3. DIVIDEND AND DIVIDEND DISTRIBUTION POLICY
The Company has declared the following dividends
|
Type of dividend
|
Date of declaration
|
Amount of dividend per Equity Share
|
Face value per Equity Share
|
Percentage of dividend
|
|
Final Dividend FY 26
|
June 04, 2026
|
H 0.75/-
|
H 5/-
|
15%
|
|
Final Dividend FY 25
|
Aug. 28, 2025
|
H 0.50/-
|
H 5/-
|
10%
|
Your Directors have the honour and pleasure of presenting the Twenty-Seventh (27th) Annual Directors’ Report of the Company, together with the Audited Financial Statements (Standalone and Consolidated) for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, prepared in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013 (“the Act”), the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, and all other applicable provisions of law.
1. SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
The financial highlights of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, as compared with the preceding financial year, are set out in the table below:
(Amounts in H lakh, unless otherwise stated)
|
Particulars
|
FY 2025-26
|
FY 2024-25
|
FY 2025-26
|
FY 2024-25
|
|
Total Income
|
6,690.34
|
5,475.53
|
15,779.66
|
12,330.70
|
|
Total Expenditure (excluding Depreciation)
|
5,135.20
|
5,139.53
|
6,749.06
|
6,208.52
|
|
Profit/(Loss) before Depreciation and Tax
|
1,555.14
|
336.00
|
9,030.60
|
6,122.18
|
|
Less: Depreciation
|
289.73
|
238.51
|
289.73
|
238.51
|
|
Profit before Tax
|
1,265.41
|
97.49
|
8,740.87
|
5,883.67
|
|
Tax Expense
|
263.64
|
(429.89)
|
545.10
|
(311.37)
|
|
Profit after Tax
|
1,001.77
|
527.38
|
8,195.77
|
6,195.04
|
|
Other Comprehensive Income (net of tax)
|
(37.84)
|
(14.29)
|
1,755.33
|
256.11
|
|
Total Comprehensive Income after Tax
|
963.93
|
513.09
|
9,951.10
|
6,451.15
|
|
Final Dividend
|
846.64*
|
564.43
|
846.64*
|
564.43
|
|
Balance Carried Forward to Balance Sheet
|
155.13
|
(37.05)
|
7,349.13
|
5,630.61
|
*The Board of Directors has recommended a final dividend of I 0.75 per equity share of I 5 each for Fiscal 2026, aggregating to I 846.64 lakh based on the paid-up share capital as of March 31, 2026. The proposed dividend is subject to the approval of the shareholders at the Annual General Meeting.
2. REVIEW OF BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS
On a consolidated basis, total income for FY 2025-26 was I 15,779.66 lakh, 28% higher than I 12,330.70 lakh in FY 2024-25. The profit for the year attributable to shareholders for FY 2025-26 was I 8,195.77 lakh registering a growth of 32% over the profit for the year attributable to shareholders of I 6,195.04 lakh for FY 2024-25.
On a standalone basis, the total income for FY 2025-26 was I 6,690.4 lakh, higher by 22% over the previous year’s total income of I 5,475.53 lakh. The profit for the year attributable to shareholders
for FY 2025-26 was I 1,001.77 lakh registering a growth of 90% over the profit for the year attributable to shareholders of I 527.38 lakh for FY 2024-25.
Transfer to Reserves
The Board of Directors has not proposed any transfer of profits to the General Reserve for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. The closing balance of the retained earnings of the Company for FY 2025-26, after all appropriations and adjustments, has been carried forward to the Balance Sheet.
The total dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2025, amounts to I 0.50/- per equity share of face value I 5/- each, with total outlay under the aforesaid dividend of I 564.43 lakh.
The Board of Directors of the Company, at its meeting held on June 04, 2026, considered and resolved to recommend a Final Dividend for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, of I 0.75 (Rupees Seventy-Five Paise Only) per equity share of face value of I 5/- (Rupees Five) each, representing 15% on the paid-up face value. The aforesaid recommendation is subject to the approval of the Members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting (“AGM”).
In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 43A of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 (“SEBI LODR Regulations”), the Company has adopted and put in place a Dividend Distribution Policy, which sets out the parameters, internal and external factors, and circumstances to be taken into consideration by the Board of Directors whilst determining the quantum of dividend payable to the Members. The said Policy is available on the Company’s website at www. gajacapital.com.
4. TRANSFER OF UNCLAIMED DIVIDEND TO INVESTOR EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FUND
Further, pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (the “Act”), read with the Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Rules, 2016 (“IEPF Rules”), all unpaid or unclaimed dividends are required to be transferred by the Company to Investor Education Protection Fund (“IEPF”) established by the Government of India, after completion of seven years.
Further, according to the IEPF Rules, the shares on which dividend has not been paid or claimed by the shareholders for seven consecutive years or more, shall also be transferred to the demat account of IEPF.
