|
To
THESHAREHOLDERS
Your Directors have pleasure in presenting their Report and audited Accounts of the
Company for the financial year ended 31 st March, 2021.
FINANCIAL & OPERATIONAL RESULTS
(Rs. in Lacs)
|
Financial Year 31st March, 2021 |
Financial Year 31st March, 2020 |
| FINANCIAL RESULTS |
|
|
| (a) Gross Turnover |
7,914.16 |
15313.22 |
| (b) Operating Profit Before Finance Cost & Depreciation |
(1,525.38) |
(407.76) |
| (c) Finance Cost |
1,757.59 |
1481.02 |
| (d) Cash Accruals |
(3,282.97) |
(1,888.78) |
| (e) Depreciation & Amortization |
518.61 |
521.18 |
| (f) Profit (Loss) before extraordinary items |
(3801.58) |
(2,409.96) |
| (g) Extraordinary Item of Exp./Income |
- |
- |
| (h) Profit (Loss) Before Tax |
(3801.58) |
(2,409.96) |
| (i) Provision for Tax |
|
|
| - Deferred Tax |
935.52 |
- |
| - Income Tax of earlier year |
- |
- |
| (j) Profit (Loss) After Tax |
(4,737.10) |
(2,409.96) |
| (k) Other comprehensive Income (net of tax) |
(17.40) |
(59.24) |
| (l) Total Comprehensive Income for the year |
(4,754.50) |
(2,469.20) |
DIVIDEND:
In view of continuous losses company is unable to pay Dividend.
OPERATIONAL RESULTS Sugar Unit
During the year 2020-21 there was no production in sugar factory as sugar factory could
not start its production. Thus the figures for the year ended 31st March, 2021 vis -a-vis
previous financial year ended 31 st March, 2020 in respect of the Sugar Factory of your
Company are given below:-
|
Financial Year 31st March, 2021 |
Financial Year 31st March, 2020 |
| 1. Duration of crushing (gross days) |
NIL |
120 |
| 2. Cane crushed (Lac Qtls.) |
NIL |
33.17 |
| 3. Recovery (%) |
N.A. |
8.10 |
| 4. Production (Lac Qtls.) - |
NIL |
2.69 |
| The sales of sugar unit decreased by 54% from Rs. 135.02 Cr to Rs. 62.48 Cr |
|
|
The crushing season 2019-20 started from 18th December, 2019 and concluded on 29th
February, 2020. Due to labour problems and strike during season period the recovery of
sugar affected resulting higher cost of production.
Due to Labour unrest, Sugar season could not be started for the season 2020-21. The
sugarcane area of the company allotted to other sugar factories. Due to Non-availability
of fuel and power Distillery could not run and subsequently due to labour unrest,
operation of Boiler thus Distillery could not be started. There was no production of
Sugar, Molasses and Ethanol during the financial year 2020-21. So that Previous
Year/Quarter Figures are not comparable.
Since 30th September, 2018 all Bank loans of the company are N PA. The bankers allowed
Holding on operation subject to terms & conditions therein up to 30.09.2021.
Sugar sale price remained subdued during the year, much below cost of production of
sugar.
The sale price of sugar was lower than cost of production. The central government fixed
minimum floor price of sugar at Rs. 31 per kg which was announced to revise Rs.33 per kg
from 1 st October, 2020. However the cost of production of sugar on all India basis was
much higher and industry demanded floor price of Rs. 35-36 per kg which was not accepted
by the government, which resulted in a loss on realizations. The parity between cane price
and sugar price is yet to be established.
Due to continuous abysmal lower recovery the sugar factory made huge lossess as
mentioned below:--
|
Narkatiaganj |
Sidhwalia |
Hasanpur |
Harinagar |
Riga |
Majhaulia |
Gopalganj |
Bagaha |
| 2018-19 |
11.31 |
10.33 |
11.23 |
10.71 |
8.01 |
10.00 |
10.36 |
10.35 |
| 2019-20 |
11.54 |
10.92 |
11.00 |
11.42 |
8.86 |
9.91 |
10.18 |
11.24 |
Continuing Losses
During last 10 years company has incurred Loss of Rs. 164 Cr. but still made repayment
of Term Loan of Rs. 79 Cr. and interest of Rs. 159 Cr., as enumerated below:-
Rs. in Lacs
|
11-12 |
12- 13 |
13-14 |
14-15 |
15-16 |
16-17 |
17-18 |
18-19 |
19-20 |
20-21 |
Total |
| Net Profit (Loss) |
(524) |
(350) |
(272) |
(1,442) |
(506) |
(409) |
(2081) |
(4,643) |
(2,410) |
(3801) (16,438) |
|
| Term Loan Repayment |
1,432 |
492 |
477 |
1,066 |
786 |
1,205 |
1,410 |
1,039 |
21 |
-- |
7,928 |
| Payment of Interest |
1,571 |
1,559 |
1,318 |
1,607 |
1,435 |
1,502 |
1,765 |
1,963 |
1481 |
1,758 |
15,959 |
Due to continuous losses for last 10 years there are cane price arrears to farmers.
However the company has totally repaid the sugar cane price till season 2017-18.
