|
Dear Members,
Your Directors are pleased to present the 76th Annual Report of the
Company along with the audited financial statements for the financial year ended March 31,
2026.
1. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
(Rs crores)
|
Standalone |
Consolidated |
|
2025-26 |
2024-25 |
2025-26 |
2024-25 |
| Sale of Products |
2,740.38 |
2,510.35 |
2,788.18 |
2,584.70 |
| Service & Other Operating Income |
285.49 |
227.01 |
285.01 |
226.89 |
| Revenue from Operations |
3,025.87 |
2,737.36 |
3,073.19 |
2,811.59 |
| Operating Profit |
557.44 |
487.29 |
563.46 |
500.37 |
| Finance Cost |
(7.82) |
(8.65) |
(8.17) |
(9.35) |
| Profit before share of profit/(loss) from Joint Venture |
549.62 |
478.64 |
555.29 |
491.02 |
| Share of profit/(loss) in Joint Venture |
- |
- |
0.08 |
0.94 |
| Provision for Tax |
(137.02) |
(11781) |
(138.58) |
(120.70) |
| Profit for the year |
412.60 |
360.83 |
416.79 |
371.26 |
| Other Comprehensive Income (Net) |
48.36 |
1762 |
48.35 |
1765 |
| Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
460.96 |
378.45 |
465.14 |
388.91 |
| Share of Non-controlling Interest |
- |
- |
(1.13) |
(2.55) |
| Total Comprehensive Income attributable to owners |
460.96 |
378.45 |
464.01 |
386.37 |
2. TRANSFER TO RESERVES
Your Directors do not propose to transfer any amount to the reserves.
3. DIVIDEND
Your Directors are pleased to recommend for approval of the Members a
dividend of B19/- per equity share of the face value of B5/- each for the financial year
ended March 31, 2026. The dividend on equity shares, if approved by the Members, would
result in a cash outflow of B210.37 crores (B188.22 crores in the previous year). The
dividend will be subject to deduction of tax at source as applicable under the provisions
of the Income Tax Act, 2025.
The Dividend Distribution Policy, in terms of Regulation 43A of the
Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements)
Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"), is annexed as Annexure 5 of this
Report and is also available on the Company's website at
https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/ investors/corporate-governance#PoliciesTabs7.
4. COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE AND STATE OF AFFAIRS
During the year under review, India's economy demonstrated resilience
and sustained growth, supported by strong domestic consumption, continued infrastructure
investment, easing inflation, and a recovery in manufacturing and services. Despite global
uncertainties, including evolving trade dynamics and external demand volatility, the
macroeconomic environment remained stable.
The Indian economy grew by approximately 76% during the financial year
2025-26. Government policy measures, including initiatives announced in the Union Budget
aimed at boosting consumption, investment, and ease of doing business, provided a
supportive backdrop for industrial activity and business operations.
Reflecting this, your Company delivered a strong financial performance
during the year. On a standalone basis, revenue from operations grew by 10.5%, while
operating profit increased by 14.4%. On a consolidated basis, revenue from operations rose
by 9.3%, with operating profit registering a growth of 12.4%.
a) Abrasives
During the year, the Abrasives segment delivered robust performance.
While overall volume growth remained moderate, the business successfully strengthened its
competitive position, achieving a measurable improvement in market standing against a key
competitor in India. Demand across our core customer segments remained healthy and stable,
reinforcing the robustness of our business model and contributing positively to overall
performance.
The business recorded sales growth of 6%, supported by disciplined
execution and sustained customer demand. Operating profit grew by 6%, driven by a
combination of operational efficiencies, prudent cost management initiatives, and focused
margin improvement actions. Encouraging progress has been achieved in digitalization of
key business processes and impactful end user engagement initiatives. These actions,
combined with continued discipline in working capital management and tight control over
fixed costs, have begun to yield tangible benefits and strengthen the overall position of
the business.