During the year under review, I 0.99 lakh was transferred to the unpaid dividend account. As the said dividend falls within the current financial year, the Company was not required to transfer any unclaimed dividend amounts or corresponding shares to IEPF.
5. INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING AND POST¬ YEAR-END DEVELOPMENTS
The Company is in the process of undertaking an Initial Public Offering (“IPO”) of its equity shares having a face value of I 5/- (I Five) each (“Equity Shares”). In furtherance of the IPO, the Company has taken all requisite steps to ensure due compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, the rules framed thereunder, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018, the SEBI LODR Regulations, and all other applicable laws and regulations.
As part of the IPO process, the Company filed its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus-I (“U-DRHP-I”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) and is actively pursuing all requisite steps necessary for the proposed listing of its Equity Shares on the recognised stock exchange(s).
In alignment with regulatory requirements and in adherence to sound corporate governance practices, the Board of Directors was reconstituted during the period to include Independent Directors, thereby ensuring compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and the SEBI LODR Regulations. Consequent to the reconstitution of the Board, various Board-level Committees have been constituted and/or reconstituted to strengthen the governance and oversight mechanisms of the Company. The detailed composition and terms of reference of each such Committee are provided in the Corporate Governance Report annexed to this Report.
6. CAPITAL STRUCTURE
During the financial year 2025-26, the Company undertook the following changes to its share capital structure, pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and the rules framed thereunder:
6.1 Bonus Issue
Pursuant to the approval of the Board of Directors and the Members of the Company, 10,41,60,000 (Ten Crore Forty-One Lakh Sixty Thousand) Equity Shares of I 5/- each were allotted by way of a Bonus Issue in the ratio of 2,500:1, on June 07, 2025.
6.2 Preferential Allotment
Additionally, 86,83,566 (Eighty-Six Lakh Eighty- Three Thousand Five Hundred and Sixty-Six) Equity Shares of I 5/- each were allotted pursuant to a Preferential Allotment on June 13, 2025, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.
6.3 Share Capital as on the Date of this Report
|
Particulars
|
Details
|
|
Authorised Share Capital
|
I 75,00,00,000 (Seventy-Five Crore) divided into 15,00,00,000 Equity Shares of I 5/- each
|
|
Issued, Subscribed & Paid up Share Capital
|
I 56,44,26,150 divided into 11,28,85,230 Equity Shares of I 5/- each, fully paid up
|
6.4 Dematerialisation of Shares
The Company has appointed MUFG Intime India Private Limited (formerly Link Intime India Private Limited) as its Registrar and Share Transfer Agent (“RTA”). The Company has established connectivity with both the National Securities Depository Limited (NSDL) and Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL) for the purpose of facilitating dematerialisation of its equity shares.
The contact details of the RTA are as follows:
|
Particulars
|
Details
|
|
Name
|
MUFG Intime India Private Limited (formerly Link Intime India Private Limited)
|
|
Address
|
C-101, Embassy 247, L.B.S. Marg, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai - 400 083
|
|
Website
|
https://in.mpms.mufg.com
|
|
Telephone
|
91-22-4918-6270
|
|
E-mail
|
rnt.helpdesk@in.mpms.mufg.com
|
7. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND KEY MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL
7.1 Composition of the Board as on March 31, 2026
The Board of Directors (“Board”) of the Company has an optimum combination of executive and non-executive Directors (including an Independen Woman Director). The Board composition is in conformity with the extant applicable provisions of the Act and SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015.
The Board of the Company represents an optimal mix of expertise, knowledge and experience. Further, the Independent Directors on the Board of the Company are highly respected for their professional integrity as well as rich experience and expertise. The Board provides leadership,
strategic guidance and discharges its fiduciary duties of safeguarding the interest of the Company and its stakeholders. During the year under review, no Director resigned from the Board and following appointment(s) took place in the Board of Directors of the Company:
1) Appointment(s):
The Board of Directors approved the following appointments of Independent Directors and Non¬ Executive Directors of the Company. In the opinion of the Board, these directors possess the requisite knowledge, experience, expertise, proficiency, and integrity, which will be beneficial to the Company.