Riga Sugar for last 6-7 years due to natural calamities, disparity in sugar price &
cane price, closure of distillery on CPCB directions have faced tremendous problem.
Cyclone Phailin in 2013, Cyclone Hud-Hud in 2014, Earthquake in 2015, Flood in 2017 and
2019 have made great loss to company. The State Government had given assurance to help and
visited the area but no compensation was granted. In August 2017 and 2019 heavy flood also
caused huge damage to our plant and sugarcane.
The incentive claim as declared by the State Government and other receivable from state
government are still pending for long time which the Government is not releasing. The same
amount could have been used for payment of cane price arrears for the season 2018-19.
Since the entire bank loans of the company had became an NPA in the year 2018-19, the
bankers allowed holding on operation which is still going on.
Due to continuous losses, the Net worth of the company is fully eroded which may have
an effect on the entity's ability to continue as a going concern. However, the Management
is still hopeful that with financial restructuring by the banks and financial assistance
from the state and central government the company can still revive.
(1) The company has made request for following support from central and state
government, if provided the company can be revived: -
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT
(a) Ethanol Loan to NPA sugar factory who has defaulted in SDF
To increase the no of days of operation of Ethanol Plant from present restricted 270
days to 330 days and consequential increase in plant capacity company have to install
Incineration boiler and also install Modification System for which company has applied to
Central Government for approval Project so as to avail Term Loan from Bank with interest
subvention upto 6% p.a. for 5 years as per Scheme announced by the Central Government
dated 15.09.2020. The same was sanction subject to payment of dues of LSPEF and SDF.
(b) Company have been deprived from Soft Loan Scheme announced by the Central
Government to Sugar Industry. In this regard the Principle Secretary, Dept. of Sugarcane
Industry, Govt. of Bihar vide letter dated 8.9.2020 has recommended to Central Government
for Soft Loan to Riga Sugar of Rs. 40 Cr. to pay-off the cane price arrears, which is
still pending with the Central Government.
(c) MIEQ & Cane price Subsidy by the Central Government for the season 2018-19
The central government had announced cane price subsidy for the season 2018-19 at the
rate of Rs. 13.88 per qtl. However, it was linked with compulsory export obligation known
as MIEQ. However, there was loss on making export of sugar which the majority of weak
companies like company could not bear and thus could not pay cane price subsidy to the
farmers and thus farmers are deprived of cane price subsidy. Company has demanded that
central government to pay Rs. 13.88 for season 2018-19 directly to farmers without linking
with prior export obligation to weak and small sugar companies.
(d) Non-payment of 3rd and 4thqtr Buffer Stock Claim of 2018 Scheme of Rs. 123.74 Lacs
and other penalty.
Buffer Stock claim for 3rd and 4th quarter as per Scheme of Buffer Stock dated 15th
June, 2018 of Rs. 123.74 Lacs has been withheld because the company have not able to
export sugar in 2018-19 as per MIEQ, because there was upfront loss on such export which
could not bear.
For one fault of non-export which is reason beyond control, the Company is penalized by
multiple ways as follow: -
i) Not given cane price subsidy of Rs. 13.88/- per quintal on cane crush of 45.25 Lacs
qtl. in 2018-19 i.e., Rs. 6.29 Cr. which could have gone to farmers directly.
ii) Withholding of Buffer subsidy of 3rd and 4th quarter on date of Rs. 1.23 Cr, which
will go to the cane price arrears.
iii) Reduction of subsequent Buffer qty created in of 2019.
iv) Non-eligibility of the company to avail subsidized soft loan to pay cane price
arrears as per scheme dated 2nd March, 2019 to pay cane price arrears to farmers of
2018-19.
STATE GOVERNMENT
The company has made request for the following support from the State government. If
provided, the company can be revived and it can come out of NPA: -
(a) Provide company additional cane price subsidy of Rs.40 per qtl. for the season
2017-18 and additional cane price subsidy of Rs.30 per qtl. for the season 2018-19 over
and above the subsidy announced for all Bihar sugar mills- This will ward-off the
additional losses incurred by us on account of lower Recovery for payment of cane price to
Farmers.
(b) Provide company soft term loan of Rs. 40 crores at interest rate of 4% for period
of 10 years with moratorium of 5 years, so that we can pay cane price for last season and
current season. The Bank has already agreed to provide second charge on Fixed Assets of
the company toward security of such loan. But no action from state government.
The aforesaid amount can be paid directly to the farmers.
(c) Release of Bihar Soft Loan Interest subvention for the FY 2016-17 to 2020-21 Rs.
493.45 Lacs.
(d) Reimbursement of Co-gen subsidy of Rs.156 lacs pending since last 2 years.
(e) Help farmers directly for procurement of High Yield variety of cane seed of CO 238
for 2 years of Rs. 10 Cr.
(f) Compensation towards running sugar plant in scorching heat of April and May, 2019
as per direction of the state government in the interest of farmers in season 2018-19 and
consequent loss by way of extremely lower recovery estimated at Rs. 7.45 Cr.
Central Government action during the year
The Central Government announced the export policy for sugar albeit delayed by three
months. In spite of multiple bottlenecks like shortage of containers or lower labour
availability at ports due to lockdown restrictions, the sugar export from India is
expected to touch 6.8 MMT during the sugar season 2020-21 in comparison to ~5.8 MMT during
last season. As a result, the carry forward stock of sugar in the country as on 30th
September 2021, is expected to be around 9.5 MMT or around 4.5 months of sugar
consumption.
