Mar 31, 2025
These financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards
(âInd AS'') notified under the Companies (Indian
Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended
from time to time) and presentation requirements
of Division II of Schedule III to the Companies Act,
2013, as applicable to the financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared
on a historical cost basis, except for the
following assets and liabilities which have been
measured at fair value:
⢠Derivative financial instruments,
⢠Certain financial assets and liabilities
measured at fair value (refer note 2 (p)).
⢠Equity settled ESOP at grant date fair value
and cash settled ESOP at fair value at each
reporting date.
The accounting policies adopted for preparation
and presentation of financial statements have been
consistently applied. The Company segregates
assets and liabilities into current and non-current
categories for presentation in the balance sheet after
considering its normal operating cycle and other
criteria set out in Ind AS 1, âPresentation of Financial
Statementsâ. For this purpose, current assets and
liabilities include the current portion of non-current
assets and liabilities respectively. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are always classified as non-current.
The operating cycle is the time between the
acquisition of assets for processing and their
realization in cash and cash equivalents. The
Company has identified period up to twelve
months as its operating cycle.
The financial statements are presented in Indian
Rupees (âINRâ) and all values are rounded to the
nearest crores (INR 00,00,000), except when
otherwise indicated.
The preparation of these financial statements in
conformity with recognition and measurement
principles of Ind AS requires the management of
the Company to make judgements, estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported balances
of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to
contingent liability as at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of income
and expenses for the periods presented.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are
reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to
accounting estimates are recognised in the period
in which the estimates are revised and future
periods are affected.
In the process of applying the Company''s
accounting policies, the management has
made the following judgements, which have
the most significant effect on the amounts
recognised in the financial statements:
a) Revenue from contracts with customers:
As per Company''s assessment, it is
generally the principal in its revenue
arrangements, as it typically controls the
goods or services before transferring
them to the customer.
b) Operating lease commitments -
Company as lessor
The Company has entered into property
leases (âthe leases'') on its investment
property portfolio. The Company has
determined the accounting of the leases
as operating lease on its Investment
property portfolio, based on an evaluation
of the terms and conditions of the
arrangements, such as the lease term not
constituting a major part of the economic
life of the commercial property, the fair
value of the asset and the fact that it
retains all the significant risks and rewards
of ownership of these properties.
The key assumptions concerning the
future and other key sources of estimation
uncertainty at the reporting date, that
have a significant risk of causing a material
adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets
and liabilities within the next financial year,
are described below. The Company based its
assumptions and estimates on parameters
available when the financial statements
were prepared. Existing circumstances and
assumptions about future developments,
however, may change due to market changes
or circumstances arising that are beyond the
control of the Company. Such changes are
reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
a) Defined benefit plans
The cost of the defined benefit gratuity
plan and other post-employment
benefits and the present value of such
obligations are determined using
actuarial valuations. An actuarial
valuation involves making various
assumptions that may differ from
actual developments in the future.
These include the determination of the
discount rate, future salary increases and
mortality rates. Due to the complexities
involved in the valuation and its long¬
term nature, a defined benefit obligation
is highly sensitive to changes in these
assumptions. All assumptions are
reviewed at each reporting date.
b) Share based payments to employees
Estimation of fair value for share-
based payment transactions requires
determination of the most appropriate
valuation model, which is dependent on
the terms and conditions of the grant.
This estimate also requires determination
of the most appropriate inputs to the
valuation model including the expected
life of the plan, volatility and dividend yield
and making assumptions about them.
For cash-settled share-based payment
transactions, the liability needs to be
remeasured at the end of each reporting
period up to the date of settlement, with
any changes in fair value recognised
in the profit or loss. This requires a re¬
assessment of the estimates used at the
end of each reporting period. For the
measurement of the fair value of equity-
settled transactions with employees at
the grant date, the Company uses Black
& Scholes model. The assumptions and
models used for estimating fair value for
share-based payment transactions are
disclosed in note 37.
c) Useful lives and residual values
of property plant and equipment,
investment property and intangible
assets
The Company reviews the useful lives
and residual values of property plant
and equipment, investment property
and intangible assets at the end of each
reporting period. This re-assessment may
result in change in depreciation and / or
amortisation expense in future periods.
d) Fair value measurement of financial
instruments
When the fair value of financial assets
and financial liabilities recorded in the
balance sheet cannot be measured based
on quoted prices in active markets, their
fair values are measured using valuation
techniques including the Discounted
Cash Flow model. The inputs to these
models are taken from observable
markets where possible, but where this
is not feasible, a degree of judgement
is required in establishing fair values.
for the effect of temporary differences
between the amounts of assets and
liabilities recognised for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts
recognised for income tax purposes.
The Company measures deferred tax
assets and liabilities using enacted
tax rates that, if changed, would result
in either an increase or decrease in
the provision for income taxes in the
period of change. The Company does
not recognize deferred tax assets when
there is no reasonable certainty that
a deferred tax asset will be realized.
In assessing the reasonable certainty,
management considers estimates of
future taxable income based on internal
projections which are updated to reflect
current operating trends the character
of income needed to realise future tax
benefits, and all available evidence.
h) Provisions and contingent liabilities
A provision is recognised when the
Company has a present obligation as a
result of past events and it is probable
that an outflow of resources embodying
economic benefits will be required to
settle the obligation in respect of which
a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when
there is a possible obligation arising
from past events, the existence of which
will be confirmed only by occurrence
or non-occurrence of one or more
uncertain future events not wholly within
the control of the Company or a present
obligation that arises from past events
where it is either not probable that an
outflow of resources will be required
to settle or a reliable estimate of the
amount cannot be made. Contingent
liabilities are disclosed in the notes.