i) Mr. Upendra Kumar Sinha (DIN: 00010336) as a Non-Executive Director designated as chairman of the Company with effect from June 16, 2025. Further, the shareholders approved appointment of Mr. Upendra Kumar Sinha as Non-Executive Director - Chairman of the Company for a term of five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025, to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
ii) Mr. Prithvi Pal Singh Haldea (DIN: 00001220) as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from June 16, 2025. Further, the shareholders approved the appointment of Mr. Prithvi Haldea as Non-Executive Director of the Company for a term of five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025 to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
iii) Mr. Manish Sabharwal (DIN: 00969601) as a Non-Executive Director of the Company with effect from June 16, 2025. Further, the shareholders approved the appointment of Mr. Manish Sabharwal as Non-Executive Director of the Company for a term of
five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025, to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
iv) Mr. Shailesh Vishnubhai Haribhakti (DIN: 00007347) Non-Executive Independent Director on the Board of the Company with effect from June 16, 2025. Mr. Shailesh Vishnubhai Haribhakti has successfully registered himself in the Independent Director’s Databank maintained by Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Further, the shareholders approved the appointment of Mr. Shailesh Vishnubhai Haribhakti as Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company for a term of five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025, to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
v) Mr. Arindam Bhattacharya (DIN: 01570746) Non-Executive Independent Director on the Board of the Company with effect from June 16, 2025. Mr. Arindam Bhattacharya has successfully registered himself in the Independent Director’s Databank maintained by Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Further, the shareholders approved the appointment of Mr. Arindam Bhattacharya as Non-Executive Independent Director of the Company for a term of five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025 to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
vi) Ms. Shital Mehra (DIN: 00266665) Non¬ Executive Independent Woman Director on the Board of the Company with effect from June 16, 2025. Ms. Shital Mehra has successfully registered herself in the Independent Director’s Databank maintained by Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA). Further, the shareholders approved the appointment of Ms. Shital Mehra as Non-Executive Independent Director of
the Company for a term of five consecutive
years with effect from June 16, 2025, to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
2) Redesignation(s):
a) Mr. Gopal Jain (DIN: 00032308) was redesignated as MD & CEO with effect from June 16, 2025. Further, the shareholders approved appointment of Mr. Gopal Jain as Executive Director-Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of the Company for a term of five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025 to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the extraordinary general meeting of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
b) Mr. Ranjit Jayant Shah (DIN: 00088405) was redesignated as Whole-time director & Vice¬ Chairman with effect from June 16, 2025. Further, the shareholders approved appointment of
Mr. Ranjit Jayant Shah as Whole-time Director & Vice-Chairman of the Company for a term of five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025 to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the extraordinary general meeting of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
c) Mr. Imran Jafar (DIN: 03485628) was redesignated as Whole-time Director with effect from June
16, 2025. Further, the shareholders approved appointment of Mr. Imran Jafar as Whole-time Director of the Company for a term of five consecutive years with effect from June 16, 2025 to June 15, 2030 (both days inclusive) through resolution passed in the extraordinary general meeting of the Company held on June 12, 2025.
The Board of Directors and Key Managerial Personnel of the Company as on March 31, 2026, were as follows:
|
Name and DIN
|
Designation
|
Date of Appointment
|
|
Mr. Upendra Kumar Sinha (DIN: 00010336)
|
Chairman - Non-Executive Director
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Mr. Ranjit Jayant Shah (DIN: 00088405)
|
Whole-time Director and Vice-Chairman
|
April 10, 2006
|
|
Mr. Gopal Jain (DIN: 00032308)
|
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
|
April 09, 1999
|
|
Mr. Imran Jafar (DIN: 03485628)
|
Whole-time Director
|
November 09, 2020
|
|
Mr. Arindam Bhattacharya (DIN: 01570746)
|
Independent Non-Executive Director
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Mr. Manish Sabharwal (DIN: 00969601)
|
Non-Executive Director
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Mr. Prithvi Pal Singh Haldea (DIN: 00001220)
|
Non-Executive Director
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Mr. Shailesh Vishnubhai Haribhakti (DIN: 00007347)
|
Independent Non-Executive Director
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Ms. Shital Mehra (DIN: 00266665)
|
Independent Non-Executive Director (Woman Director)
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Mr. Abhinav Jain
|
Chief Financial Officer (Key Managerial Personnel)
|
October 01, 2024
|
|
Ms. Ishu Jain
|
Company Secretary and Compliance Officer (Key Managerial Personnel)
|
November 14, 2025
|
7.2) Changes in Key Managerial Personnel
In terms of Section 203 of the Companies Act, 2013, the following persons have been designated as the Key Managerial Personnel (“KMP”) of the Company:
The following changes in the Key Managerial Personnel took effect during the financial year 2025-26:
|
Name (DIN, if applicable)
|
Nature of Change
|
Effective Date
|
|
Mr. Ranjit Jayant Shah (DIN: 00088405)
|
Redesignated as Whole-time Director and Vice-Chairman
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Mr. Gopal Jain (DIN: 00032308)
|
Redesignated as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Mr. Imran Jafar (DIN: 03485628)
|
Redesignated as Whole-time Director
|
June 16, 2025
|
|
Ms. Janhavi Suresh Navrang
|
Ceased to be Company Secretary upon resignation
|
November 13, 2025
|
|
Ms. Ishu Jain
|
Appointed as Company Secretary and Compliance Officer
|
November 14, 2025
|
7.3) Retirement by Rotation
In accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with the Articles of Association of the Company, Mr. Upendra Kumar Sinha (DIN: 00010336), Non-executive Director and Chairman and Mr. Prithvi Pal Singh Haldea (DIN: 00001220), Non-executive Director, are liable to retire by rotation at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting ("AGM") and, being eligible, have offered themselves for re-appointment.