Fair & Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the sugar season 2020-21 was
revised to Rs. 285 per quintal from Rs.275 per quintal in the previous year (linked to a
basic recovery of 10%).
The pricing methodology for ethanol remained unchanged. Ethanol prices are announced
annually by the Central Government based on a formula, which factored the price of sugar
and FRP of sugarcane to calculate ethanol procurement prices. Ethanol prices are delinked
from crude or petrol prices. Ethanol prices for the supply period from December 2020 to
November 2021 were increased to Rs.45.69, Rs.57.61 and Rs.62.65 per BL for ethanol
produced from C-heavy molasses, B-heavy molasses and direct cane juice/sugar syrup
respectively compared to Rs.43.75, Rs.54.27 and Rs.59.48 per BL in the previous period.
Minimum Selling Price (MSP) of sugar was first fixed at Rs.29 per kg in June 2018 and
later increased to Rs.31 per kg in February 2019. MSP is the ex-factory price (excluding
GST and transportation charges) below which no mill can sell sugar in India. Owing to
India becoming a surplus sugar producer, the MSP environment is expected to continue. The
Group of Ministers' recommendation to revise the MSP from Rs.31 to Rs.33 per kg is
awaiting Cabinet approval for long time.
Stock holding limits on mills in the form of maximum monthly sale quotas continued.
The export of 60 Lacs MT of sugar from India, with WTO-compliant financial assistance,
was announced.
A higher customs duty continues against the import of sugar. / A zero customs duty also
continues for the export of sugar.
The Central Government announced differential and attractive prices for ethanol
generated from damaged/surplus food grains. Soft loans are encouraged through banks for
commissioning new distillery capacities or augmentation of existing capacities, which
could facilitate higher ethanol production and reduce the sugar surplus through the
diversion of B-heavy molasses and direct cane juice/sugar syrup away from sugar to
ethanol.
The Department of Food & Public Distribution, Government of India, constituted a
working committee to look into the aspect of sugar cane price rationalisation and other
matters to present a long-term sustainable solution for the entire sugar eco-system after
due consultation.
For long-term solution, further proactive steps are required to be taken again on
priority basis in order to protect the interest of various stakeholders:
Most of the sugar producing countries in the world including some of the largest
viz. Brazil, Thailand, Australia and USA follow the Revenue Sharing Formula (RSF) to pay
cane price to farmers. India should also follow the same so as to achieve its
competitiveness on the global front.
Dr. Rangarajan committee as well as Niti Ayog have recommended the concept of
joint implementation of FRP, RSF and PSF
(Price Stabilization Fund) as a permanent long term solution for the sector; otherwise
the sector would continue to require Government support. Once the above formula is in
place, miller's liability for cane price to be limited to the amount arrived at as per
RSF, farmers will continue to get FRP and the difference between the FRP and the RSF to be
paid from PSF. PSF has to be on a self-financing mechanism. State Advised Price (SAP) to
be done away with. Cane price to be allowed to be paid in instalments across the country
so as to ease the pressure on the working capital requirements of the sugar mills which
will also support the sugar prices.
The All India sugar price and sugarcane price announced by Central Government as per
FRP for last 9 years are depicted below:-
| Year |
Sugar Price |
Price Sugarcane Price (FRP) |
| 2011-12 |
2,951 |
145.00 |
| 2012-13 |
3,148 |
170.00 |
| 2013-14 |
2,917 |
210.00 |
| 2014-15 |
2,492 |
220.00 |
| 2015-16 |
3,121 |
230.00 |
| 2016-17 |
3,620 |
230.00 |
| 2017-18 |
3,136 |
255.00 |
| 2018-19 |
3,050 |
275.00 |
| 2019-20 |
3,300 |
275.00 |
| 2020-21 |
3,300 |
285.00 |
The sugar price during last 10 years increased by 12%, whereas the sugarcane price
increased by 97%.
| Distillery Unit |
Financial Year 31st March, 2021 |
Financial Year 31st March, 2020 |
| 1. Production of Ethanol from Molasses (Lac BL) |
NIL |
77.80 |
| 2. Supply of Ethanol (Lac BL) |
25.98 |
58.73 |
There was no production during the year in Distillery.
Co-Gen of Power
During the year due to non-operation of sugar season there was no co-gen.
Bio-Compost Fertiliser
The company is using distillery effluent and press mud from sugar and other
agricultural waste to produce bio-compost which is very cost efficient. Thus the company
apart from treatment of effluent and zero discharge adding value. The company got
Registration of Bio-compost under Fertiliser Control Order, 1985 with Ministry of
Agriculture as per requirement of CPCB.
SEGMENT-WISE PERFORMANCE:
During the reporting period sugar segment contributed 85 percent of net sales of the
company whereas Distillery accounted for 15 percent. The company identified two business
segments in line with the Accounting Standard on Segment Reporting, Segment- wise Revenue,
Results and Capital Employed as stated in Note No.25 (5) of financial statement enclosed
with the Annual Report.