Contingent assets are not recognised in
the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money
is material, provisions are discounted
using a current pre-tax rate that reflects,
when appropriate, the risks specific to
the liability. When discounting is used,
the increase in the provision due to
the passage of time is recognised as
a finance cost.
Judgements include considerations of
inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and
volatility. Changes in assumptions about
these factors could affect the reported
fair value of financial instruments.
e) Provision for decommissioning of assets
Provision for decommissioning of assets
relates to the costs associated with the
removal of long-lived assets when they
will be retired. The Company records
a liability at the estimated current fair
value of the costs associated with the
removal obligations, discounted at
present value using risk-free rate of
return. The liability for decommissioning
of assets is capitalised by increasing the
carrying amount of the related asset and
is depreciated over its useful life. The
estimated removal liabilities are based
on historical cost information, industry
factors and engineering estimates. The
impact of climate-related legislation
and regulations is considered in
estimating the timing and future costs of
decommissioning of the Company''s fibre
network including the undersea cables.
f) Impairment of investments in
subsidiaries and associates
The carrying values of the investments are
reviewed for impairment at each balance
sheet date or earlier, if any indication of
impairment exists. The Company''s telecom
business layout and asset structure of its
India and International (including Tata
Communications International Pte Limited
(âTCIPL'') group and Tata Communications
(UK) Limited (âTC UK'')) operations are
integrated for delivering products and
services to its customers in all jurisdictions.
For the purpose of impairment testing,
the Company prepares and analyses its
business units, on detailed budgets and
forecast calculations, which are prepared
in an integrated way across all jurisdictions.
g) Deferred Taxes
Assessment of the appropriate amount
and classification of income taxes is
dependent on several factors, including
estimates of the timing and probability
of realisation of deferred income taxes
and the timing of income tax payments.
Deferred income taxes are provided
Provisions and contingent liabilities are
reviewed at each balance sheet date.
Cash comprises Cash on hand and Cash at banks.
Cash equivalents are short-term balances (with an
original maturity of three months or less from the
date of acquisition) which are unrestricted from
withdrawal and usage, highly liquid investments
that are readily convertible into known amounts of
cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of
changes in value. Bank overdrafts do not form an
integral part of the Company''s cash management
and so the same is not considered as component
of cash and cash equivalents.
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost
of acquisition or construction, less accumulated
depreciation / amortisation and impairment loss, if
any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and
all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets
to its working condition for their intended use.
Freehold land is measured at cost and is
not depreciated.
Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion
to the Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property,
plant and equipment under installation/ under
development as at the balance sheet date and is
carried at cost (net of accumulated impairment
loss, if any), comprising of direct cost, directly
attributable cost and attributable interest.
Cost of property, plant and equipment also includes
present value of provision for decommissioning
of assets if the recognition criteria for a
provision are met.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and
equipment is the cost of the property, plant
and equipment or other amount substituted
for cost, less its estimated residual value
(wherever applicable).
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment
has been provided on the straight-line method as
per the estimated useful lives. The assets'' residual
values, estimated useful lives and methods of
depreciation are reviewed at each financial year
end and any change in estimate is accounted for
on a prospective basis.
*On the above categories of assets, the depreciation has
been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II
to the Companies Act, 2013.
**In these cases, the useful lives of the assets are different
from the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II to the
Companies Act, 2013. The useful lives of the assets have
been assessed based on technical advice, taking into
account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of
the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, etc.
Property, plant and equipment is eliminated from
financial statements, either on disposal or when
retired from active use. Losses arising in the case
of retirement of property, plant and equipment
and gains or losses arising from disposal of
property, plant and equipment are recognised
in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the
year of occurrence.
Intangible assets are recognised when it is
probable that the future economic benefits that are
attributable to the assets will flow to the Company
and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
Cost incurred on intangible assets not ready for
their intended use is disclosed as intangible assets
under development.
Following initial recognition, intangible assets are
carried at cost less any accumulated amortisation
and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRUâ) taken for optical
fibres are capitalised as intangible assets at the
amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These
are amortised on straight line basis, over the
period of contract.
The amortisation period and the amortisation
method for an intangible asset with a finite useful
life are reviewed at the end of each financial year.
Changes in the expected useful life or the expected
pattern of consumption of future economic
benefits embodied in the asset are considered
to modify the amortisation period or method,
as appropriate, and are treated as changes in
accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised
over the expected useful life and assessed for
impairment whenever there is an indication that
the intangible asset may be impaired.
Intangible assets are amortised as follows:
An intangible asset is de-recognised on disposal,
or when no future economic benefits are expected
from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from
de-recognition of an intangible asset are measured
as the difference between the net disposal
proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset
and are recognised in the Statement of Profit and
Loss when the asset is de-recognised.
Certain costs of the technology platform and other
software applications developed for internal use
are capitalised. The Company capitalises qualifying
internal-use software development costs that are
incurred during the application development stage
of projects with a useful life greater than one year.
Capitalisation of costs begins when two criteria are
met: (i) the preliminary project stage is completed,
and (ii) it is probable that the software will be
completed and used for its intended purpose.
Capitalisation ceases when the software is
substantially complete and ready for its intended
use, including the completion of all-significant
testing. The Company also capitalises costs related
to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is
probable the expenditures will result in additional
functionality. Costs related to maintenance, minor
upgrades, enhancements, preliminary project
activities and post-implementation operating
activities are expensed as incurred.