The Board of Directors, based on the recommendation of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, has recommended the re-appointment of Mr. Upendra Kumar Sinha and Mr. Prithvi Pal Singh Haldea for the approval of the members at the ensuing AGM.
A detailed profile of Mr. Upendra Kumar Sinha and Mr. Prithvi Pal Singh Haldea, together with the additional information required under Regulation 36(3) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 ("Listing Regulations"), and Secretarial Standard on General Meetings (SS-2), is provided separately in the Annexure to the Notice convening the AGM.
8. DECLARATION BY INDEPENDENT DIRECTORS
During the financial year 2025-26, the Company appointed Independent Directors in accordance with the provisions of Section 149 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the SEBI LODR Regulations. Each Independent Director has submitted a declaration pursuant to Section 149(7) of the Act, confirming that he or she meets the criteria of independence prescribed under Section 149(6) of the Act and the SEBI LODR Regulations, and that there has been no change in the circumstances which may affect such status.
All Independent Directors have duly registered themselves in the databank of Independent Directors maintained by the Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (“IICA”), in compliance with Rule 6 of the Companies (Appointment and Qualification of Directors) Rules, 2014, as amended.
Based on the declarations and disclosures received from the Independent Directors, and in the considered opinion of the Board, all Independent Directors of the Company are persons of integrity and collectively possess the requisite expertise, qualifications, and experience necessary for the effective discharge of their duties.
9. DIRECTORS’ AND OFFICERS’
LIABILITY INSURANCE
In terms of the provisions of Section 197(13) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Company has obtained and maintains a Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance (“D&O Insurance”) policy covering all its Directors and members of Senior Management, for such quantum and against such risks as may be determined by the Board of Directors from time to time.
10. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
During the year under review, 14 (Fourteen) meetings of the Board of Directors of the Company were held. The necessary quorum was present for all the meetings. The maximum interval between any two consecutive meetings did not exceed one hundred and twenty days as per the provisions of the SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015 and the Act. In compliance with the provisions of the Act and Regulation 25 of SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015, a separate Meeting of Independent Directors of the Company was
also held on March 12, 2026. The details of the said meetings are provided in the Corporate Governance Report, which forms part of the Annual Report.
10.1 BOARD COMMITTEES
In compliance with the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, and the SEBI LODR Regulations, the Company has constituted the following Board-level Committees:
• Audit Committee;
• Nomination and Remuneration Committee;
• Stakeholders’ Relationship Committee;
• Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG Committee;
• Risk Management Committee;
• IPO Committee; and
• Management Committee.
The composition, terms of reference, and detailed particulars of the meetings held by each of the aforesaid Committees during the year, together with the attendance of members thereat, are provided in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report.
11. MATERIAL CHANGES AND
COMMITMENTS AFFECTING THE FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE COMPANY
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(l) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors reports that the following material changes and commitments have occurred between the end of the financial year ended March 31, 2026, and the date of this Report, which may affect the financial position of the Company:
As part of the IPO process, the Company filed its Updated Draft Red Herring Prospectus-I (“U-DRHP-I”) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) and is actively pursuing all requisite steps necessary for the proposed listing of its Equity Shares on the recognised stock exchange(s).
Save and except as stated above, no other material changes or commitments affecting the financial position of the Company have occurred between the end of the financial year 2025-26 and the date of this Report.
12. COMPLIANCE WITH SECRETARIAL STANDARDS
The Company has, during the financial year under review, complied in all material respects with the applicable Secretarial Standards issued by the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (“ICSI”), namely Secretarial Standard - 1 on Meetings of the Board of Directors (“SS-1”) and Secretarial Standard - 2 on General Meetings (“SS-2”).
13. DIRECTORS’ RESPONSIBILITY STATEMENT
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(3)(c) read with Section 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013, the Board of Directors of the Company, to the best of their knowledge, belief, and understanding, and on the basis of the information and explanations obtained from the management, hereby state and confirm that:
• in the preparation of the annual financial statements for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, the applicable Accounting Standards, as notified by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, have been followed and there are no material departures therefrom;
• the Directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently, and have exercised judgements and made estimates that are reasonable and prudent, so as to give
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of the financial year and of the profit of the Company for the said period;
• 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;
• the annual financial statements have been prepared on a going-concern basis;
• the Company, being an unlisted public company as on the date of the financial statements, the requirement under Section 134(5)(e) of the
Act with respect to the establishment and maintenance of Internal Financial Controls and their adequacy is not expressly applicable; however, the Board affirms that the Company has in place adequate internal controls commensurate with the nature, scale, and complexity of its operations; and
• the Directors have devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems are adequate and operating effectively.
