|
THE MEMBERS OF APTECH LIMITED
Your directors are pleased to present their Twenty Fifth (25th) Annual
Report on the business and operations of your Company together with the Audited Financial
Statements for the year ended March 31, 2025, in compliance to the Companies Act, 2013
("Act"). The consolidated performance of the Company and its subsidiaries has
been referred to wherever required.
STATE OF AFFAIRS SNAPSHOT OF FINANCIAL RESULTS:
The financial results of the Company for the Financial year ended March
31, 2025, are presented below:
| Particulars |
Standalone |
Consolidated |
| _ |
Year ended March 31, 2025 |
Year ended March 31, 2024 |
Year ended March 31, 2025 |
Year ended March 31, 2024 |
| Revenue from Operations |
21,889.30 |
21,316.44 |
46,010.10 |
43,680.55 |
| Other income |
2,669.49 |
2,868.51 |
1,601.03 |
1,586.76 |
| Total revenue |
24,558.79 |
24,184.95 |
47,611.13 |
45,267.31 |
| Profit before finance cost, depreciation and tax &
exceptional items |
4,342.92 |
4,225.65 |
4,500.04 |
5,721.87 |
| Finance cost & depreciation |
350.10 |
416.85 |
949.93 |
975.11 |
| Profit before tax & exceptional items |
3,992.82 |
3,808.80 |
3,550.11 |
4,746.76 |
| Exceptional items |
- |
- |
(75.65) |
(710.31) |
| Profit before tax but after exceptional items |
3,992.82 |
3,808.80 |
3,474.46 |
4,036.45 |
| Provision for taxation (incl. deferred tax) |
1,296.68 |
595.57 |
1,566.58 |
1,132.29 |
| Profit after tax |
2696.14 |
3,213.23 |
1,907.88 |
2,904.16 |
| Other comprehensive income |
(179.34) |
(79.88) |
(182.92) |
(96.90) |
| Total comprehensive income |
2,516.80 |
3,133.35 |
1,724.96 |
2,807.26 |
| Total equity |
26,190.42 |
26,264.51 |
25,132.41 |
25,998.35 |
| Earnings per share (of ` 10 each) |
|
|
|
|
| Basic EPS (`) |
4.65 |
5.54 |
3.29 |
5.01 |
| Diluted EPS (`) |
4.65 |
5.54 |
3.29 |
5.01 |
OPERATIONS REVIEW:
The Company delivered a_consolidated operating revenue of `46,010
lakhs_ for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, reflecting a_5.33% growth_over `43,681
lakhs in FY 202324. The_ Retail segment remained the primary growth driver, posting
revenues of `42,492 lakhs, an_ 11.44% year-on-year increase_ from `38,131 lakhs in the
previous year. Margin moderation in this segment was primarily due to increased
investments in brand-building, digital outreach, and below-the-line marketing initiatives
aimed at enhancing lead generation and driving footfalls across centres.
The_ Institutional segment contributed `3,518 lakhs_ in revenue.
Despite facing a temporary slowdown due to the general elections and delayed order cycles
from government departments, the segment remains strategically significant. With stable
fundamentals and renewed government focus and policy momentum post-elections, it is poised
for long-term growth and realignment.
Other income increased to `1,601 lakhs, driven by higher
interest earnings on bank deposits, reflecting a 90 bps rise over the previous year.
During the year, the Company recorded a_ foreign exchange loss of `76
lakhs, significantly lower than the `710 lakhs loss in FY 202324, owing to the
continued devaluation of the Nigerian Naira. This loss was classified as an_ exceptional
item_due to significant devaluation in Nigerian currency. Profit Before Tax (PBT)_after
exceptional items stood at `3,474 lakhs, compared to `4,036 lakhs in FY 202324.
The_effective tax rate rose to 45.09%_(vs. 28.05% last year) due to_Minimum Alternate Tax
(MAT) credit reversal, resulting in a_Profit After Tax (PAT) of `1,908 lakhs, down from
`2,904 lakhs in the previous year.