The Business continues to deepen engagement with customers across
multiple channels, enabling sharper identification of growth opportunities both within
established core segments and emerging adjacencies. Strategic emphasis remains on
innovation, value added solutions, and the introduction of new products, aligned with
evolving customer requirements. In parallel, sustained efforts are being made to optimize
manufacturing costs and enhance productivity across operations.
b) Ceramics & Plastics
During the year, the Performance Ceramics and Refractories business
reported a healthy growth in domestic sales in both the primary and secondary steel
sectors, reflecting strong end-market demand, longstanding customer relationships and the
relevance of the Company's technology-led offerings. Exports, however, declined due to
uncertain geopolitical situation and the imposition of tariffs in the US. The engineered
ceramics manufacturing capabilities at the Halol plant were expanded with the addition of
Silicon impregnated Silicon Carbide ("SiSiC") and Reaction-bonded Silicon
Carbide ("RB-SiC") production infrastructure. The Performance Polymer Solutions
Business delivered excellent growth across most product categories, driven largely by
improved demand from the automotive and the Bio-pharma sector. This growth highlights the
business's ability to align its product portfolio with evolving industry requirements,
particularly in areas requiring lightweighting, durability, and enhanced material
performance. It was a difficult year for the Silicon Carbide business with lower sales and
operating profit compared to previous year due to pressure on prices driven from cheap
imports. Overall the Consolidated sales and operating profit of Ceramics and Plastics
increased by 10% and 15% respectively.
c) Digital Services & Others
The captive IT Development Centre ("INDEC") had a good year,
with growth in revenues by 20% during the year.
5. SUBSIDIARY, JOINT VENTURE AND ASSOCIATE
As on March 31, 2026, your Company had the following Subsidiary, Joint
Venture and Associate:
Subsidiary
Saint-Gobain Ceramic Material Bhutan Private Limited
("SGCMBPL"), wholly-owned subsidiary, is engaged in the manufacture of Silicon
Carbide. During the year under review, the business was subdued on account of increased
power and input costs. It is not a material subsidiary in accordance with sub-regulation
(1) (c) of Regulation 16 of the Listing Regulations.
Joint Venture
Advanced Synthetic Minerals Private Limited ("ASMPL") during
the financial year 2025-26 focused on improving quality and debottlenecking. The sales for
the year increased by 15%.
Associate
Your Company's investment in Cleanwin Energy Three LLP for sourcing
wind generated green energy for its Mora Plant contributed to improved cost efficiency and
further strengthened your Company's commitment to sustainability and responsible
operations.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 129(3) of the Act, a statement
containing the salient features of financial statements of the Company's Subsidiary, Joint
Venture and Associate in Form No. AOC-1 is provided in Annexure 7 to this Report.
Further, pursuant to the provisions of Section 136 of the Act read with
Regulation 46 of the Listing Regulations, the financial statements of the Company,
consolidated financial statements and separate audited financial statements in respect of
subsidiaries are available on the Company's website and can be accessed at
https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/investors/reports#ReportsTabs2.
6. INVESTMENTS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
As part of its continued focus on sourcing green and sustainable
energy, your Company has undertaken strategic investments to support its renewable energy
requirements. Your Company has entered into arrangement with Jamnagar Renewables Two
Private Limited ("JRTPL") for sourcing of power from a wind solar hybrid
project, with its contribution not exceeding B86 lakhs.
Further, the Board of Directors has approved an investment not
exceeding B111 lakhs in the Special Purpose Vehicle of Sunsure Energy Private Limited
towards sourcing renewable energy. These initiatives are expected to enhance energy cost
efficiency while reinforcing your Company's long term commitment to sustainability and
responsible operations.
Your Company had also entered into an agreement with Radiance MH
Sunrise Thirteen Private Limited for sourcing green energy through group captive
consumption, which was terminated in April 2026.
7. FUTURE PROSPECTS
Looking ahead to the financial year 2026-27, the economic environment
is expected to remain broadly supportive, led by domestic demand, continued public and
private capital expenditure, and a gradual normalisation of inflation and interest rates,
even as geopolitical developments, trade actions, and commodity and freight prices
volatility may intermittently impact sentiment. Against this backdrop, your Company's
diversified portfolio, strong customer relationships, and ongoing focus on commercial
excellence, innovation and cost competitiveness position it well to sustain profitable
growth. Your Company expects to benefit from healthy demand in core end markets such as
automotive, steel, infrastructure and general manufacturing, while accelerating expansion
in emerging opportunities including electronics, semiconductors, defence, and aerospace.
Continued investments in productivity, digitalisation and sustainability are expected to
further strengthen resilience and long term value creation.