Investment properties comprise of land and
buildings that are held for long term lease
rental yields and/or for capital appreciation.
Investment properties are initially recognised at
cost including transaction costs. Subsequently,
investment properties comprising of building are
carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and
accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the
estimated useful lives (refer note 2(e)) as specified
in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
The residual values, estimated useful lives and
depreciation method of investment properties are
reviewed and adjusted on prospective basis as
appropriate, at each financial year end. The effects
of any revision are included in the Statement of
Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment
properties using cost based measurement,
the fair values of investment properties are
disclosed in note 7(b).
Investment properties are de-recognised when
either they have been disposed off or doesn''t
meet the criteria of investment property when the
investment property is permanently withdrawn
from use and no future economic benefit is
expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds
and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised
in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of
de-recognition.
The carrying values of assets / cash generating
units ("CGUâ) at each balance sheet date are
reviewed for impairment, if any indication of
impairment exists. The following intangible assets
are tested for impairment at the end of each
financial year even if there is no indication that the
asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available
for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed
the estimated recoverable amount, impairment
is recognised for such excess amount. The
impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the
Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is
carried at a revalued amount, in which case any
impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as
a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation
reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair
value less cost of disposal and the value in use.
Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future
cash flows to their present value based on an
appropriate discount factor. In assessing value in
use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted
to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate
that reflects current market assessments of the
time value of money and the risks specific to the
asset. In determining fair value less cost of disposal,
recent market transactions are taken into account.
When there is indication that an impairment loss
recognised for an asset (other than a revalued
asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer
exists or may have decreased, such reversal of
impairment loss is recognised in the Statement
of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was
previously charged to the Statement of Profit and
Loss. In case of revalued assets, such reversal is
not recognised.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on
detailed budgets and forecasts. These budgets
and forecasts generally cover a significant period.
For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is
calculated and applied to projected future cash
flows after the significant period.
The determination of whether an arrangement is
(or contains) a lease is based on the substance
of the arrangement at the inception of the
lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease
if fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent
on the use of a specific asset or assets and the
arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or
assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified
in an arrangement.
The Company''s lease asset classes primarily
consist of leases for land, buildings and colocation
spaces. The Company assesses whether a contract
contains a lease, at inception of a contract. A
contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract
conveys the right to control the use of an
identified asset for a period of time in exchange
for consideration. To assess whether a contract
conveys the right to control the use of an identified
asset, the Company assesses whether: (i) the
contract involves the use of an identified asset (ii)
the Company has substantially all of the economic
benefits from use of the asset through the period
of the lease and (iii) the Company has the right to
direct the use of the asset.
At the date of commencement of the lease, the
Company recognizes a right-of-use asset ("ROUâ)
and a corresponding lease liability for all lease
arrangements in which it is a lessee, except for
leases with a term of twelve months or less (short¬
term leases) and low value leases. For these short¬
term and low value leases, the Company recognizes
the lease payments as an operating expense on a
straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Certain lease arrangements include the options to
extend or terminate the lease before the end of the
lease term. ROU assets and lease liabilities includes
these options when it is reasonably certain that
they will be exercised.
The right-of-use assets are initially recognized at
cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease
liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or
prior to the commencement date of the lease plus
any initial direct costs less any lease incentives. They
are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated
depreciation and impairment losses, if any.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated from the
commencement date on a straight-line basis over
the shorter of the lease term and useful life of the
underlying asset. Right of use assets are evaluated
for recoverability whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that their carrying
amounts may not be recoverable. Refer to the
accounting policies in note 2(i) Impairment of non¬
financial assets.
The lease liability is initially measured at amortized
cost at the present value of the future lease
payments. The lease payments are discounted
using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if
not readily determinable, using the incremental
borrowing rates in the country of domicile of these
leases. The Company uses return on treasury
bills with similar maturity as base rate and makes
adjustments for spread based on the Company''s
credit rating as the implicit interest rate cannot
be readily determinable. Lease liabilities are
remeasured with a corresponding adjustment
to the related right-of-use asset if the Company
changes its assessment if whether it will exercise
an extension or a termination option.
Lease liability and ROU asset have been separately
presented in the Balance Sheet.
Leases for which the Company is a lessor is
classified as a finance or operating lease. Whenever
the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the
risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the
contract is classified as a finance lease. All other
leases are classified as operating leases.
For operating leases, rental income is recognized
on a straight line basis over the term of the
relevant lease.
Inventories of traded goods, required to provide
Data Services ("DSâ), are valued at the lower of
cost or net realisable value. Cost includes cost of
purchase and all expenses incurred to bring the
inventory to its present location and condition.
Cost is determined on a weighted average basis.
Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in
the ordinary course of business less the estimated
cost necessary to make the sale.
Employee benefits include contributions to
provident fund, employee state insurance scheme,
gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension
and post-employment medical benefits.
The undiscounted amount of short term
employee benefits expected to be paid in
exchange for services rendered by employees
is recognised during the period when the
employee renders the service. These benefits
include compensated absences such as paid
annual leave and performance incentives
payable within twelve months.
Contributions to defined contribution
retirement benefit schemes are recognised
as expense when employees have rendered
services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of
providing benefits is determined using the
Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial
valuations being carried out at each balance
sheet date which recognized each period
of service as giving rise to additional unit of
employee benefit entitlement and measure each
unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial
gains and losses, the effect of the asset
ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts
included in net interest on the net defined
benefit liability and the return on plan
assets (excluding amounts included in
net interest on the net defined benefit
liability), are recognized immediately in the
balance sheet with a corresponding debit
or credit to retained earnings through other
comprehensive income in the period in
which they occur. Remeasurements are not
reclassified to the Statement of Profit and
Loss in subsequent periods.