Significant changes in key financial ratio:
i) Interest Coverage Ratio deteriorated from (0.28) to (0.87) due to increased
operating loss. .
ii) Current Ratio deteriorated from 0.32 to 0.04 due to further increase in loss during
the year and consequent depletion in Current Asset.
iii) Debt Equity Ratio: the total Debt of the company vis-a-vis shareholder fund are
negative both years.
iv) The Operating Profit Margin Percentage was negative both year which was (24.16) in
2020-21 and (5.91) in 2019-20 due to no operation of plant and consequent loss.
v) Net Profit Margin was negative in both year (56.00%) in 2020-21 and (15.34%) in
2019-20. This deterioration was due to loss because of no operation of plant.
vi) For both years both Net Worth and Return was negative and thus nothing to comment.
INDUSTRY STRUCTURE & POLICY
Structure
Sugar Industry, is seasonal in nature and directly dependent on monsoon for
availability of adequate sugar cane. India is the largest consumer and second largest
producer of sugar in the world, contributing over 15 percent of the world's sugar
production through over 600 sugar factories situated in different parts of the country.
The sugar Industry is the largest agro based industry in India. This industry also
provides valuable by-products like bagasse, molasses and press mud. The availability of
these by-products led to setting up of Alcohol/Ethanol/co-generation of Power and Organic
Manure plants. Over 5 Crore farmers, large number of agricultural labourer are involved in
sugarcane cultivation and its harvesting operations. The growth of sugar industry has a
powerful impact on the rural economy. Integrated Sugar Industry (comprising sugar,
molasses, alcohol, power and bio-fertilizer) enjoys annual turnover of over Rs. 1,00,000
Crore and contribute about Rs.5,000 crore to the Central Government Exchequer by way of
GST beside state taxes on sugarcane and hefty taxes collected by state as excise and VAT
on sale of spirit in the state which run an estimated Rs. 10,000 crores annually. The
Income tax also contributes to the government coffer. Industry accelerates rural
development through farm employment as well as business opportunities in transport and
communication.
Sugar has been declared as an 'essential commodity' under the Essential Commodities
Act, 1955. Under Sugarcane (Control) Order, 1966, the Government of India fixes cane price
called Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) for sugarcane every year based on the
recommendations of the Commission on Agricultural Costs & Prices. However many state
government fixes higher cane price for the sugar factories in their state. In Bihar there
is no statutory provision of State Advised Price, but actual cane price is fixed in
consultation with the state. CACP gives recommendation of cane price , but government do
not implement due to political consideration. Since last few year Central government is
also fixing floor price of sugar below which no sugar factory sale sugar. This is check
the free fall of sugar price. However floor price is lower than cost of production.
Sugar Cycle
The Indian sugar industry is characterized by cycle of high and low sugar production.
This cycle of 3-4 years is broadly of two types viz. Natural comprising climatic
variation, water availability and pest attacks. The other is induced cyclicality which
have sequence like -- higher sugar production and accumulation of stock -- decline in
sugar prices & profitability -- higher sugarcane arrears -- decline in area under
cultivation & Lower cane production -- lower sugar production -- lower sugar
availability and stock and thus increase in sugar prices --- improved profitability &
low cane arrears -- higher cane production -- higher sugar production and so on. Every
time the cyclicality reaches its low government have to step in to provide Fiscal support
in the form of Export subsidy, Buffer Stock creation, Interest Free Loans etc. For last
few years the Central Government is aggressively promoting Ethanol production and thus
allowing B-Heavy Molassess and syrup for production of Ethanol whose price is quite
attractive. This has led to diversion of excess sugarcane toward production of Ethanol and
thus the famous sugar cycle is breaking its trend for last few years.
The fundamental problem of the Indian Sugar Industry is that there is no parity between
the price of raw material i.e. sugarcane and its finished goods of sugar i.e. Illogical
intervention of state government cause wide economical distortation in sugar industry. In
almost all major sugar producing countries of the world the price of cane paid to the
farmers depends on realization from sugar.
Rangrajan Committee Report-Linkage of Raw Material Costs and Sugar Realization
The main recommendation of Rangrajan Committee report of the year 2012 regarding
linkage of cane price with sugar price and its by products has not been implemented so
far. The committee has suggested for revenue sharing model under which 70% of sugar value
and each of its major three by-products would be paid to farmers. Rangrajan Committee has
indicated a derived cane price formula. It indicates that cane price will not be an
absolute but linked to another variable. Cane price will be linked to the price of sugar
in the market place. The higher the sugar realizations, the greater will be the cane
price. This is an internationally tested model. This ensures that any increase in sectors
profitability is equitably shared between its manufactures and growers. The cane grower
will not be treated outsider, but as partner of entire value chain. The Rangrajan
committee has gone a step further in this proposed linkage; it has proposed a sharing
percentage at a level higher than what is practiced abroad, which more than secures the
interest of farmers.
Fixation of cane price at high level than the market price of sugar should be made
illegal. Various committees and high-level committee like Rangarajan have said so.
According to Rangrajan Commitee, "A sugar unit without any by-products' business will
have to pay cane price of 70% of its revenue realisation, while it will have to spend 30%
on its functioning. On the other hand, a sugar factory with by-products business will have
to pay cane price of 75% of its revenue realization from sugar. The cane price to be fixed
taking into account this formula."