During the year, your Company acquired freehold land at Halol, Gujarat,
as a strategic step towards its long-term growth plans, positioning it to capitalise on
future opportunities in the market.
8. PUBLIC DEPOSITS
Your Company has not accepted any public deposits, and thus, there were
no outstanding amounts due on account of principal or interest on public deposits as on
the date of the balance sheet.
9. MATERIAL CHANGES AND COMMITMENTS AFFECTING FINANCIAL POSITION
BETWEEN THE END OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR AND DATE OF REPORT
No material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of
the Company have occurred between the end of the financial year ended March 31, 2026 and
the date of this Report.
10. SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY THE REGULATORS OR COURTS
OR TRIBUNALS IMPACTING THE GOING CONCERN STATUS OF THE COMPANY
There are no significant and material orders passed by the Regulators
or Courts or Tribunals impacting the going concern status and Company's operations in
future.
11. PROCEEDINGS UNDER INSOLVENCY AND BANKRUPTCY CODE, 2016
During the year under review, there were no proceedings that were filed
by your Company or against your Company, which are pending under the Insolvency and
Bankruptcy Code, 2016, as amended, before National Company Law Tribunal or other Courts.
12. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES OR INVESTMENTS
The particulars of loans, guarantees and investments made by your
Company during the financial year ended March 31, 2026, as required under Section 186 of
the Companies Act, 2013 ("Act"), have been disclosed in the financial statements
forming part of this Annual Report.
13. RISK MANAGEMENT AND INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
Your Company recognises that managing risk is an integral part of good
management practice and an essential element of good corporate governance. It aims to have
a common, formalised, and systematic approach to managing risk and implementing risk
management processes across the Company. Your Company ensures effective communication and
management of risk across all risk categories. Your Company has identified elements of
risk that may threaten the existence and financial position of the Company and are set out
in the Management Discussion and Analysis.
The Board of Directors of your Company has constituted a Risk
Management Committee to frame, implement, and monitor the risk management plan for the
Company. The Committee is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the risk management
plan and ensuring its effectiveness. The Audit Committee has additional oversight in the
area of financial risks and controls. The major risks identified by the businesses and
functions are systematically addressed through mitigating actions on a continuing basis.
Your Company's Internal Financial Control Systems are commensurate with
the nature of its business and the size and complexity of its operations. These systems
are routinely tested and certified by the Statutory Auditors as well as the Internal
Auditors. Significant audit observations and the follow-up actions taken thereon are
reported to the Audit Committee.
14. HUMAN RESOURCES
Your Company places significant emphasis on developing and nurturing
its human resources through a culture built on well-being, diversity, inclusion, and equal
opportunity. Meritocracy forms the cornerstone of your Company's people philosophy, with a
strong focus on active skill development, transparent performance evaluation, and
best-in-class hiring and onboarding practices.
Your Company continually invests in enhancing employee capabilities
through robust training programmes, including On-the-Job learning, classroom sessions, and
technical and leadership development initiatives. Mandatory e-learning modules and focused
interventions in areas such as Code of Conduct, Environment, Health and Safety,
Sustainability, and World Class Manufacturing are consistently driven. These efforts aim
to enable employees to realise their full potential while contributing meaningfully to
organisational efficiency and effectiveness.
Your Company promotes a workplace culture that fosters innovation,
quality, efficiency, and sustainability, providing an environment that balances high
performance with individual growth and development.
Furthermore, your Company is compliant with the applicable provisions
of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 and has policies, systems and processes in place to
ensure ongoing compliance.
Five complaints regarding violations of the Company's Code of Conduct
were reported during the financial year under review and the same were resolved. Employee
relations remained cordial and productive across all work sites of the Company during the
financial year ended March 31, 2026.
15. DISCLOSURE UNDER THE SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN AT WORKPLACE
(PREVENTION, PROHIBITION AND REDRESSAL) ACT, 2013
Your Company is committed to fostering and upholding a positive work
environment free from any kind of discrimination and harassment. Your Company firmly
believes that all employees have the right to be treated with dignity and respect and it
maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violations of its Code of Conduct and any
form of harassment.
In accordance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at
Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act") and the
Rules made thereunder, the Company has constituted an Internal Complaints Committee
("ICC") to address and redress complaints of sexual harassment at the workplace.