14. VIGIL MECHANISM AND WHISTLE BLOWER POLICY
Pursuant to Section 177(9) and (10) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 22 of the SEBI LODR Regulations, the Company has established an effective Vigil Mechanism by way of a Board-approved Whistle Blower Policy. The said Policy provides a formal and confidential channel for Directors and employees to report genuine concerns or grievances, including those relating to unethical conduct, fraud, or mismanagement, without fear of reprisal or victimisation.
The Vigil Mechanism is overseen by the Audit Committee of the Company. The Policy provides adequate safeguards against the victimisation of persons who avail of the mechanism in good faith and also provides for direct access to the Chairperson of the Audit Committee in exceptional or extraordinary circumstances.
During the financial year under review, no complaint was received under the Vigil Mechanism /Whistle Blower Policy.
15. PREVENTION, PROHIBITION,AND REDRESSAL OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AT THE WORKPLACE
The Company is firmly committed to maintaining a safe, dignified, and harassment-free work environment for all its employees. In compliance with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (“POSH Act”), and the rules framed thereunder, the Company has adopted a comprehensive Policy on Prevention of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace.
An Internal Complaints Committee (“ICC”) has been duly constituted in accordance with the requirements of the POSH Act, for the purpose of receiving, enquiring into, and redressing complaints relating to sexual harassment at the workplace.
During the financial year under review, the Company has complied with all the provisions of the POSH Act and the rules framed thereunder. Further details as on March 31, 2026 are as follows:
|
a.
|
Number of complaints of Sexual : Harassment received in the Year
|
Nil
|
|
b.
|
Number of complaints disposed of : during the year
|
Nil
|
|
c.
|
Number of cases pending for more : than ninety days at the year-end
|
Nil
|
16. STATUTORY AUDITORS AND AUDITORS’ REPORT
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 139 and 141 of the Companies Act, 2013, and the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, the Members of the Company, at the 25th Annual General Meeting, approved the appointment of M/s. Nangia & Co. LLP, Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 002391C/N500069), as Statutory Auditors of the Company, to hold office for a continuous period of five (5) years.
The Statutory Auditors have submitted their Report on the Financial Statements of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, bearing an unmodified opinion. The said Report is annexed to the Financial Statements forming part of this Annual Report. The Auditors’ Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark, or disclaimer, and accordingly no explanation or comments are required to be provided by the Board in terms of Section 134(3)(f) of the Act.
17. MAINTENANCE OF COST RECORDS
The Central Government has not prescribed the maintenance of cost records under Section 148(1) of the Companies Act, 2013, for the class of services rendered by the Company. Accordingly, the provisions relating to the maintenance of cost records and the requirement of a cost audit as specified under Section 148 of the Act are not applicable to the Company.
18. NOMINATION AND REMUNERATION POLICY
Pursuant to Section 178(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 19 of the SEBI LODR Regulations, the Board of Directors has formulated and adopted a Nomination and Remuneration
Policy for the Company. The Policy, inter alia, sets out the criteria for determining the qualifications, positive attributes, and independence of Directors, and the criteria for the identification of persons who are qualified to become Directors, Key Managerial Personnel, and Senior Management Personnel of the Company.
The Nomination and Remuneration Policy is made available on the Company’s website at www. gajacapital.com.
19. STATUTORY DISCLOSURES
(a) Annual Return - Section 134(3)(a): In
terms of Sections 134(3)(a) and 92(3) of the Companies Act, 2013, and the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2017, the Annual Return of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, in the prescribed Form MGT-7, is placed on the Company’s website and is accessible at www.gajacapital.com.
(b) Fraud Reporting by Auditors - Section
134(3)(ca): Pursuant to Section 134(3)(ca) of the Companies Act, 2013 (inserted by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2015, effective from May 29, 2015), the Board of Directors hereby reports that the Statutory Auditors of the Company have not reported any instance of fraud committed against the Company by its officers or employees, as referred to in Section 143(12) of the Act, during the financial year ended March 31, 2026. Accordingly, no disclosure is required to be made in this Report under the said provision.
(c) Auditors’ Qualifications and Board’s Comments - Section 134(3)(f)(i): The
Statutory Auditors have issued an unmodified audit opinion on the Financial Statements of the Company for the financial year ended March 31, 2026. The Auditors’ Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark, or disclaimer. In view thereof, no explanation or comments are required to be furnished by the Board under Section 134(3)(f)(i) of the Act.