Pollution Control- Zero Discharge Company
The Sugar and Distillery factories of the company are Zero Discharge Plants as per
norms of Central Pollution Control Board and Ministry of Forest and Environment. The
company treat the entire solid waste generated from Sugar factory which is generated in
the form of Press-mud and liquid generated from Distillery in the form of spent wash for
production of Bio-Compost. For this the company has set-up Digesters, MEE, RO, Lagoon and
Bio-compost facilities on more than 17 Acres of Land. The Digesters is capable of
generating bio-gas which is replacement of fossil fuel. The Bio-compost produced is rich
in all organic nutrients required for fertility of the land. The said bio-compost is sold
to farmers who supply sugarcane to company and also to other farmers and even used in Tea
Gardens of Assam and Darjeeling.
The company is not only zero discharge company, but is also generating economic value
from such waste products and rejuvenating the farm land through use of organic fertilizer.
As per revised norms of CPCB, Distillery of the company has also installed CPU. Now to
increase number of permitted days of Distillery operation from present 270 days to 330
days CPCB has prescribed installation of Incineration. Due to financial constraints
company has not been able to install the same. However the Central government has notified
scheme for interest subvention Loan from the Bank for financing of Incineration. The
company has applied for such subsidized loan and has been granted in-principle approval of
Loan of Rs.30 Cr. from central government subject to payment of dues of LSPEF and SDF.
OPPORTUNITIES AND THREATS
OPPORTUNITIES
Sugar
India is largest consumer and second largest producer of sugar in the world. Major
consumers are manufacturer of cold drink, Biscuits, Confectioneries and Halwais which
constitute 70% of total consumption and rest 30% by ordinary consumer. There are huge
scope for further increase in demand as India is still lagging behind from many advanced
countries in respect of per capita consumption of sugar. Thus there are opportunity in
production and consumption of higher quantity of sugar in coming period.
Distillery
The mandatory provision of ethanol blending of 10% have strong support for growth of
sugar industry. Ethanol production improves oil security and contributes to environmental
protection. The Government has announced its policy decision and set aim to increase the
ethanol mixing with petrol at 20% by the year 2025 which was earlier 2025 and also mixing
with Diesel. The Government of India has announced package for financing of Ethanol
Production Capacity including new Ethanol plant and expansion including financing of
Pollution Control Equipment. The remunerative price of Ethanol from B Heavy and Syrup is
leading to setting up of Ethanol Plant. Thus coming years the Ethanol is going to be major
driver for growth of sugar industry in the country.
Power
Sugar Industry offer immense scope for renewal energy project on co-generation basis,
which provide clean energy. Due to this the increased demand of surplus bagasse has added
imputes to revenue generation. The Tariff policy for co-gen renewal power is also
lucrative in comparison to conventional power based on fusel fuel. At present sugar
industry in India is producing about 4000 MW of surplus power and supplying to grid.
However there is potential of 8000 MW co-gen surplus power with the sugar industry.
Bio-Compost Fertiliser
The bio-compost fertilizer being produced by the company has got immense scope of
demand in all major agriculture cultivation as it not only preserve the soil from
excessive use of chemical fertilizer but also increase its fertility.
THREATS
No linkage of Sugar Price with cane price
Unreasonable high cane price in comparison to sugar selling price.
The sugar sector is exposed to political intervention cyclical downtrend.
Natural Calamity.
FUTURE PROSPECTS/OUTLOOK Industry scenario and outlook
India began the sugar season 2020-21 (October to September) with an opening inventory
of around 10.7 MMT (Metric Million Tonnes). Sugar production for the current season is
estimated at 30.8 MMT, around 4.4 MMT higher than the previous season's production of 27.4
MMT. In spite of the Covid-19 situation, which necessitated frequent lockdowns, the
domestic demand for sugar is expected to be around 26.0 MMT compared to 25.3 MMT in the
previous season.
The by-products of Power and Ethanol support the sugar industry to some extent. The
proactive policy of the central government to promote the production capacity of Ethanol
will have far reaching positive impact on sugar industry.
Ethanol sector in India A steady rise in ethanol blending is not only likely to
moderate crude oil import, saving precious foreign exchange reserves, but also encourage
the use of additional cane juice and other raw materials efficiently while protecting the
environment from the release of poisonous vehicular exhaust gas. The new National Biofuel
Policy 2018 has fixed a target of achieving 20% ethanol blending with petrol by 2025with
the government targeting to achieve the 10% milestone of ethanol blending with petrol by
2022.
Committee of the Board
The details of composition of Audit Committee and other committees of the Board of
Directors alongwith the attendance thereof is provided in the Corporate Governance Report
forming part hereof.
Audit Committee
The composition and attendance at the audit committee meeting are as follow:-
| Name of Members |
Status |
Date of joining during the year |
Date of leaving during the year |
| Mr. P.J.Bhide (Chairman) |
Independent & Non-Executive |
- |
- |
| Mrs. Sulekha Dutta |
-do- |
- |
- |
| Mr. Dilip Datta |
-do- |
- |
- |
| Mr.N.K.Parasramka |
Non Independent & Non Executive |
- |
- |
Four meetings of Audit Committee held during the year on
26.08.2020,15.09.2020,13.11.2020 and 11.02.2021.