During the financial year ended March 31, 2026, your Company did not
receive any complaint pertaining to sexual harassment.
16. BOARD MEETINGS
The Board meets at regular intervals to review the Company's business
and discuss strategy and plans. A tentative annual calendar of the meetings is circulated
to the Directors in advance to enable them to plan their schedule and ensure effective
participation.
During the year, five (5) board meetings were held, details of which
are provided in the Corporate Governance
Report. The maximum interval between the board meetings did not exceed
the period stipulated under the Act and the Listing Regulations.
17. AUDIT COMMITTEE AND OTHER COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
The Board has constituted or reconstituted its committees in compliance
with the Act and Regulation 18 to 21 of the Listing Regulations during the year. The
Committees currently in place are the Audit Committee, Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, Stakeholders Relationship Committee, Corporate Social Responsibility Committee
and Risk Management Committee.
The Corporate Governance Report provides information about the
Committees, their composition, meetings, and other relevant details.
18. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All related party transactions entered into during the financial year
were in the ordinary course of business and on an arm's length basis. During the year, no
material related party transactions were entered into by the Company. Prior approval of
the Audit Committee is obtained for all related party transactions. The Audit Committee
reviews and monitors, on a quarterly basis, the related party transactions entered into
vis-a-vis the related party transactions approved by it.
The Policy on Related Party Transactions, as approved by the Board, is
available on the website of the Company,
https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/investors/corporate-governance#PoliciesTabs .
None of the transactions with related parties fall within the scope of
Section 188(1) of the Act. Accordingly, the disclosure of related party transactions under
Section 134(3)(h) of the Act in Form AOC-2 is not applicable to the Company for the
financial year 2025-26 and, therefore, does not form part of this Report.
Details of related party transactions, as required under IND AS-24,
have been disclosed in the financial statements forming part of this Annual Report.
19. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, FOREIGN EXCHANGE
EARNINGS, AND OUTGO
In accordance with Section 134(3)(m) of the Act read with Rule 8 of the
Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the requisite information pertaining to conservation of
energy, technology absorption, and foreign exchange earnings and outgo is provided in
Annexure 1 to this Report.
In recognition of its continued efforts toward environmental protection
and occupational safety, your Company's plants have received and maintained certifications
under ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems) and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational
Health and Safety Management Systems). These certifications are a testament to your
Company's sustained commitment to elevating EHS standards across all its operational
sites.
20. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ("CSR")
The objective of your Company's Corporate Social Responsibility
("CSR") initiatives is to improve the quality of life of communities through
long-term value creation for all stakeholders. The CSR Policy lays down the guiding
framework for the conduct of the Company's CSR activities. The salient features of the
Policy form part of the Annual Report on CSR activities annexed to this Board's Report.
The CSR Policy is available on the Company's website at
https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/investors/corporate- governance#PoliciesTabs .
For several years, your Company has been a pioneer in championing
meaningful CSR initiatives. Your Company continues to address prevailing social challenges
through structured social development programmes, with a sustained focus on improving the
quality of life of the communities it serves.
In accordance with Section 135 of the Act, the Board has constituted a
Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, chaired by an Independent Director, to oversee
and monitor the CSR Policy and its associated programmes.
During the year under review, your Company has spent B942.54 lakhs
towards CSR activities, which is in accordance with the CSR Policy of the Company. The CSR
Policy and the initiatives undertaken during the year, in the format prescribed under the
Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, as amended, are set out in
Annexure 4 to this Report.
21. ANNUAL RETURN
Pursuant to Section 92(3) read with Section 134(3)(a) of the Act, the
Annual Return as on March 31, 2026, is accessible on the Company's website,
https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/investors/reports#ReportsTabs2.
22. WHISTLE-BLOWER POLICY AND VIGIL MECHANISM
Your Company has adopted and disseminated its Whistle-Blower Policy to
provide a secure environment and encourage employees and others to report unethical,
unlawful or improper practices, acts or activities including a leak or suspected leak of
Unpublished Price Sensitive Information and to prohibit any adverse personnel action
against those who report such practices, acts or activities, in good faith. During the
year under review, one complaint was received and resolved appropriately.
The Whistle-Blower Policy is accessible on the website of the Company,
https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/sites/
grindwellnorton.co.in/files/2025-05/Whistle%20Blower%20Policy_12th%20May%202025_0.pdf.