Past service cost is recognized in the
Statement of Profit and Loss in the period
of plan amendment. These benefits include
gratuity, pension, provident fund and post¬
employment medical benefits.
Net interest is calculated by applying the
discount rate to the net defined benefit
liability or asset.
The Company recognized changes in service
costs comprising of current service costs, past-
service costs, gains and losses on curtailments
and non-routine settlements under employee
benefits expense in the Statement of Profit
and Loss. The net interest expense or income
is recognized as part of finance cost in the
Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised
in the balance sheet represents the present
value of the defined benefit obligation as
adjusted for unrecognised past service cost,
and as reduced by the fair value of scheme
assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation
is limited to past service cost, plus the present
value of available refunds and reductions in
future contributions to the scheme.
Compensated absences, which are not
expected to occur within twelve months after
the end of the period in which the employee
renders the related services, are recognized
as a liability at the present value of the defined
benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
Share Based Payments are classified under
equity settled and cash settled. Under the
equity settled share based payment, the fair
value of Restricted Stock Units (RSU''s) on the
grant date of the awards given to employees
is recognised as âemployee benefit expenses''
with a corresponding increase in equity over
the vesting period.
The fair value of the options at the grant date
is calculated by an independent valuer basis
Black & Scholes model. At the end of each
reporting period, apart from the non-market
vesting condition, the expense is reviewed
and adjusted to reflect changes to the level of
RSU''s expected to vest.
For cash-settled share-based payments, the
fair value of the amount payable to employees
is recognised as âemployee benefit expenses''
with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over
the period of non-market vesting conditions
getting fulfilled. The liability is remeasured
at each reporting period up to the vesting
date, with changes in fair value recognised
in employee benefits expenses. Refer note
37 for details.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of
promised goods or services to the customers for an
amount, that reflects the consideration which the
Company expects to receive in exchange for those
goods or services in normal course of business.
Revenue is measured at the transaction price that
is allocated to performance obligation excluding
taxes collected on behalf of the government and
is reduced for estimated credit notes and other
similar allowances based on management''s best
assessment of its likely outcome.
Types of products and services and their revenue
recognition criteria are as follows:
i. Revenue from Voice Solutions (VS) is
recognised at the end of each month based
on minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenue from Data Services (DS) is recognised
over the period of the arrangement based on
contracted fee schedule or based on usage. In
respect of sale of equipment (ancillary to DS)
revenue is recognised when the control over the
goods has been passed to the customer and/ or
the performance obligation has been fulfilled.
iii. The Company has entered into certain
multiple-element revenue arrangements
which involve the delivery and performance
of equipment and services. At the inception of
the arrangement, all the deliverables therein
are evaluated to determine whether they
represent distinct performance obligations,
and if so, they are accounted for separately.
Total consideration related to the multiple
element arrangements is allocated to each
performance obligation based on their
relative fair values. Revenue is recognised for
respective components either at the point
in time or over time on satisfaction of the
performance obligation. In contracts where
the Company provides significant integration
services, the contract is treated as a single
performance obligation and the revenue is
recognized on acceptance by the customer,
as per the terms of the respective contract.
iv. Bandwidth capacity sale under IRU
arrangements is treated as revenue from
operations. These arrangements do not have
any significant financing component and are
recognised on a straight line basis over the
term of the relevant IRU arrangement.
v. Exchange/ swaps with service providers
are accounted as monetary/ non-monetary
transactions depending on the nature of the
arrangement with such service provider.
vi. Revenue from annual maintenance service
charges is recognised over the period for
which services are provided.
vii. Income from real estate business and dark
fibre contracts are recognized over the
period as per the terms of the contract with
the customer and are considered as revenue
from operations.
viii. Accounting treatment of assets and liabilities
arising in course of sale of goods and services
is set out below:
Trade receivable represents the
Company''s right to an amount of
consideration that is unconditional
(i.e., only the passage of time is
required before payment of the
consideration is due).
Contract asset is recorded when
revenue is recognized in advance of
the Company''s right to bill and receive
the consideration (i.e. the Company
must perform additional services or
complete a milestone of performance
obligation in order to bill and receive the
consideration as per the contract terms).
Contract liabilities represent
consideration received from customers
in advance for providing the goods
and services promised in the contract.
The Company defers recognition of
the consideration until the related
performance obligation is satisfied.
Contract liabilities include recurring
services billed in advance and the non¬
recurring charges recognized over
the contract/ service period. Contract
liabilities have been disclosed as deferred
revenue in the financial statements.
IV. The incremental cost of acquisition and/
or fulfilment of a contract with customer
includes non recurring charges for
connectivity services and incentives
to employees for customer contracts.
These costs are recognised under ''Other
assets'' and amortised over the period
of the arrangement in network and
transmission expenses for connectivity
services and employee benefit expenses
for incentives to employees.
i. Dividend from investments is recognised
when the right to receive payment is
established and no significant uncertainty as
to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments
measured at amortised cost, interest income
is recorded on accrual basis.
Current tax expense is determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Income Tax Act,
1961 (as amended).
Provisions for current income taxes and advance
taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are
presented in the balance sheet after offsetting
these balances on an assessment year basis.
