECHANISM FOR THE DIRECTORS AND EMPLOYEES:
The Company has established a vigil mechanism, through a Whistle Blower Policy, where Directors and employees can voice their genuine concerns or grievances about any unethical or unacceptable business practice. A whistle-blowing mechanism not only helps the Company in detection of fraud, but is also used as a corporate governance tool leading to prevention and deterrence of misconduct.
It provides direct access to the employees of the Company to approach the Compliance Officer or the Chairman of the Audit Committee, where necessary. The Company ensures that genuine Whistle Blowers are accorded complete protection from any kind of unfair treatment or victimization. The Whistle Blower Policy is disclosed on the website of the Company at www.arihantacademy.com
19. RISK MANAGEMENT:
The Board of the Company has evaluated a risk management to monitor the risk management plan for the Company. The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the area of financial risk and controls. Major risks identified by the businesses and functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on continuing basis.
20. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GURANTEES OR INVESTMENTS UNDER SECTION 186:
The details of loans, guarantees or investments covered under Section 186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are given in the Note to the Financial Statements.
21. MATERIAL ORDERS OF JUDICIAL BODIES/ REGULATORS
No order, whether significant and/or material has been passed by any regulators, courts, tribunals impacting the going concern status and Company's operations in future.
22. PARTICULARS OF CONTRACTS OR ARRANGEMENTS WITH RELATED PARTIES UNDER SECTION 188 OF THE ACT
All related party transactions that were entered into during the Period under review, were on arm's length basis and in the ordinary course of business. No materially significant related party transactions which required the approval of members, were entered into by the Company during the Period under review. Further, all related party transactions entered into by the Company are placed before the Audit Committee for its approval. The particulars of the contracts or arrangements entered into by the Company with related parties as referred to in Section 134(3)(h) read with section 188(1) of the Act and rules framed thereunder, in the Form No. AOC-2 are annexed and marked as Annexure-A.
23. AUDITORS: STATUTORY AUDITORS
M/s. G. P. Kapadia and Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 104768W) were appointed as the statutory auditors of the Company at the 16th Annual General Meeting of the Company for a term of five consecutive years i.e. from F.Y. 2023- 24 to 2027-28, who shall hold office from the conclusion of 16th Annual General Meeting till the conclusion of the 21st Annual General Meeting to be held in the year 2028, in terms of provisions of section 139 of the Act.
Further the Statutory Auditors have submitted their Report on the Financial Statements for the financial year ended March 31, 2024, which forms part of this Report. Also, there is no qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks made by the M/s. G. P. Kapadia and Co. Statutory Auditor of Company in their Audit Report for the year under review.
SECRETARIAL AUDITORS
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Act and the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board of Directors has appointed M/s. Dilip Swarnkar & Associates, Practicing Company Secretary, as Secretarial Auditors of the Company for the year under review. The Secretarial Audit report received from the Secretarial Auditors is annexed to this report marked as Annexure B and forms part of this report.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
The Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee and pursuant to the provisions of section 138 of the Act read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, has appointed M/s. Shailesh Kamdar & Co., Chartered Accountants, (Firm Reg. No 117899W) as the Internal Auditor of your Company for the year under review. The Internal Auditor conducts the internal audit of the functions and operations of the Company.
AUDITOR'S REPORT AND SECRETARIAL AUDIT REPORT
Statutory Auditor's Report: There are no quali cations, reservations or adverse remarks made by Statutory Auditors in the Auditor's report. The Statutory Auditors have not reported any incident of fraud to the Audit Committee of the Company under subsection (12) of section 143 of the Companies Act, 2013, during the year under review. The notes on accounts referred to the Auditors' Report are self-explanatory and therefore, do not call for any further explanation.
Secretarial Auditor's Report: There are no quali cations, reservations or adverse remarks made by Statutory Auditors in the Auditor's report.
24. EXTRACTS OF ANNUAL RETURN:
In accordance with Section 92(3) and Section 134(3)(a) of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014, the Annual Return as on March 31, 2024 is available on the Company's website www.arihantacademy.com
25. MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION & ANALYSIS REPORTS:
A detailed report on Management Discussion and Analysis (MDA) Report is included in this Report as Annexure - C.
26. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO:
The provisions of Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 regarding the conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings and outgo are not applicable to the Company considering the nature of activities undertaken by the Company during the year under review.
27. STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 197(12) OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2013 READ WITH RULE 5 OF THE COMPANIES (APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL) RULES, 2014:
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is provided in this Report as Annexure D which forms part of this Report.
28. HUMAN RESOURCES
The relations with the employees and associates continued to remain cordial throughout the year. The Directors of your Company wish to place on record their appreciation for the excellent team spirit and dedication displayed by the employees of the Company.
29. NON-APPLICABILITY OF THE INDIAN ACCOUNTING STANDARDS:
As per provision to regulation Rule 4(1) of the companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules,
2015 notified vide Noti cation No. G.S.R 111 (E) on 16th February, 2015, Companies whose shares are listed on NSE EMERGE as referred to in Chapter XB of SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2009, are exempted from the compulsory requirements of adoption of IND-AS w.e.f. 1st April, 2017.
30. DISCLOSURES UNDER SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE (PREVENTION, PROHIBITION & REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013:
The Company is committed to provide a safe and conducive work environment to its employees. There exist at the group level an Internal Complaints Committee (‘ICC') constituted under The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The group is strongly opposed to sexual harassment and employees are made aware about the consequences of such acts and about the constitution of ICC. During the year under review, no complaints were led with the Committee under the provisions of the said Act in relation to the workplace/s of the Company.
31. COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS ON BOARD AND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS:
The Company has complied with Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India on Board meetings and Annual General Meetings.
The Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable Secretarial Standards and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
32. MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORD:
The provisions relating to maintenance of cost records as specified by the Central Government under sub section (1) of section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, were not applicable to the Company upto March 31, 2024 and accordingly such accounts and records were not required to be maintained.
33. ADEQUACY OF INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS WITH REFERENCE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS:
The Company has in place adequate Internal Financial Controls with reference to financial statements. During the year under review, such controls were tested and no reportable material weakness in the design or operation was observed.
34. GREEN INITIATIVES
In compliance with Regulation 36 of SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 Notice of the AGM along with the Annual Report 2023-24 is being sent only through electronic mode to those Members whose email addresses are registered with the Company/ Depositories. Members may note that the Notice and Annual Report 2023-24 will also be available on the Company's website www.arihantacademy.com
35. INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE 2016:
No application or proceeding was initiated in respect of the Company in terms of Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016.
36. THE DETAILS OF DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AMOUNT OF THE VALUATION DONE AT THE TIME OF ONE TIME SETTLEMENT AND THE VALUATION DONE WHILE TAKING LOANS FROM BANKS OR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS ALONG WITH THE REASONS THEREOF:
During the year under review, there were no transactions or events with respect to the one-time settlement with any bank or financial institution; hence no disclosure or reporting is required.
37. DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013 (‘the Act'), with respect to Directors
Responsibility Statement it is hereby confirmed:
a) The Financial Statements of the Company - comprising of the Balance Sheet as at March 31, 2024 and the Statement of Profit & Loss for the year ended as on that date, have been prepared on a going concern basis following applicable accounting standards and that no material departures have been made from the same;
b) Accounting policies selected were applied consistently and the judgments and estimates related to these financial statements have been made on a prudent and reasonable basis, so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at March 31, 2024, and, of the profits and loss of the Company for the year ended on that date;
c) Proper and sufficient care has been taken for maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, to safeguard the assets of the Company and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities;
d) Requisite Internal Financial Controls to be followed by the Company were laid down and that such internal financial controls are adequate and operating effectively; and
e) Proper systems have been devised to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
38. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Your Directors place on record their sincere thanks to bankers, business associates, consultants, and various Government Authorities for their continued support extended to your Companies activities during the year under review. Your Directors also acknowledges gratefully the shareholders for their support and confidence reposed on your Company.