We foster an open and transparent culture by providing a secure and
accessible whistleblower mechanism for employees and third parties to report any
violations of the law or the Company's Principles of Conduct and Action. This mechanism is
available to all employees as well as external stakeholders. Concerns can be submitted
anonymously via https://www.bkms-system.com/saint-gobain; however, we encourage
individuals to share their identity to enable constructive dialogue.
23. SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
Your Directors state that the applicable Secretarial Standards i.e.,
SS-1 and SS-2, issued by The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, relating to
Meetings of the Board of Directors and General Meetings, respectively, have been duly
complied with. The Company has complied with the applicable requirements relating to
Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999.
24. DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
a) Directors
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 149 of the Act, the Independent
Directors have submitted declarations confirming that they meet the criteria of
independence as prescribed under Section 149(6) of the Act, read with the Rules made
thereunder and Regulations 16(1)(b) and 25(8) of the Listing Regulations. The Independent
Directors have further confirmed that they are not debarred from holding the office of
Director by virtue of any SEBI order or any other such authority and that they are in
compliance with the requirements relating to registration with the Independent Directors'
Databank maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs in terms of the Companies
(Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014. The Board has reviewed and
assessed the veracity of the declarations received from the Independent Directors, as
required under Regulation 25(9) of the Listing Regulations, and is of the opinion that all
the Independent Directors fulfil the conditions of independence specified under the Act
and the Listing Regulations, are independent of the Management, and possess the requisite
integrity, expertise, experience, and proficiency. During the year under review, there was
no change in the circumstances affecting their status as Independent Directors of the
Company.
In accordance with the Act and the Articles of Association of the
Company, Mr. Sreedhar Natarajan (Director Identification No. 08320482), Non-Executive
Director, retires by rotation and being eligible, has offered himself for re-appointment.
The Board of Directors recommends his re-appointment to seek Members' approval, along with
other essential details, is included in the Notice of the Annual General Meeting
("AGM").
The disclosures required pursuant to Regulation 36 of the Listing
Regulations and Clause 1.2.5 of the Secretarial Standard on General Meetings are given in
the Notice of the AGM, forming part of the Annual Report, and Schedule V of the Listing
Regulations is given in the Corporate Governance Report, forming part of the Annual
Report. The Members are also requested to refer to the pertinent item(s) listed in the
Notice of the AGM.
During the year under review, there were changes in the directorship of
the Company as set out below:
| Name |
DIN |
Designation/Category |
Nature of Change |
Effective Date |
| Mr. Venugopal Shanbhag |
08888359 |
Managing Director |
Appointed |
April 1, 2025 |
| Mr. Hari Singudasu |
10455516 |
Executive Director |
Appointed |
April 1, 2025 |
| Mr. Jean-Claude Lasserre |
10082026 |
Non-Executive Director |
Resigned |
May 9, 2025 |
| Ms. Stephanie Billet |
11082284 |
Non-Executive Director |
Appointed |
May 10, 2025 |
b) Key Managerial Personnel ("KMP")
Mr. Venugopal Shanbhag (Director Identification No. 08888359),
Executive Director, was appointed as the Managing Director of the Company for a period of
five (5) years with effect from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2030. The said appointment was
approved by the Members by way of Postal Ballot on March 27, 2025.
Mr. Hari Singudasu resigned from the position of Chief Financial
Officer of the Company with effect from the close of business hours on May 9, 2025. He has
confirmed that there were no material reasons for his resignation. The Board of Directors
places on record its sincere appreciation for the valuable contributions, commitment, and
strategic guidance extended by Mr. Hari Singudasu during his tenure as Chief Financial
Officer.
Pursuant to the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee and the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on May 9,
2025, appointed Mr. Prakash Sabarad as Chief Financial Officer of the Company with effect
from May 10, 2025.
Further, Mr. K. Visweswaran resigned from the positions of Company
Secretary, Compliance Officer, and Nodal Officer with effect from the close of business
hours on February 6, 2026, pursuant to an internal reorganization. He has confirmed that
there were no material reasons for his resignation. The Board places on record its
appreciation for the dedication, contributions, and support extended by Mr. K. Visweswaran
during his tenure as Company Secretary.
Based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration
Committee, the Board of Directors, at its meeting held on February 6, 2026, appointed Mr.