Current tax relating to items recognised outside the
Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside
the Statement of Profit and Loss. Current tax items
are recognised in correlation to the underlying
transaction either in other comprehensive income
or directly in equity.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet
approach on temporary differences between the
tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying
amounts for financial reporting purposes at the
reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is
reviewed at each reporting date and reduced
to the extent that it is no longer probable that
sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow
all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised.
Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed
at each reporting date and are recognised to the
extent that it has become probable that future
taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset
to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at
the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year
when the asset is realised or the liability is settled
and are based on tax rates (and tax laws) that
have been enacted or substantively enacted at the
reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside
the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised
outside the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation
to the underlying transaction either in other
comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are
offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set
off current tax assets against current income tax
liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same
taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
The Company measures financial instruments such
as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value
at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to
sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an
orderly transaction between market participants
at the measurement date. The fair value
measurement is based on the presumption that
the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the
liability takes place either:
⢠In the principal market for the asset
or liability or
⢠In the absence of a principal market, in
the most advantageous market for the
asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market
must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is
measured using the assumptions that market
participants would use when pricing the asset or
liability, assuming that market participants act in
their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are
appropriate in the circumstances and for which
sufficient data is available to measure fair value,
maximising the use of relevant observable inputs
and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is
measured or disclosed in the financial statements
are categorised within the fair value hierarchy,
described as follows, based on the lowest
level input that is significant to the fair value
measurement as a whole:
⢠Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices
(unadjusted) in active markets for identical
assets or liabilities.
⢠Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices
included within Level 1 that are observable
for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as
prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
⢠Level 3 â Inputs are not based on observable
market data (unobservable inputs). Fair
values are determined in whole or in part using
a valuation model based on assumptions
that are neither supported by prices from
observable current market transactions in
the same instrument nor are they based on
available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the
balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company
determines whether transfers have occurred
between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing
categorisation (based on the lowest level input
that is significant to the fair value measurement as
a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the
Company has determined classes of assets and
liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics
and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the
fair value hierarchy as explained above.
The Company''s financial statements are
presented in INR, which is also the Company''s
functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into
INR at rates of exchange approximating those
prevailing at the transaction dates or at the
average exchange rate for the month in which the
transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary
assets and liabilities outstanding as at the balance
sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates
prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange
differences on foreign currency transactions are
recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that
are measured in terms of historical cost in
foreign currencies are not restated on the
balance sheet date.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the
acquisition, construction or production of an
asset that necessarily takes a substantial period
of time to get ready for its intended use or sale
are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All
other borrowing costs are expensed in the period
in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of
interest and other costs that an entity incurs in
connection with the borrowing of funds.
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing
the net profit or loss for the year attributable to
equity shareholders (after deducting preference
dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted
average number of equity shares outstanding
during the year. The weighted average number
of equity shares outstanding during the year is
adjusted for events, if any such as bonus issue to
existing shareholders or a share split.
For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings
per share, the net profit or loss for the period
attributable to equity shareholders of the Company
and the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during the period are adjusted for the
effects of all dilutive potential equity shares.
Mar 31, 2024
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards (''Ind AS'') notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended from time to time) and presentation requirements of Division II of Schedule III to the Companies Act, 2013, as applicable to the financial statements.
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following assets and liabilities which have been measured at fair value:
⢠Derivative financial instruments,
⢠Certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (refer note 2 (p)).
The accounting policies adopted for preparation and presentation of financial statements have been consistently applied. All assets and liabilities have
been classified as current and non-current as per the Company''s normal operating cycle.
The financial statements are presented in Indian Rupees ("INRâ) and all values are rounded to the nearest crores (INR 00,00,000), except when otherwise indicated.
c. Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with recognition and measurement principles of Ind AS requires the management of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to contingent liability as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the periods presented.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and future periods are affected.
In the process of applying the Company''s accounting policies, the management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:
a) Revenue from contracts with customers:
As per Company''s assessment, it is generally the principal in its revenue arrangements, as it typically controls the goods or services before transferring them to the customer.
b) Operating lease commitments - Company as lessor
The Company has entered into property leases (''the leases'') on its investment property portfolio. The Company has determined the accounting of the leases as operating lease on its Investment property portfolio, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, such as the lease term not constituting a major part of the economic life of the commercial property, the fair value of the asset and the fact that it retains all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of these properties.
ii. Estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next
financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Defined benefit plans
The cost of the defined benefit gratuity plan and other post-employment benefits and the present value of such obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexities involved in the valuation and its longterm nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
Share based payments to employees
Estimation of fair value for share-based payment transactions requires determination of the most appropriate valuation model, which is dependent on the terms and conditions of the grant. This estimate also requires determination of the most appropriate inputs to the valuation model including the expected life of the plan, volatility and dividend yield and making assumptions about them. For cash-settled share-based payment transactions, the liability needs to be remeasured at the end of each reporting period up to the date of settlement, with any changes in fair value recognised in the profit or loss. This requires a re-assessment of the estimates used at the end of each reporting period. For the measurement of the fair value of equity-settled transactions with employees at the grant date, the Company uses Black & Scholes model. The assumptions and models used for estimating fair value for share-based payment transactions are disclosed in note 37.
Useful lives and residual values of property plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets
The Company reviews the useful lives and residual values of property plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets at the end of each reporting period. This re-assessment may result in change in depreciation and / or amortisation expense in future periods.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair values are measured using valuation techniques including the Discounted Cash Flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required in establishing fair values. Judgements include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Provision for decommissioning of assets
Provision for decommissioning of assets relates to the costs associated with the removal of long-lived assets when they will be retired. The Company records a liability at the estimated current fair value of the costs associated with the removal obligations, discounted at present value using riskfree rate of return. The liability for decommissioning of assets is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset and is depreciated over its useful life. The estimated removal liabilities are based on historical cost information, industry factors and engineering estimates.