Earnings Per Share (EPS)_for the year was `3.29, compared to `5.01 in
FY 202324.
The Company continues to maintain a_ strong debt-free balance sheet,
with_cash and cash equivalents amounting to `19,537 lakhs_as on March 31, 2025.
For a comprehensive analysis of business strategy, segmental
performance, and operational achievements, please refer to the_ Management Discussion and
Analysis_ section of this Annual Report.
TRANSFER TO RESERVES:
During the financial year under review, the Company has not made any
transfer to the General Reserve.
INVESTOR RELATIONS:
The Company has a robust investor grievance mechanism that enables
shareholders to reach out via email or written communication to either the Company or its
Registrar and Transfer Agent (RTA). To ensure transparency, all critical information is
promptly uploaded on the Company's website and disclosed to stock exchanges in
compliance with SEBI regulations. Please refer https://www.aptech-worldwide.com/ investors
for Investors/ Analyst Interactions held during the year.
HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT:
During the financial year, the Human Resources function remained
instrumentalinaligningpeoplestrategieswithbusinessobjectives, reinforcing our position as
a leading employer. Key initiatives included fostering a cohesive, performance-driven
culture, digitizing onboarding and orientation, and deploying advanced analytics to
enhance workforce insights and decision-making. The Human Resources function also
introduced AI-powered, byte-sized learning modules to support agile, personalized employee
development. As a testament to the efforts, the Company maintained a strong 4.2 rating on
Glassdoor as of March 31, 2025.
DIVIDEND:
The Board of Directors at their meeting held on May 08, 2025, have
declared an Interim Dividend of `4.50 per Equity Share (45%) for the Financial Year
2024-25.
In terms of regulation 43A of SEBI (Listing Obligations &
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board of Directors of the Company at its
meeting held on May 21, 2021, have approved and adopted the Dividend Distribution Policy
and the same is uploaded on the Company's website:
https://www.aptech-worldwide.com/downloads/InvestorPolicy/
dividend-distribution-policy-aptech.pdf
NUMBER OF MEETINGS OF THE BOARD:
During the financial year, the Board convened five times: on May 02,
2024; August 02, 2024; November 11, 2024; January 25, 2025; and February 03, 2025. The
interval between any two meetings remained within the statutory limit of 120 days, in full
compliance with the Companies Act, 2013. Comprehensive details of Board meetings are
provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms an integral part of this
Integrated Annual Report.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL:
Reappointment of Directors retiring by rotation:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act,
2013 and other applicable provisions (including any Statutory modification(s) or
re-enactments), as well as the Articles of Association of the Company, Mr._Rajiv Agarwal
(DIN: 00379990), and Mr. Utpal Sheth (DIN
: 00081012) Non-Executive Directors, retires by rotation at the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting and, being eligible, offers themselves for
re-appointment. It is further noted that the Executive Directors and Independent Directors
of the Company are not subject to retirement by rotation.
APPOINTMENT & CESSATION OF DIRECTORS:
Mrs. Vandana Chamaria (DIN: 07131829) was appointed as an Additional
Director (Non-Executive, Independent) of the Company with effect from August 02, 2024, for
a term of five consecutive years. Her appointment was duly approved and regularized by the
shareholders at the Annual General Meeting held on September 26, 2024.
The Board appointed Mr._ Atul Jain (DIN: 07434943) as a Managing
Director and Chief Executive Officer (Designate) of the Company for a term of five years
with effect from August 03, 2024. He was subsequently re-designated and appointed as the
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) with effect from November 01,
2024. However, Mr._Jain tendered his resignation due to personal reasons, and the same was
accepted by the Board. His tenure as MD & CEO concluded with effect from January 30,
2025.