Girish T. Shajani as Company Secretary, Compliance Officer, and Nodal Officer of the
Company with effect from February 8, 2026.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 203 of the Act, the details of
the changes in the Key Managerial Personnel of the Company during the financial year ended
March 31, 2026, are set out below:
| Name of Key Managerial Personnel |
Designation |
Nature of Change |
Effective Date |
| Mr. Venugopal Shanbhag |
Managing Director |
Appointed |
April 1, 2025 |
| Mr. Hari Singudasu |
Executive Director |
Appointed |
April 1, 2025 |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
Resigned |
May 9, 2025 |
| Mr. Prakash Sabarad |
Chief Financial Officer |
Appointed |
May 10, 2025 |
| Mr. K. Visweswaran |
Company Secretary Compliance Officer and Nodal Officer |
Resigned |
February 6, 2026 |
| Mr. Girish T. Shajani |
Company Secretary Compliance Officer and Nodal Officer |
Appointed |
February 8, 2026 |
None of the Directors or Key Managerial Personnel has any pecuniary
relationships or transactions with the Company, other than salaries, commission, sitting
fees and reimbursement of expenses incurred by them for the purpose of attending meetings
of the Company.
25. DIRECTORS RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
To the best of their knowledge and belief and according to the
information and explanations obtained, your Directors make the following statements in
terms of Section 134 of the Act,
i. that in the preparation of the annual financial statements for the
year ended March 31, 2026, the applicable accounting standards have been followed along
with proper explanations relating to material departures, if any;
ii. that such accounting policies have been selected and applied
consistently and 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 at the end of the financial year
on March 31, 2026, and of the profit of the Company for the year ended on that date;
iii. that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance
of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for
safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other
irregularities;
iv. that the annual financial statements have been prepared on a 'going
concern' basis;
v. that proper internal financial controls are in place and that such
internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively;
vi. that systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all
applicable laws are in place and that such systems are adequate and are operating
effectively.
With reference to the point number (v), the Board believes that the
Company has sound Internal Financial Controls ("IFC") commensurate with the
nature and size of its business. However, the business is dynamic and IFC are not static,
and evolve over time as the business, technology and fraud environment change in response
to competition, industry practices, legislation, regulation and current economic
conditions. There will therefore be gaps in the IFC as the business evolves. The Company
has established a mechanism to consistently detect such deficiencies and implement updated
or enhanced controls wherever the potential impact of such gaps on the Company's
operations is significant.
26. BOARD EVALUATION
The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Nomination and
Remuneration Committee, has adopted a framework for performance evaluation of the Board,
its committees, individual directors and the chairperson through a survey questionnaire.
The survey questionnaire broadly covers various aspects of board functioning, the
composition of the Board and its committees, culture, execution and performance of
specific duties, obligations and governance. The evaluation parameters are based on
execution of specific duties, quality of deliberation at the meeting, independence of
judgement, decision making, the contribution of directors at the meetings and functioning
of the Committees.
The performance of the Board, its committees, individual directors, and
chairperson was assessed by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and the Board. In
addition, the Independent Directors conducted an evaluation of the performance of
Non-Independent Directors, Chairperson, and the Board, as a whole.
The Board of Directors also appraised the performance of the
Independent Directors, their fulfillment of independence criteria specified by the Act and
Listing Regulations, and as well as their independence from management. The Director being
evaluated did not participate in the evaluation process.
27. FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME FOR INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
The purpose of the familiarisation programme is to acquaint the
Independent Directors with the Company's business model and the industry in which it
operates. Details of the familiarisation programme are accessible on the Company's
website,
https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/investors/corporate-governance#FamiliarisationTabs3.
Furthermore, the Independent Directors are periodically briefed on the
latest developments in the Company and its operations.
28. PARTICULARS OF EMPLOYEES
Disclosures pertaining to remuneration and other details as required
under Section 197 of the Act read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Appointment and
Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 is annexed as Annexure 2(A) to this
Report. The Statement containing names of top ten employees in terms of remuneration drawn
and the particulars of employees as required under Section 197(12) of the Act read with
Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules,
2014, is provided in Annexure 2(B) forming part of this Report.