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries and associates
The carrying values of the investments are reviewed for impairment at each balance sheet date or earlier, if any indication of impairment exists. The Company''s telecom business layout and asset structure of its India and International operations are integrated for delivering products and services to its customers in all jurisdictions. For the purpose of impairment testing, the Company prepares and analyses its business units, on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared in an integrated way across all jurisdictions.
Deferred Taxes
Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and probability of realisation of deferred income taxes and the timing of income tax payments. Deferred income taxes are provided for the effect of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognised for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognised for income tax purposes. The Company measures
deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that, if changed, would result in either an increase or decrease in the provision for income taxes in the period of change. The Company does not recognize deferred tax assets when there is no reasonable certainty that a deferred tax asset will be realized. In assessing the reasonable certainty, management considers estimates of future taxable income based on internal projections which are updated to reflect current operating trends the character of income needed to realise future tax benefits, and all available evidence.
Provisions and contingent liabilities
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pretax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are short-term balances (with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts do not form an integral part of the Company''s cash management and so the same is not considered as component of cash and cash equivalents.
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less accumulated depreciation / amortisation and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets to its working condition for their intended use.
Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property, plant and equipment under installation/ under development as at the balance sheet date and is carried at cost, comprising of direct cost, directly attributable cost and attributable interest.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and equipment is the cost of the property, plant and equipment or other amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value (wherever applicable).
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment has been provided on the straight-line method as per the estimated useful lives. The assets'' residual values, estimated useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and any change in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis.
âOn the above categories of assets, the depreciation has been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
**In these cases, the useful lives of the assets are different from the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The useful lives of the assets have been assessed based on technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, etc.
Property, plant and equipment is eliminated from financial statements, either on disposal or when retired from active use. Losses arising in the case of retirement of property, plant and equipment and gains or losses arising from disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the year of occurrence.
Cost of property, plant and equipment also includes present value of provision for decommissioning of assets if the recognition criteria for a provision are met.
f. Intangible assets
Intangible assets are recognised when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Cost incurred on intangible assets not ready for their intended use is disclosed as intangible assets under development.
Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRUâ) taken for optical fibres are capitalised as intangible assets at the amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These are amortised on straight line basis, over the period of contract.
The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the expected useful life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired.
An intangible asset is de-recognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is de-recognised.
g. Internal-Use Software Development Costs
Certain costs of the technology platform and other software applications developed for internal use are capitalised. The Company capitalises qualifying internal-use software development costs that are incurred during the application development stage of projects with a useful life greater than one year. Capitalisation of costs begins when two criteria are met: (i) the preliminary project stage is completed, and (ii) it is probable that the software will be completed and used for its intended purpose.
Capitalisation ceases when the software is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, including the completion of all-significant testing. The Company also capitalises costs related to specific upgrades and enhancements when it is probable the expenditures will result in additional functionality. Costs related to maintenance, minor upgrades, enhancements, preliminary project activities and post-implementation operating activities are expensed as incurred.
h. Investment properties
Investment properties comprise of land and buildings that are held for long term lease rental yields and/ or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognised at cost including transaction costs. Subsequently, investment properties comprising of building are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the estimated useful lives (refer note 2(e)) as specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The residual values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of investment properties are reviewed and adjusted on prospective
basis as appropriate, at each financial year end. The effects of any revision are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment properties using cost based measurement, the fair values of investment properties are disclosed in note 7(b).
Investment properties are de-recognised when either they have been disposed off or doesn''t meet the criteria of investment property when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of de-recognition.
The carrying values of assets / cash generating units ("CGUâ) at each balance sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable amount, impairment is recognised for such excess amount. The impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less cost of disposal and the value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash flows to their present value based on an appropriate discount factor. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less cost of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognised for an asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was previously charged to the
Statement of Profit and Loss. In case of revalued assets, such reversal is not recognised.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecasts. These budgets and forecasts generally cover a significant period. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to projected future cash flows after the significant period.
The determination of whether an arrangement is (or contains) a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception of the lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease if fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
The Company''s lease asset classes primarily consist of leases for land, buildings and colocation spaces. The Company assesses whether a contract contains a lease, at inception of a contract. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Company assesses whether: (i) the contract involves the use of an identified asset (ii) the Company has substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset through the period of the lease and (iii) the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset.
At the date of commencement of the lease, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset ("ROUâ) and a corresponding lease liability for all lease arrangements in which it is a lessee, except for leases with a term of twelve months or less (short-term leases) and low value leases. For these short-term and low value leases, the Company recognizes the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Certain lease arrangements include the options to extend or terminate the lease before the end of the lease term. ROU assets and lease liabilities includes these options when it is reasonably certain that they will be exercised.
The right-of-use assets are initially recognized at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or prior to the commencement date of the lease plus any initial direct costs less any lease incentives. They are subsequently
measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated from the commencement date on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. Right of use assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Refer to the accounting policies in note 2(i) Impairment of non-financial assets.
The lease liability is initially measured at amortized cost at the present value of the future lease payments. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if not readily determinable, using the incremental borrowing rates in the country of domicile of these leases. The Company uses return on treasury bills with similar maturity as base rate and makes adjustments for spread based on the Company''s credit rating as the implicit interest rate cannot be readily determinable. Lease liabilities are remeasured with a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset if the Company changes its assessment if whether it will exercise an extension or a termination option.