Information pursuant to Section 134 of the Companies Act, 2013
a. Extract of the annual return as provided under Section 92(3) of Companies Act, 2013
is enclosed -Annexure I
b. Eight meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company were held during the year on
11.06.2020, 23.06.2020, 17.08.2020, 26.08.2020, 15.09.2020, 13.11.2020, 26.11.2020 and
11.02.2021.
c. All the Independent Directors of the company have furnished declarations that they
satisfy the requirement of Section 149 (6) of the Companies Act, 2013.
d. Relevant extracts of the Company's policy on directors appointment and remuneration
including criteria for determining qualifications, positive attributes, independence of a
director and other matters provided in section 178(3) of Companies Act, 2013 is enclosed -
Annexure 11. We affirm that the remuneration paid to the Directors is as per terms laid
out in the Nomination and Remuneration Policy of the company.
e. In the Auditors Report dated 23.06.2021, the Auditors have given Qualified Opinion
in relation to the Financial Statements of the Company for the Financial Year ended 31
March 2021. The basis for qualified opinion and Board's response in relation to the said
opinion are as under:-
| Audit Qualification |
Board's Response |
| Due to the continuous Losses, Company's Net Worth has been fully eroded. The Company
has also defaulted in repayment of Borrowings to the banks and others. In view of the
uncertainties involved, these events and conditions indicate a material uncertainty which
may cast a significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a Going Concern. |
The Company would be able to continue as a Going Concern with financial restructuring
by the banks and financial assistance from the state and central government. The
encouragement being given by the government toward augmentation of ethanol production by
way of allowing ethanol production from B heavy molasses, Direct Juice and food grains and
interest subvention loan for expansion, setting up and zero discharge equipment for
Ethanol. The interest subvention loan being provided by the central government for
installation of zero discharge equipment like incineration will help the company to remove
the production bottleneck in distillery, increase in capacity and production and also
improvement in overall profitability. The company has already been given in-principle
approval of Term Loan under interest subvention from Banks for Ethanol by central
government subject to fulfilment of terms and conditions. |
f. There has been no materiallysignificant related party transactions made by the
company with the promoters, the directors, the Key Managerial Personnel which may be in
conflict with the interest of the company at large. The company has formulated a policy on
Related Party Transactions and also on dealing with Related Party Transactions. The policy
is disclosed on the website of the company (www.rigasugar.com). All related party
transactions as placed before the Audit Committee has also received approval from the
Board. Your Directors draw attention of the members the Note No. 25(16)(B) to the
financial statement which set out Related Party Disclosures.
g. Details of conservation of energy, technology absorption, foreign exchange earnings
and outgo as prescribed vide Rule 8(3) of Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014 is enclosed -
Annexure III
h. The company has laid down policy on risk assessment and minimization procedures and
the same is periodically reviewed by the Board. The Policy facilitates in identification
of risk at appropriate time and ensure necessary steps to be taken to mitigate the risk.
Brief details of risks and concerns are given in this Board Report.
i. The corporate Social Responsibility Committee has formulated and recommended to the
Board a Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR Policy) indicating the activities of
the company. The Annual Report on CSR activities is not annexed herewith due to non-
applicability of relevant provisions to the company due to losses.
j. In compliance with the Companies Act, 2013 and Regulation 17 of the Listing
Regulations, during the year the Board adopted a mechanism for evaluating its performance
as well as that of its Committee and Individual directors, including the Chairman of the
Board.
The evaluation of Independent Director was carried out by the entire Board and that of
the chairman and Non-Independent directors were carried out by the I ndependent directors.
The Directors were satisfied with the evaluation results, which reflected the overall
engagement of the Board and its committee with the company.
RISK AND CONCERN
SUGAR
(a) Delay in evolving a rational Sugarcane Pricing Policy having link with sugar price
is detrimental to growth of the industry.
(b) The output of sugar, an agro-based product, is influenced by climatic vagaries.
(c) Sugar Industry being cyclic in nature, the growth is hampered during downtrend.
DISTILLERY
High cost of molasses due to greater demand is matter of concern for Ethanol Blending
Programme.
INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEMS AND THEIR ADEQUACY:
Your Company has adequate systems and internal control procedures to safeguard the
assets of the company and to ensure maintenance of proper accounting records. There is
also an Internal Audit System in place which reviews the key business and controls and
also test checks on routine transactions and reports deviations. Besides, an Audit
Committee periodically reviews the functioning of the entire system.
CREDIT RATING
Not applicable since from 30.09.2018 the company became NPA and continue to be NPA so
far and working under holding on operation.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME
There are no outstanding stock options and no stock options were either issued or
allotted During the year.
INTER CORPORATE LOANS AND INVESTMENTS
Company has not made loans, guarantees and investments covered under the provisions of
Section 186 of the Act.
FIXED DEPOSITS:
The company has neither accepted nor renewed any deposit from public within the meaning
of section 73 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with Companies (Acceptance of Deposit)
Rules, 2014 during the year under the review.