Ms. Madhu Jayakumar (DIN: 00016921), NonExecutive, Independent
Director of the Company, completed her second term and ceased to hold office with effect
from September 23, 2024, upon completion of her tenure. The Board places on record its
sincere appreciation for her valuable contributions and guidance during her association
with the Company. Mr._ Anuj Kacker (DIN: 00653997) ceased to hold office as Whole-time
Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Company upon completion of his
tenure on October 31, 2024. The Board places on record its sincere appreciation for his
leadership and contributions during his tenure.
Mr._Amit Goela (DIN: 01754804) was appointed as an Additional Director
(NonExecutive, NonIndependent) of the Company with effect from January 25,
2025, for a term of five years, subject to shareholders' approval. His appointment
was subsequently regularized by the Shareholders through a postal ballot, the result of
the same was declared on April 05, 2025. Mr._ Vishal Gupta (DIN: 10388230) was appointed
as an Additional Director (NonExecutive, NonIndependent) of the Company with
effect from January 25, 2025, for a term of five years, subject to shareholders'
approval. His appointment was subsequently regularized by the Shareholders through a
postal ballot, the result of the same was declared on April 05, 2025. Mr._Sandip Weling
(DIN: 10479066) was appointed as a Whole-time Director of the Company for a term of five
years with effect from April 29, 2025, subject to approval by the Shareholders. His
appointment was subsequently regularized through postal ballot, the result of the same was
declared on July 19, 2025. Mr._Neeraj Malik (DIN: 07611462) was appointed as a Whole-time
Director of the Company for a term of five years with effect from April 29, 2025, subject
to approval by the Shareholders. His appointment was subsequently regularized through
postal ballot, the result of the same was declared on July 19, 2025.
CHANGES IN KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL (KMP):
Mr._ T. K. Ravishankar retired from the position of Chief Financial
Officer of the Company effective June 30, 2024. The
Board places on record its deep appreciation for his invaluable
contributions and dedicated service during his tenure. Mr._ Pawan Nawal was appointed as
Chief Financial Officer (Designate) of the Company on March 15, 2024. Upon the retirement
of Mr._ T.K. Ravishankar, he was re-designated as the Group Chief Financial Officer of the
Company and its subsidiaries. Based on the recommendations of the Nomination &
Remuneration Committee and the Audit Committee, he was also designated as a Key Managerial
Personnel (KMP) pursuant to Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013, with effect from
August 02, 2024.
Mr._ Akshar Biyani resigned from the position of Company Secretary and
Compliance Officer of the Company due to personal reasons, with effect from October 14,
2024. Following his resignation, Ms. Shruti Laud was appointed as the Compliance Officer
and designated as a Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) of the Company with effect from
November 11, 2024. Subsequently, she was appointed as the Company Secretary and Compliance
Officer with effect from January 25, 2025.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF THE BOARD AND DIRECTORS:
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and
Regulation 17 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,
2015, the Board of Directors conducted the annual performance evaluation of the Board, its
Committees, and individual Directors, including Independent Directors, during the year
under review.
The evaluation was carried out through a structured questionnaire
designed to assess various aspects such as the composition and effectiveness of the Board
and its Committees, Board dynamics and culture, fulfilment of duties and responsibilities,
and adherence to governance practices. The evaluation process incorporated feedback from
each Director and was aligned with the parameters outlined in the SEBI Guidance Note on
Board Evaluation dated January 05, 2017.
The Independent Directors, at their meeting held on March 19, 2025,
carried out a review of the performance of the Board as a whole, including that of the
Non-Independent Directors and the Chairperson. The evaluation was conducted through a
combination of qualitative and quantitative assessments, with particular emphasis on the
adequacy and timeliness of the flow of information between the Company's management
and the Board, enabling the Board to effectively discharge its responsibilities.
The details of the evaluation process are set out in the Corporate
Governance Report which forms a part of this Annual Report.
FAMILIARIZATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
All newly appointed independent directors were provided with a
comprehensive familiarization programme covering the Company's operations and
governance framework. Details of this programme are disclosed in the Corporate Governance
Report. The website link for the familiarization programme is: h t t p s : // w w w. a p t
e c h - wo r ld w i d e . co m / d ow n lo a d s /
InvestorPolicy/Familiarisation-for-Independent-Directors-of-Aptech-Limited.pdf
INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS:
All Independent Directors have submitted declarations confirming
compliance with the criteria of independence as prescribed under Section 149(6) of the
Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 16(b) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure
Requirements) Regulations, 2015. Further, all Independent Directors have registered
themselves with the Independent Directors' databank and complied with the
requirements under Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors)
Rules, 2014.
In accordance with Regulation 25(8) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations
and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, all Independent Directors have confirmed
that they are not aware of any circumstance or situation which exists or may reasonably be
anticipated to impair their ability to discharge their duties independently, objectively,
and without external influence. Further, as required under Regulation 25(9) of SEBI (LODR)
Regulations, 2015, the Board of Directors has evaluated and taken on record the veracity
of the disclosures and confirmations received from the Independent Directors.
EXTRACT OF ANNUAL RETURN:
In accordance with the provisions of Section 92(3) of the Companies
Act, 2013, read with Rule 12 of the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014,
the Annual Return in Form MGT-7 for the financial year 202425 is available on the
Company's website at: www.aptech-worldwide.com/.
PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES AND INVESTMENTS:
Particulars of loans, guarantees, and investments covered under Section
186 of the Companies Act, 2013 are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements
forming part of this Annual Report.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS:
All contracts, arrangements, and transactions entered into by the
Company with Related Parties during the year under review were in the ordinary course of
business and conducted on an arm's length basis, in compliance with the applicable
provisions of the Companies Act, 2013. The Board of Directors, based on the
recommendations of the Audit Committee, has duly ratified and approved the omnibus
approvals for Related Party Transactions for the financial years 202425.
In accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the
SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Company has
formulated a Policy on Related Party Transactions. The Policy is available on the
Company's website and can be accessed at: h t t p s : // w w w. a p t e c h - wo r ld
w i d e . co m / d ow n lo a d s / InvestorPolicy/AptechRPTPolicy_FINAL.pdf
The Company has not entered into any Material Related Party
Transactions during the year, in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act,
2013. A confirmation to this effect, as required under Section 134(3)(h) of the Companies
Act, 2013, is provided in Form AOC-2, annexed as_Annexure I_to this Annual Report.
Further, pursuant to Regulation 23(5)(c) of the SEBI (Listing
Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, transactions entered into
between the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiarieswhose accounts are consolidated
with the Company and placed before the shareholders at the general meeting for
approvalare exempt from obtaining separate approval under Regulation 23(4) of the
SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015. Accordingly, no shareholder approval is required for such
Related Party Transactions under the prevailing regulatory framework.
SUBSIDIARIES:
As on March 31, 2025, the Company has five subsidiaries. There has been
no material change in the nature of business of these subsidiaries during the year under
review. The Company does not have any associate or joint venture companies within the
meaning of Section 2(6) of the Companies Act, 2013. In compliance with Section 129(3) of
the Act, a statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of the
Company's subsidiaries, including their contribution to the overall performance of
the Company, is presented in Form AOC-1, which forms part of this Annual Report. Further,
pursuant to Section 137 of the Act, all necessary compliances and statutory filings,
including the uploading of accounts of the Company's foreign subsidiaries, have been
duly completed.