The Nomination and Remuneration Committee has laid down the criteria
for Directors' appointment and remuneration. These are set out in the Nomination and
Remuneration Policy which is annexed as Annexure 3 to this Report and is also accessible
on the Company's website at https://www.grindwellnorton.co.in/investors/
corporate-governance#PoliciesTabs .
29. AUDITORS
a) Statutory Auditors
M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm
Registration No. 104607W/W100166) was appointed as Statutory Auditors of your Company at
the 72nd AGM of the Company held on July 29, 2022, till the conclusion of the 77th AGM of
the Company to be held in the year 2027. The Statutory Auditors have confirmed that they
are not disqualified from continuing as Auditors of the Company.
b) Cost Auditor
In accordance with Section 148 of the Act and Rules framed thereunder,
the cost audit records are maintained by the Company in respect of the products which are
required to be audited. Your Directors, on the recommendation of the Audit Committee,
appointed M/s. Rao, Murthy & Associates, Cost Accountants (Firm Registration No.
000065), to conduct the audit of the cost records maintained by the Company for the
financial year ending March 31, 2027 M/s. Rao, Murthy & Associates, Cost Accountants,
have under Section 139(1) of the Act and the Rules framed thereunder furnished a
certificate of their eligibility and consent for the appointment.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 148(3) of the Act read
with Rule 14 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the remuneration payable
to the Cost Auditor as recommended by the Audit Committee and approved by the Board of
Directors has to be ratified by the Members of the Company. Accordingly, an appropriate
resolution forms part of the Notice convening the AGM. The Board of Directors seeks your
support in approving the proposed remuneration of B3,25,000/- (Rupees three lakhs
twenty-five thousand only) plus applicable taxes and out-of-pocket expenses at actuals
payable to the Cost Auditor for the financial year ending March 31, 2027 M/s. Rao, Murthy
& Associates, Cost Accountants, have vast experience in the field of cost audit and
have conducted the audit of the cost records maintained by the Company for the past
several years.
c) Secretarial Auditor
M/s. Parikh & Associates, Company Secretaries in Practice (Firm
Registration No. P1988MH009800) was appointed as Secretarial Auditor of the Company at the
75th AGM of the Company held on July 25, 2025, for a period of five (5) consecutive years
commencing from the financial year 2025-26 till the financial year 2029-30.
The Secretarial Auditor has confirmed that they are not disqualified
from continuing as Secretarial Auditor of the Company. The Secretarial Audit Report for
the financial year ended March 31, 2026, in Form No. MR-3 is set out in Annexure 6 of this
Report.
30. COMMENTS ON AUDITORS' REPORT
There are no qualifications, reservations, adverse remarks or
disclaimers made by M/s. Kalyaniwalla & Mistry LLP, Statutory Auditors, in their
Auditor's Report and by M/s. Parikh & Associates, Secretarial Auditor, in their
Secretarial Audit Report.
The Statutory Auditors of the Company have not reported any fraud as
specified under the second proviso of Section 143(12) of the Act (including any statutory
modification(s) or re-enactment(s) for the time being in force).
31. GENERAL DISCLOSURE
During the financial year under review, there were no transactions
requiring disclosure or reporting in respect of the following matters:
a) No equity shares with differential rights as to dividend, voting or
otherwise were issued.
b) No shares, including sweat equity shares, were issued to employees
under any scheme.
c) No funds were raised through preferential allotment or qualified
institutions placement.
d) No one-time settlement was entered into with any Bank or Financial
Institution.
As per Listing Regulations, the Corporate Governance Report with the
Auditors' Certificate thereon, and the Management Discussion and Analysis are attached,
which form part of this Annual Report.
As per Regulation 34 of the Listing Regulations, a Business
Responsibility and Sustainability Report is attached and is a part of this Annual Report.
32. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Your Directors take this opportunity to acknowledge, with sincere
gratitude, the support of its esteemed customers, the strength it derives from its
association with Compagnie de Saint-Gobain and its subsidiaries, the unwavering support
and collaboration of the employees and bankers, and the loyalty of the large family of the
Company's dealers, suppliers and esteemed shareholders.
|
By Order of the Board of Directors |
|
|
Subodh Nadkarni |
Venugopal Shanbhag |
|
Chairman |
Managing Director |
| Mumbai, May 8, 2026 |
DIN: 00145999 |
DIN: 08888359 |
|