(d) Secretarial Audit Report - Section 134(3)
(f)(ii): Pursuant to Section 204 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on August 28, 2025, based on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, has recommended to the Members of the Company, appointment of M/s Mihen Halani & Associates, Practising Company Secretaries, a peer reviewed firm, as Secretarial Auditors of the Company, for a period of five consecutive years, commencing from financial year 2025-26 to financial year 2029-30. Accordingly, an ordinary resolution, proposing appointment of M/s Mihen Halani & Associates, Practising Company Secretaries, as the Secretarial Auditors of the Company for a term of five consecutive years pursuant to SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015, was placed before the shareholders of the Company at the ensuing 26th AGM. M/s Mihen Halani & Associates, Practising Company Secretaries has confirmed their eligibility to be appointed as secretarial auditors of the Company as per the provisions of applicable laws. The Secretarial Audit Report issued by M/s Mihen Halani & Associates, Practising Company Secretaries, for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, is annexed to this Report as Annexure - 4. The Secretarial Audit Report does not contain any qualification, reservation, adverse remark, or disclaimer. Accordingly, no explanation or comments thereon are required to be furnished by the Board under Section 134(3)(f)(ii) of the Act.
(e) Managerial Remuneration - Section
197(12): Disclosures as required under Section 197(12) of the Act, read with Rule 5(1) of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel)
Rules, 2014, are provided in the Corporate Governance Report forming part of this Annual Report. The statement containing particulars of employees in terms of Rule 5(2) and Rule 5(3) of the said Rules is provided as a separate Annexure to this Report and forms a part thereof. In terms of the first proviso to Section 136(1) of the Act, the Directors’ Report and the Financial Statements are being sent to the Members excluding the said Annexure. The Annexure is available for inspection at the Registered Office of the Company during business hours, and any Member desirous of obtaining a copy thereof may write to the Company Secretary.
27. SUBSIDIARIES, JOINT VENTURES, AND ASSOCIATE COMPANIES
27.1 Subsidiary Companies
As on March 31, 2026, the Company had the following subsidiaries:
|
Name of Subsidiary
|
Nature
|
(SEBI LODR)
|
’ Financial Performance (FY 2025-26)
|
|
Gaja Corporate Advisors Private Limited
|
Wholly Owned Subsidiary
|
Yes
|
Loss: I 199.85 lakh (before tax)
|
|
Gaja Trustee Company Private Limited
|
Wholly Owned Subsidiary
|
No
|
Loss: I 1.31 lakh (before tax)
|
|
Gaja Advisors Ltd., Cayman Islands
|
Wholly Owned Subsidiary
|
No
|
Profit: I 380.88 lakh (before tax)
|
|
Gaja Advisors Ltd., Mauritius
|
Step-down Subsidiary (via Gaja Advisors Ltd., Cayman)
|
Yes
|
Profit: I 7,407.69 lakh (before tax)
|
(f) Nature of Business: There has been no change in the nature of the business of the Company during the financial year under review.
(g) FEMA Compliance: With reference to Master Direction on Foreign Investment in India and circulars issued thereunder by Reserve Bank of India (“RBI”), the Company has complied with the provisions. Accordingly, the Company has obtained a certificate from the Statutory Auditors in this regard pursuant to applicable guidelines issued by RBI.
20. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
All related party transactions entered into by the Company during the financial year ended March 31, 2026, were conducted at arm’s length and in the ordinary course of business, in accordance with the applicable provisions of Section 188 of the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 23 of the SEBI LODR Regulations.
Pursuant to Section 134(3)(h) of the Act, read with Rule 8(2) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, there are no material contracts or arrangements with related parties referred to in Section 188(1) of the Act.
The Company’s Policy on Related Party Transactions, as approved by the Board of Directors, is available on the Company’s website at www.gajacapital.com.
21. STATE OF THE COMPANY’S AFFAIRS
During the financial year ended March 31, 2026, the Company continued to carry on its principal business of alternative asset management, investment advisory, and fund management services, with a focus on India’s domestic economy. The Company manages and advises upon multiple investment funds and acts as the investment manager/advisor to its sponsored fund vehicles.
The Company is in the process of transitioning from an unlisted to a listed entity, pursuant to the proposed Initial Public Offering of its Equity Shares. This transition has necessitated significant governance enhancements, including the induction of a majority-independent Board and the constitution of all requisite Committees as mandated under the SEBI LODR Regulations.
The management is confident that this transition will further strengthen the institutional framework of the Company and enhance long-term value for all stakeholders.
22. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE REPORT
Your Company is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, transparency, and accountability, and adheres to the corporate governance requirements set out under the SEBI LODR Regulations and the Companies Act, 2013. The Report on Corporate Governance for the financial year ended March 31, 2026, together with a Certificate from a Practising Company Secretary confirming compliance with the conditions of corporate governance as stipulated under Schedule V of the SEBI LODR Regulations, is annexed to and forms a part of this Directors’ Report.
All Members of the Board and Senior Management Personnel have affirmed compliance with the Company’s Code of Conduct for FY 2025-26. A declaration to this effect, signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, is included in the Corporate Governance Report.