Lease liability and ROU asset have been separately presented in the Balance Sheet.
Leases for which the Company is a lessor is classified as a finance or operating lease. Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the contract is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
For operating leases, rental income is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Inventories of traded goods, required to provide Data and Managed Services ("DMSâ), are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost includes cost of purchase and all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated cost necessary to make the sale.
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension and post-employment medical benefits.
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognised during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post-employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised as expense when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date which recognized each period of service as giving rise to additional unit of employee benefit entitlement and measure each unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability), are recognized immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in subsequent periods.
Past service cost is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of plan amendment. These benefits include gratuity, pension, provident fund and post-employment medical benefits.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
The Company recognized changes in service costs comprising of current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and nonroutine settlements under employee benefits expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The net interest expense or income is recognized as part of finance cost in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, and as reduced by
the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
Compensated absences, which are not expected to occur within twelve months after the end of the period in which the employee renders the related services, are recognized as a liability at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
Share Based Payments are classified under equity settled and cash settled. Under the equity settled share based payment, the fair value of Restricted Stock Units (RSU''s) on the grant date of the awards given to employees is recognised as ''employee benefit expenses'' with a corresponding increase in equity over the vesting period.
The fair value of the options at the grant date is calculated by an independent valuer basis Black & Scholes model. At the end of each reporting period, apart from the non-market vesting condition, the expense is reviewed and adjusted to reflect changes to the level of RSU''s expected to vest.
For cash-settled share-based payments, the fair value of the amount payable to employees is recognised as ''employee benefit expenses'' with a corresponding increase in liabilities, over the period of non-market vesting conditions getting fulfilled. The liability is remeasured at each reporting period up to the vesting date, with changes in fair value recognised in employee benefits expenses. Refer note 37 for details.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to the customers for an amount, that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services in normal course of business. Revenue is measured at the transaction price that is allocated to performance obligation excluding taxes collected on behalf of the government and is reduced for estimated credit notes and other similar allowances.
Types of products and services and their revenue recognition criteria are as follows:
i. Revenue from Voice Solutions (VS) is recognised at the end of each month based on minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenue from Data and Managed Services (DMS) is recognised over the period of the arrangement based on contracted fee schedule or based on usage. In respect of sale of equipment (ancillary to DMS) revenue is recognised when the control over the goods has been passed to the customer and/ or the performance obligation has been fulfilled.
iii. The Company has entered into certain multiple-element revenue arrangements which involve the delivery and performance of equipments and services. At the inception of the arrangement, all the deliverables therein are evaluated to determine whether they represent distinct performance obligations, and if so, they are accounted for separately. Total consideration related to the multiple element arrangements is allocated to each performance obligation based on their relative fair values. Revenue is recognised for respective components either at the point in time or over time on satisfaction of the performance obligation. In contracts where the Company provides significant integration services, the contract is treated as a single performance obligation and the revenue is recognized on delivery/ acceptance by the customer, as per the terms of the respective contract.
iv. Bandwidth capacity sale under IRU arrangements is treated as revenue from operations. These arrangements do not have any significant financing component and are recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant IRU arrangement.
v. Exchange/ swaps with service providers are accounted as monetary/ non-monetary transactions depending on the nature of the arrangement with such service provider.
vi. Revenue/ cost recovery in respect of annual maintenance service charges is recognised over the period for which services are provided.
vii. Income from real estate business and dark fibre contracts are considered as revenue from operations.
viii. Accounting treatment of assets and liabilities arising in course of sale of goods and services is set out below:
I. Trade receivable
Trade receivable represents the Company''s right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional (i.e., only the passage of time is required before payment of the consideration is due).
Contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Company''s right to bill and receive the consideration (i.e. the Company must perform additional services or complete a milestone of performance obligation in order to bill and receive the consideration as per the contract terms).
III. Contract liabilities
Contract liabilities represent consideration received from customers in advance for providing the goods and services promised in the contract. The Company defers recognition of the consideration until the related performance obligation is satisfied. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed in advance and the non-recurring charges recognized over the contract/ service period. Contract liabilities have been disclosed as deferred revenue in the financial statements.
The incremental cost of acquisition or fulfilment of a contract with customer is recognised as an asset and amortised over the period of the respective arrangement. This includes non recurring charges for connectivity services and incentives for customer contracts as disclosed under network and transmission and employee benefits respectively.
i. Dividend from investments is recognised when the right to receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments measured at amortised cost, interest income is recorded on accrual basis.
o. Taxation Current income tax
Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (as amended).
Provisions for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after offsetting these balances on an assessment year basis.
Current tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Current tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet approach on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled and are based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
p. Fair value measurement
The Company measures financial instruments such as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
⢠In the principal market for the asset or liability or
⢠In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
⢠Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
⢠Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
⢠Level 3 â Inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Fair values are determined in whole or in part using a valuation model based on assumptions that are neither supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument nor are they based on available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
The Company''s financial statements are presented in INR, which is also the Company''s functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into INR at rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign currencies are not restated on the balance sheet date.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit or loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for events, if any such as bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share split.
Mar 31, 2023
1. Corporate information
TATA Communications Limited (the "Companyâ) was incorporated on 19 March 1986. The Government of India vide its letter No. G-25015/6/86OC dated 27 March 1986, transferred all assets and liabilities of the Overseas Communications Service ("OCSâ) (part of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications) as appearing in the Balance sheet as at 31 March 1986 to the Company with effect from 1 April 1986. During the financial year 2007-08, the Company changed its name from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited to Tata Communications Limited and the fresh certificate of incorporation consequent upon the change of name was issued by the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai, Maharashtra on 28 January 2008.