Additionally, in accordance with the provisions of Section 136 of the
Act, the audited standalone and consolidated financial statements of the Company, together
with the Auditors' Report and all other documents required under the law, including
the financial statements of its subsidiaries, are available on the Company's website
at https://www.
aptech-worldwide.com/downloads/InvestorPolicy/Policy-on-Material-Subsidiaries2.0-FINAL.pdf
NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY:
The Company has formulated and adopted a Nomination and Remuneration
Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and the Rules framed
thereunder, as well as the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015. The Policy outlines the criteria for appointment, removal, and
remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, and other employees. The Nomination
and Remuneration Policy is available on the Company's website at:
https://www.aptech-worldwide.com/ downloads/InvestorPolicy/Remuneration_Policy.pdf
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY:
The Company has duly constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility
(CSR) Committee in compliance with the provisions of Section 135 of the Companies Act,
2013, read with the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014.
The Company is engaged in CSR activities in the following areas:
Eradicating poverty, hunger and malnutrition, promoting health care
which includes sanitation and preventive health care, contribution to the Swach Bharat
Kosh set-up by the Central Government for the promotion of sanitation and making available
safe drinking water.
Improvement in education which includes special education and
employment strengthening vocation skills among children, women, elderly and the
differently abled and livelihood enhancement projects.
Improving gender equality, setting up homes and hostels for women and
orphans, empowering women, setting up old age homes, day care centres and such other
facilities for senior citizens and measures for reducing inequalities faced by socially
and economically backward groups.
The CSR Policy is available on the Company's website at:
https://www.aptech-worldwide.com/about-us/corporate-social-responsibility. Disclosures
relating to CSR activities, as required under the Companies Act, 2013, form part of this
Annual Report and are provided in_Annexure II.
DEPOSITS:
During the year under review, the Company has not accepted any deposits
as defined under Sections 73 and 74 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with the Companies
(Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014.
INSURANCE:
The Company has secured adequate insurance coverage for its assets,
commensurate with its operational requirements.
MANAGEMENT DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS:
A separate report on Management Discussion and Analysis, as mandated
under the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, forms
an integral part of this Annual Report.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
Effective corporate governance is essential for maintaining stakeholder
trust and achieving long-term business success. It reflects the Company's commitment
to ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. Corporate governance encompasses the
overall management framework of the organization, including its structure, culture,
policies, and interactions with stakeholders. As global investors increasingly focus on
governance standards and corporate performance, strong governance practices have become
central to sustainable growth and competitiveness.
In accordance with Regulation 34 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, a separate Report on Corporate Governance
forms part of this Annual Report. The Auditor's Certificate confirming compliance
with the conditions of Corporate Governance is annexed as_Annexure III.
DIRECTORS' RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
To the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the
information and explanations obtained by them, your directors make the following statement
that: i. In the presentation of the Annual Accounts for the year ended March 31, 2025,
applicable accounting standards have been followed and that there are no material
departures; ii. The y have, in the selection of the accounting consulted the statutory
auditors and have 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 for the year ended March 31, 2025 and of the profit of the Company for the year
ended on that date; iii. The y have taken proper and sufficient care, to of their
knowledge and ability, for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance
with the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 for safeguarding the assets of the Company
and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities; iv. The annual accounts
have been prepared on a going concern basis; v. Int ernal financial controls followed by
the Company adequate and were operating effectively; vi. The proper systems to ensure
compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws were adequate and operating
effectively.
CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, RESEARCH &
DEVELOPMENT AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND OUTGO IF ANY:
The information required under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act,
2013, read with the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, is provided below:
Conservation of Energy:
Although the Company's operations are not energy-intensive,
adequate measures have been undertaken to conserve energy wherever possible.
Technology Absorption:
The Company continues to adopt and leverage advanced technologies to
enhance productivity and improve the quality of its services.
Research & Development:
Technological obsolescence is certain. We encourage continuous
innovation and research and development for measuring future challenges and opportunities.
Foreign Exchange Earnings and Outgo:
Details of foreign exchange earnings and outgo, if any, are disclosed
in the Notes to the Financial Statements.
DETAILS OF REMUNERATION AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 197 OF THE COMPANIES
ACT, 2013, READ WITH RULES 5(1) OF THE COMPANIES (APPOINTMENT AND REMUNERATION OF
MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL) RULES, 2014:
The information required under Section 197 of the Companies Act, 2013,
read with the Companies (Appointment and policies, Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014, is provided in_Annexure IV_to this Report.
NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS:
REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS AND DISCLOSURE UNDER SECTION 197(12) OF THE
COMPANIES ACT, 2013: best Non-Executive, Independent Directors of the Company are
entitled to sitting fees for attending meetings of the Board, its Committees, and separate
meetings of Independent Directors. Additionally, they are paid commission as approved by
the Shareholders. Detailed disclosures on the remuneration of Non-Executive Directors are
available in the Corporate Governance Report.
The Non-Executive, Non-Independent Directors do not receive any
remuneration from the Company. are In accordance with Section 197(12) of the Companies
Act, 2013, read with Rules 5(2) and 5(3) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the statement containing the particulars of employees
forms part of this Report as_Annexure V. However, pursuant to the provisions of
Section 136(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, and the rules made thereunder, the Annual
Report being sent to the Shareholders excludes this annexure. Shareholders interested in
obtaining the said annexure may write to cs@aptech.co.in prior to the date of the Annual
General Meeting. The Company shall provide the information in electronic mode upon
request.
PREVENTION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT WORKPLACE:
In compliance with the requirements of the Sexual Harassment of Women
at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, the Company has
implemented a comprehensive Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace. An
Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been duly constituted to address and resolve
complaints in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
During the year under review, one complaint was received, duly
investigated, and resolved in line with the prescribed procedures.
The Company affirms its compliance with the provisions pertaining to
the constitution and functioning of the ICC as mandated under the Act.
| Sr. No. Particulars |
Total Count |
| 1 Number of complaints of sexual harassment received in the
year |
1 |
| 2 Number of complaints disposed off during the year |
1 |
| 3 Number of complaints disposed off during the year |
0 |
COMPLIANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE MATERNITY BENEFIT ACT, 1961
Pursuant to the latest circular and in accordance with the provisions
of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the Company confirms its full compliance with all
applicable requirements of the Act.
The Company extends all mandated benefits, including paid maternity
leave, nursing breaks, and job protection during maternity, to eligible women employees.
Robust internal policies and procedures are in place to ensure consistent adherence and to
foster a safe, inclusive, and equitable workplace.
No complaints or instances of non-compliance were reported during the
financial year under review.
STATUTORY AUDITORS:
As per the provisions of Section 139 of the Companies Act, 2013 read
with Companies (Audit and auditors) Rules, 2014 as amended from time to time, M/s. Bansi
S. Mehta & Co (ICAI Firm Registration No. 100991W) were appointed as the Statutory
Auditors from the conclusion of the Twenty Second Annual General Meeting held on August
05, 2022 till conclusion of the Twenty Seventh Annual General Meeting. There are no
qualifications, reservations or adverse remarks in their Audit Report.
SECRETARIAL AUDITOR:
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013
and the applicable rules framed thereunder, the Company has appointed_ M/s. S. G &
Associates, Practising Company Secretaries, to conduct the Secretarial Audit for the
financial year under review.
In compliance with Regulation 24A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and
Disclosure Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations, 2018, the Secretarial Audit Report of_
MEL Training and Assessments Limited, a material unlisted subsidiary, has also been
annexed along with the Secretarial Audit Report of the Company. Both reports form part of
the Board's Report and are collectively annexed as_Annexure VI.
The Secretarial Audit Reports and the Secretarial Compliance Reports do
not contain any qualification, reservation, or adverse remark, except as specifically
stated therein.
COST AUDITORS:
In accordance with Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and based on
the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on
August 02, 2024, appointed M/s. SAPSJ & Associates, Cost Accountants (Firm
Registration No. 000445), as the Cost Auditors of the Company for the Financial Year
202425.