23. ANNUAL EVALUATION OF THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BOARD,
ITS COMMITTEES, AND INDIVIDUAL DIRECTORS
In terms of Section 134(3)(p) read with Section 178(2) and Schedule IV of the Companies Act,
2013, and Regulations 17(10) and 25(4) of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, the Board of Directors is mandated to undertake a formal Annual Performance Evaluation — covering the Board as a whole, its Committees, and each individual Director, including the Independent Directors.
Framework for Evaluation
When conducted, the evaluation will be structured around the following parameters:
• Board: Composition, diversity, and skill balance; quality and timeliness of information placed before the Board; effectiveness of deliberations and decision-making; strategic oversight; and adherence to governance norms.
• Committees: Clarity of terms of reference; frequency and quality of meetings; effectiveness in discharging oversight responsibilities; and calibre of recommendations made to the Board.
• Individual Directors (including Independent Directors): Attendance and active participation; quality of contribution to Board and Committee discussions; exercise of independent judgement; understanding of the Company's business
and regulatory landscape; and discharge of fiduciary obligations.
Process
The performance evaluation of Independent Directors will be carried out by the full Board, excluding the Director under review. The evaluation of Non-Independent Directors and of the Board as a whole will be conducted by the Independent Directors at a separate meeting, held in accordance with Schedule IV to the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 25(3) of the SEBI LODR Regulations.
24. SIGNIFICANT AND MATERIAL ORDERS PASSED BY REGULATORS, COURTS, OR TRIBUNALS
During the financial year under review, no significant or material orders have been passed by any regulator, court, or tribunal that would impact or adversely affect the going-concern status of the Company or its future operations.
There has been no material change in the nature of the business of any of the aforesaid subsidiary companies during the financial year 2025-26.
As on the date of this Report, the Company has no associate company and is not a party to any joint venture.
A statement containing the salient features of the financial statements of each of the above subsidiaries, in Form AOC-1, prepared pursuant to Section 129(3) of the Act read with Rule 5 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, is annexed to this Report as Annexure - 2.
28. RISK MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
The Company has established a well-defined Risk Management Framework, commensurate with the size and nature of its business. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 134(3)(n) of the Companies Act, 2013, and Regulation 21 of the SEBI LODR Regulations, the Risk Management Committee of the Company periodically reviews and monitors risk assessment and mitigation plans, which are thereafter placed before the Audit Committee and
25. DEPOSITS FROM THE PUBLIC
The Company has not accepted any deposits from the public within the meaning of Chapter V of the Companies Act, 2013, and the Companies (Acceptance of Deposits) Rules, 2014, during the financial year under review. Accordingly, no amount on account of principal or interest on deposits from the public was outstanding as on the date of the Balance Sheet.
26. PARTICULARS OF LOANS, GUARANTEES, AND INVESTMENTS
The details of loans, guarantees or investments made as required under Section 186 of the Act and Schedule V of the SEBI Listing Regulations, 2015, are provided in the standalone financial statements of the Company, which form part of the Annual Report.
the Board of Directors for their consideration and guidance.
29. CONSERVATION OF ENERGY, TECHNOLOGY ABSORPTION, AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE EARNINGS AND EXPENDITURE
29.1 Conservation of Energy and Technology Absorption
The particulars relating to the conservation of energy and technology absorption, as prescribed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 8 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, are not applicable to the Company, in as much as the Company is engaged in the business of financial services and investment management, and does not carry out any manufacturing activity. Notwithstanding this, the Company endeavours to conserve energy wherever feasible, and continues to leverage the latest available technology and information systems to enhance operational efficiency.
29.2 Foreign Exchange Earnings and Expenditure
The details of foreign exchange earnings and expenditure during the financial year under review, as required to be disclosed under Section 134(3)(m) of the Act, read with Rule 8(3) of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, are as follows:
|
Sr.
|
Particulars
|
FY 2025-26
|
FY 2024-25
|
|
No.
|
(K lakh)
|
(K lakh)
|
|
1.
|
Foreign Exchange Earnings
|
2,260.13
|
2,035.28
|
|
2.