AUDITORS
(a) Statutory Auditors
Pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Act, the members of the Company at their
AGM held on 18th September, 2017, appointed M/s. Co M/s. Salarpuria &
Partners., Chartered Accountants (ICAI Registration No. 302113E) , Kolkata, as the
Statutory Auditors of the Company to hold office from the conclusion of the 36th
aGm until the conclusion of the 41st AGM. The reports given by the Auditors,
M/s. Salarpuria & Partners., Chartered Accountants on the financial statements of the
Company for the year ended 31 st March, 2021 form part of this Annual Report and there is
qualification and reservation and adverse remark given by the Auditors in their Reports
which has been explained hereinabove. The Auditors of the Company have not reported any
fraud in terms of the second proviso to Section 143(12) of the Act.
(b) Cost Auditors
Pursuant to Section 148 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with The Companies (Cost
Records and Audit) Amendment Rules, 2014, the cost audit records maintained by the Company
in respect of its Sugar activity is required to be audited. Your Directors have, on the
recommendation of the Audit Committee, appointed M/s. Mani & Co., Cost Accountants
(Firm
Registration No 000004) as the Cost Auditor to audit the cost accounts of the Company
for the financial year 2021-22. As required under the Companies Act, 2013, the
remuneration payable to the cost auditor is required to be placed before the Members in a
general meeting for their ratification.
(c) Secretarial Auditor and Secretarial Audit Report
In pursuance of section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 Mr. Rajan Singh, Company
Secretary appointed as secretarial Auditors to carry out Secretarial Audit for the
financial year 2020-21 Their report is annexed to this report as Annexure-IV. The contents
of the said Audit Report are self explanatory and do not call for any further comments by
the Board. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation,
adverse remark or disclaimer.
DIRECTORS:
The Board of the Company has an appropriate mix of Executive and Independent Directors
to maintain the independence of the Board, and separate its functions of governance and
Management. As on 31st March, 2021, the Board consists of 5 members, one of whom was
executive director, one non-executive non-independent director and three were independent
directors consisting of one lady director.
The Board periodically evaluates the need for change in its composition and size.
The Members of the Company at the 35th Annual General Meeting ('AGM') held on 30th
September, 2016 approved the appointment of Mr. Dilip Datta (DIN: 00406151) as an
Independent Director of the Company for a period of five years with effect from 30th
September,2016. Mr Dilip Datta will complete his first term on 29th September,2021. On the
recommendation of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee the Board of Directors of
the Company ('the Board') at the meeting held on 23rd June,2021 appointed Mr Dilip Datta
as Additional Director in the Capacity of Independent Director of the company with effect
from 30th September,2021 subject to approval of the shareholders in the ensuing Annual
General Meeting.
Consent of the Members by way of Special Resolution is required for appointment of Mr.
Dilip Datta in terms of Section 149 of the Act and Regulation 17 of the Listing
Regulations. Notice under Section 160 of the Act proposing the re-appointment of Mr. Dilip
Datta has been received by the Company, and consent has been filed by Mr. Dilip Datta
pursuant to Section 152 of the Act.
As Mr. Dilip Datta has attained the age of 75 years on 7th September,2020 approval of
Shareholders by way of Special Resolution was taken in last Annual General Meeting held on
30th December,2020 for his continuance as Independent Director for his first term
Again for his re-appointment as Independent Director for 2nd term , the Board of
Directors in their meeting held on 23rd June, 2021 made recommendation subject to approval
of the shareholders by way of special resolution in the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
Further pursuant to the provisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Rules
made thereunder, members approval by way of Special Resolution is sought at the ensuing
Annual General Meeting for re -appointment of Mr. Dilip Datta as Independent Directors
till 45th Annual General Meeting or 30th September, 2026 whichever is earlier.
The Company has received declaration in writing from Mr. Dilip Datta that he meet the
criteria of independence as provided in Section 149(6) of the Act and Regulation 16(1 )(b)
of the SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015.
In the opinion of the Board, Mr. Datta fulfills the conditions specified in the
Companies Act, 2013 and rules made thereunder and Regulation 16(1 )(b) of the SEBI Listing
Regulations, 2015, for his re- appointment as an Independent Director of the Company. The
Board also considers that his association would be of immense benefit to the Company and
it is desirable to avail his services as an Independent Director on the Board of the
Company.
Considering the skills, experience, knowledge Mr. Datta possess and the report of
performance evaluation of Mr. Datta, the Board recommended for the approval of
shareholders by way of special Resolution.
For disclosure as per SEBI (LODR) Regulations , 2015, brief details, including
qualification and expertise of directors to be appointed / re-appointed , has been
mentioned in the Notice of the 40th Annual General Meeting of the company.
Mrs. Richa Ajitsaria (DIN09243468) was appointed as an Additional Director by the Board
of Directors with effect from 29th July, 2021 and thus hold office till the date of
ensuing annual general meeting. Based on recommendation are nomination and remuneration
committee, the board recommend appointment of Mrs. Richa Ajitsaria an independent women
Director in the next Annual General Meeting.
Mr. Nirmal Kumar Parasramka (DIN00086584) resigned from Directorship of the company on
05-05-2021 on personal ground. The Board record it deep appreciation for the service
provided by him.