The Cost Auditors have confirmed that their appointment is in
compliance with the provisions of Sections 141 and 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 and
other applicable regulations. Pursuant to the provisions of the Act, the remuneration
payable to the Cost Auditors was placed before the Members at the 24th Annual General
Meeting and duly ratified.
COST RECORD:
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with the
Companies (Cost Records and Audit) Rules, 2014, the Company is required to maintain cost
records. Accordingly, the Company has duly maintained the prescribed cost accounts and
records for the financial year under review.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT:
Pursuant to the SEBI Notification dated May 5, 2021, Regulation 34 of
the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, was amended
to mandate that the top 1,000 listed entities by market capitalization submit a_ Business
Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR)_in place of the earlier_Business
Responsibility Report (BRR), effective from the Financial Year 202223. The BRSR
outlines disclosures on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives in the
prescribed format. In compliance with Regulation 34(2)(f) of the Listing Regulations, the
Company has prepared the BRSR for the Financial Year 202425, which forms part of
this Annual Report. The report has been prepared in accordance with the format specified
by SEBI through its circulars dated May 10, 2021, July 12, 2023, and as amended from time
to time.
FRAUD REPORTED BY AUDITOR UNDER SECTION 143(12) OF THE COMPANIES ACT,
2013:
During the year under review, no instance of fraud was reported by the
auditors under Section 143(12) of the Companies Act, 2013.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS:
The Company has complied with the applicable Secretarial Standards
issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) relating to Meetings of the
Board of Directors and General Meetings.
CODE OF CONDUCT FOR REGULATING, MONITORING, AND REPORTING OF INSIDER
TRADING:
The Company has adopted a comprehensive_Code of Conduct_in accordance
with the provisions of the_Securities and Exchange Board of India (Prohibition of Insider
Trading) Regulations, 2015, to regulate, monitor, and report trading activities by
designated persons and their immediate relatives.
The Code outlines the procedures to be followed while trading or
dealing in the Company's securities and for handling and sharing of_ Unpublished
Price Sensitive Information (UPSI). It includes provisions for maintaining a structured
digital database, mechanisms to prevent insider trading, and measures to sensitize
designated persons on the importance and confidentiality of UPSI.
Additionally, the Code incorporates the principles of fair disclosure
of UPSI and the related practices and procedures. The same is available on the
Company's website at https:// www.aptech-worldwide.com/downloads/code-of-conduct/
V3-COC-Clean-10.09.2024.pdf
INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROL:
Pursuant to Section 134(5)(e) and other applicable provisions of the
Companies Act, 2013, the Company has established robust systems, standards, and procedures
to ensure the implementation of adequate Internal Financial Controls across its
operations. These controls have been designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding
the reliability of financial reporting and compliance with applicable laws and
regulations, and are operating effectively.
MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS, IF ANY, AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL
POSITION OF THE COMPANY:
Except as otherwise stated in this Report, there have been no material
changes or commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of
the financial year to which the financial statements pertain and the date of this Report.
SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS OR
TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS AND COMPANY'S OPERATIONS IN FUTURE:
During the Financial Year 202425, no significant or material
orders were passed by any regulatory authority, court, or tribunal that would impact the
Company's going concern status or its future operations, except as disclosed in the
Corporate Governance Report.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
The Board of Directors extends its sincere appreciation to all
stakeholders for their continued support and trust. The Company is grateful for the
valuable cooperation received from its shareholders, bankers, financial institutions,
government authorities, corporate clients, customers, and business partners. The Board
also places on record its deep appreciation for the dedication, commitment, and
contributions of all employees, whose efforts have been integral to the Company's
growth and success.
| For and on behalf of the Board of Directors |
|
| Sd/- |
Sd/- |
| Ameet Hariani |
Rajiv Agarwal |
| Chairman |
Director |
| DIN: 00087866 |
DIN: 00379990 |
| Place: Mumbai |
Place: Mumbai |
| Date: August 04, 2025 |
Date: August 04, 2025 |
|