|
Foreign Exchange Expenditure
|
NIL
|
NIL
|
|
Particulars
|
Details
|
|
Name of the Scheme
|
Gaja Capital Employee Stock Option Scheme, 2025 (“ESOP 2025”)
|
|
Date of Approval by Members
|
June 05, 2025 (1st EGM/FY 2025-26)
|
|
Total Number of Options Reserved under the Scheme
|
15,87,462 (Fifteen Lakh Eighty-Seven Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty-Two) Options
|
|
Number of Options Granted during FY 2025-26
|
15,23,950 (Fifteen Lakh Twenty-Three Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty) Options
|
|
Number of Employees to whom Options were Granted
|
15 (Fifteen) Employees
|
|
Number of Options Lapsed/Forfeited during FY 2025-26
|
Options granted to 2 (two) employee lapsed during the financial year under review
|
|
Number of Options Vested during FY 2025-26
|
Nil (Options are subject to vesting schedule as per the Scheme)
|
|
Number of Options Exercised during FY 2025-26
|
Nil
|
|
Number of Shares arising as a result of Exercise of Options
|
Nil
|
|
Money realised by Exercise of Options (I)
|
Nil
|
|
Total Number of Options in Force as at
|
14,96,150 (Fourteen Lakh Ninety Six Thousand One
|
|
March 31, 2026
|
Hundred and Fifty) Options
|
|
Employee-wise details of Options: any other employee who receives a grant of options in any one year of option amounting to five percent or more of options granted during that year
|
One: Dheeraj Devata -11,43,500 Options
|
|
Any other employee who received a grant of Options in any one year equal to or exceeding 1% of the issued capital
|
Nil
|
|
Employee Stock options reserves
|
I 168 lakhs
|
30. HUMAN RESOURCES
At Gaja Capital, we believe that our people are our most valued asset and the foremost driver of our success. The dedication, expertise, and entrepreneurial spirit of every team member propel the Company forward and reinforce its ability to create lasting value for all stakeholders. The Company is firmly committed to fostering a work environment that is safe, inclusive, and collaborative — one that nurtures individual talent, rewards merit, promotes continuous learning, and supports the professional and personal growth of every employee.
As on March 31, 2026, the total strength of the Company’s workforce stood at 23 employees, comprising 19 male employees and 4 female employees.
The Company is in full compliance with the provisions of the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, in
respect of all eligible employees engaged by it.
31. CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
The Company has constituted a Corporate Social Responsibility and ESG Committee in terms of Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013, and the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014. The Committee is responsible for formulating, recommending, monitoring, and overseeing the implementation of the Company’s CSR Policy and activities.
The Company’s CSR Policy, as approved by the Board, is available on its website at www. gajacapital.com.
In accordance with the provisions of Section 135(5) of the Act, the Company was required to spend an amount of K 20.85 lakh, representing 2% of the average net profits of the last three financial years. During FY 2025-26, the Company disbursed
and utilised K 153.00 lakh towards CSR activities, thereby exceeding its statutory CSR obligation by I 132.15 lakh
The Annual Report on CSR Activities for FY 2025-26, as required under Rule 8 of the Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Rules, 2014, is annexed to this Report as Annexure - 1.
32. INTERNAL FINANCIAL CONTROLS
The Company has in place an adequate system of internal controls, commensurate with the size, scale, and complexity of its operations. These controls are designed to ensure the reliability and accuracy of financial reporting, the safeguarding of assets, the prevention and timely detection of fraud and errors, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Audit Committee of the Board periodically reviews the adequacy, design, and operating effectiveness of such internal controls, and recommends improvements, where necessary.
33. EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION SCHEME
Pursuant to the approval of the Members of the Company at the 1st Extraordinary General Meeting held on June 05, 2025, the Company has adopted the Gaja Capital Employee Stock Option Scheme, 2025 (“ESOP 2025” or “the Scheme”). The Scheme has been designed to attract, retain, and motivate talented employees by enabling them to participate in the long-term growth and value creation of the Company.
The salient features and relevant disclosures in respect of ESOP 2025, as required under the Companies Act, 2013, the Companies (Share Capital and Debentures) Rules, 2014, and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, are as set out below:
The Board of Directors confirms that:
• the ESOP 2025 Scheme has been implemented in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, and
the applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 2013;
• there has been no material variation in the terms of the Scheme during FY 2025-26; and
• a certificate from the Statutory Auditors of the Company, confirming that the Scheme has been implemented in accordance with the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, and the resolution passed by the Members, will be placed before the Members at the ensuing Annual General Meeting.
The details of the ESOP 2025 Scheme, as required under Regulation 14 of the SEBI (Share Based Employee Benefits and Sweat Equity) Regulations, 2021, are disclosed on the Company’s website at www.gajacapital.com.
34. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Your Directors wish to place on record their sincere gratitude and appreciation for the dedication, collective contribution, and unwavering professionalism demonstrated by every employee of the Company, whose efforts have been pivotal to its continued growth and success.
The Board of Directors also wishes to express its gratitude for the continued support, trust, and co-operation extended by the Company’s bankers, regulatory authorities, government bodies, investors, clients, and all other stakeholders during the year under review.
For and on behalf of the Board of Directors of Gaja Alternative Asset Management Limited
(Formerly known as Gaja Alternative Asset Management Private Limited)
Sd/- Sd/-
Gopal Jain Ranjit Jayant Shah
Managing Director & Whole-time Director &
Chief Executive Officer Vice-Chairman
DIN: 00032308 DIN: 00088405
Date: June 04, 2026 Place: Mumbai
|