Declaration by Independent Directors
The Company has received declarations from all the I ndependent Directors of the
Company confirming that they meet the criteria of independence as prescribed both under
the Act and Regulation 16 of the Listing Regulations. The Board of Directors confirm that
the Independent Directors appointed during the year also meet the criteria of expertise,
experience and integrity in terms of Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 (as
amended).
Separate Meeting of Independent Directors
Details of the separate meeting of Independent Directors held in terms of Schedule IV
of the Act and Regulation 25(3) of the Listing Regulations are given in the Corporate
Governance Report.
DIRECTORS' REPONSIBILITY STATEMENT:
Your Directors state that:-
(i) in preparation of the annual accounts for the year ended 31 st March, 2021 , the
applicable accounting standards have been followed alongwith proper explanation relating
to material departures, if any ;
(ii) the Directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently
and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and
fair view of the state of affairs of the Company and of the loss of the company as on 31st
March, 2021;
(iii) the Directors have taken proper and sufficient care 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 Directors have prepared the annual accounts on 'going concern' basis;
(v) the Directors have laid down internal financial controls to be followed by the
company and such internal financial controls are adequate and are operating effectively;
and
(vi) directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of
all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
PERSONNEL:
The particulars of employee as required under Section 197 (12) of the Companies Act,
2013 read with Rule 5(1) and Rule 5(2) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of
Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014 are given as separate annexure attached hereto and forms
part of this report as Annexure- V.
During the year under review, no complaint/case was filed pursuant to Sexual Harassment
of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE:
The Corporate Governance form an integral part of this Report and are set out as
Annexure- VI to this Report. The certificate from the Auditors of the company certifying
compliance of condition of Corporate Governance stipulated in Regulations 34(3) of the
Listing Regulations is also annexed to Report on Corporate governance.
BUSINESS RESPONSIBILITY REPORT
Regulation 34(2) of the Listing Regulations, inter alia, provides that the annual
reports of the top 1000 listed entities based on market capitalization (calculated as on
March 31st of every financial year), shall include a Business Responsibility Report. The
company do not fall under this category.
KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNELS
In compliance of provisions of section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013 the following
persons were the key managerial personnel of the company during the year:
(i) Mr. O.P.Dhanuka, Chairman & Managing Director
(ii) Mr. B.K.Bhartia, Company Secretary .
(iii) Mr. J.K.Pachisia CFO,
The other details pertaining to KMP of the company, their appointment/cessation during
the year under review and their remuneration have been provided in the Extract of Annual
Return annexed hereto and forming part of this report.
Code of conducts and ethics
The Board of company has adopted a Code of Conducts and ethics for the Directors and
Senior Executives of the company. The code is available on the company's website at
www.rigasugar.com.
Significant & material orders passed by the regulators
During the year under review, no significant and materials orders were passed by the
Regulators or courts or Tribunals impacting the going concern status.
Whistleblower Policy
The company has in place a whistleblower policy to deal with unethical behavior,
victimizations, fraud and other grievances or concerns, if any. The Whistleblower policy
can be accessed on the company's website www.rigasugar.com.
Disclosure under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition
and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The Company has in place an Anti Sexual Harassment Policy in line with the requirements
of The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal)
Act, 2013. Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress complaints
received regarding sexual harassment. All employees (permanent, contractual, temporary,
trainees, etc.) are covered under this policy. No sexual harassment complaints were
received during the year 2020-21.
Risk Management Policy
The Company has Risk Management committee of Directors to have a system of Risk
Management, inter alia, to review it periodically.
Policy for Preservation of Documents
The Policy for preservation of documents are stated in website of the company
www.rigasugar.com.
Material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the company after
31st March, 2021 Material Changes and Commitments
Except those disclosed in this Annual Report, there are no material changes and
commitments affecting the financial position of the Company between the end of the
financial year i.e. 31st March, 2021 and the date of this Report. The impact of COVID 19
pandemic has not been material on the financial performance of the Company. However there
was delay in compliance due to non-filing of timely return and result.
Subsidiaries, Joint Ventures or Associate Companies
There is no subsidiary, Joint Venture or Associate of the company under meaning of
Companies Act, 2013.
LISTING OF EQUITY SHARES:
The Shares of the Company are listed on The Calcutta Stock Exchange Ltd. and BSE Ltd.
The Company has paid Listing Fees to BSE Ltd for 2021-22.
ANNEXURES FORMING PART OF THIS REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS
The Annexure referred to in this report and other information which are required to be
disclosed are annexed herewith and forms a part of this report of the Directors:-
| Annexure |
Particulars |
| I |
Extract of the Annual Return as per form MGT-9 |
| II |
Policy on selection & Remuneration of Directors, Key Managerial Personnel and
other employees and on Board Diversity |
| III |
Particulars of Conservation of Energy, Technology Absorption and Foreign Exchange
earnings and outgo |
| IV |
Secretarial Audit Report |
| V |
Particulars of Employees |
| VI |
Corporate Governance Report |
APPRECIATION:
Your Directors express their appreciation for the support and contribution by Cane
Growers, Bankers, Central and Bihar State Government, Suppliers, Customers and the
valuable services rendered by the Employees at all levels.
|
For and on behalf of the Board, |
| Kolkata, |
O. P. Dhanuka |
| Dated : 6th August, 2021 |
(DIN:00049947) Chairman & Managing Director |
|