The Company is domiciled in India and its registered office is at VSB, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai -400 001. The Company''s equity and debt are listed on recognised stock exchanges in India.
The Company offers international and national voice and data transmission services, selling and leasing of bandwidth on undersea cable systems, internet connectivity services and other value-added services comprising telepresence, managed hosting, mobile global roaming and signalling services, transponder lease, television uplinking and other related services. The Company also undertakes leasing, letting out, licensing or developing immovable properties to earn income of any nature including inter-alia rental, lease, license income, etc from immovable properties of the Company including land and buildings.
2. Significant accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards (âInd AS'') notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended from time to time).
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following assets and liabilities which have been measured at fair value:
⢠Derivative financial instruments,
⢠Certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (refer note 2 (o)).
The accounting policies adopted for preparation and presentation of financial statements have been consistently applied. All assets and liabilities have been classified as current and non-current as per the Company''s normal operating cycle.
The financial statements are presented in Indian Rupees ("INRâ) and all values are rounded to the nearest crores (INR 00,00,000), except when otherwise indicated.
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with recognition and measurement principles of Ind AS requires the management of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to contingent liability as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the periods presented.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and future periods are affected.
In the process of applying the Company''s accounting policies, the management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:
As per Company''s assessment, it is generally the principal in its revenue arrangements, as it typically controls the goods or services before transferring them to the customer.
The Company has entered into property leases (âthe leases'') on its investment property portfolio. The Company has determined the accounting of the leases as operating lease on its Investment property portfolio, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, such as the lease term not constituting a major part of the economic life of the commercial property, the fair value of the asset and the fact that it retains all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of these properties.
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its
assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
The cost of the defined benefit gratuity plan and other post-employment benefits and the present value of such obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexities involved in the valuation and its longterm nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
The Company reviews the useful lives and residual values of property plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets at the end of each reporting period. This re-assessment may result in change in depreciation and / or amortisation expense in future periods.
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair values are measured using valuation techniques including the Discounted Cash Flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required in establishing fair values. Judgements include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Provision for decommissioning of assets relates to the costs associated with the removal of long-lived assets when they will be retired. The Company records a liability at the estimated current fair value of the costs associated with the removal obligations, discounted at present value using risk-free rate of
return. The liability for decommissioning of assets is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset and is depreciated over its useful life. The estimated removal liabilities are based on historical cost information, industry factors and engineering estimates.
The carrying values of the investments are reviewed for impairment at each balance sheet date or earlier, if any indication of impairment exists. The Company''s telecom business layout and asset structure of its India and International operations are integrated for delivering products and services to its customers in all jurisdictions. For the purpose of impairment testing, the Company prepares and analyses its business units, on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared in an integrated way across all jurisdictions.
Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and probability of realisation of deferred income taxes and the timing of income tax payments. Deferred income taxes are provided for the effect of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognised for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognised for income tax purposes. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that, if changed, would result in either an increase or decrease in the provision for income taxes in the period of change. The Company does not recognize deferred tax assets when there is no reasonable certainty that a deferred tax asset will be realized. In assessing the reasonable certainty, management considers estimates of future taxable income based on internal projections which are updated to reflect current operating trends the character of income needed to realise future tax benefits, and all available evidence.
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events,
the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pretax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are shortterm balances (with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts do not form an integral part of the Company''s cash management and so the same is not considered as component of cash and cash equivalents.
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less accumulated depreciation / amortisation and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets to its working condition for their intended use.
Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property, plant and equipment under installation/ under development as at the balance sheet date and is carried at cost, comprising of direct cost, directly attributable cost and attributable interest.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and equipment is the cost of the property, plant and equipment or other amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value (wherever applicable).
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment has been provided on the straight-line method as per the estimated useful lives. The assets'' residual values,
estimated useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and any change in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis.
Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
|
Property, plant and equipment |
Estimated useful life |
|
i. Plant and machinery |
|
|
Network equipment, switches and component** |
2 to 13 years |
|
Undersea cable** |
15 to 20 years or contract period whichever is earlier |
|
Land cable** |
15 years or contract period whichever is earlier |
|
Electrical equipment and installations* |
10 years |
|
Earth station * |
13 years |
|
General plant and machinery* |
15 years |
|
ii. Office equipment |
|
|
Integrated building management Systems** |
8 years |
|
Others* |
2 to 5 years |
|
iii. Leasehold land |
Over the lease period |
|
iv. Leasehold improvements |
Asset life or lease period whichever is lower |
|
v. Buildings* |
30 to 60 years |
|
vi. Motor Vehicles* |
8 to 10 years |
|
vii. Furniture and fixtures* |
8 to 10 years |
|
viii. Computers and IT servers* |
3 to 6 years |
* On the above categories of assets, the depreciation has been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
** In these cases, the useful lives of the assets are different from the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The useful lives of the assets have been assessed based on technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, etc.
Property, plant and equipment is eliminated from financial statements, either on disposal or when retired from active use. Losses arising in the case of retirement of property, plant and equipment and gains or losses arising from disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the year of occurrence.
Cost of property, plant and equipment also includes present value of provision for decommissioning of assets if the recognition criterias for a provision are met.
f. Intangible assets
Intangible assets are recognised when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Cost incurred on intangible assets not ready for their intended use is disclosed as intangible assets under development.
Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRUâ) taken for optical fibres are capitalised as intangible assets at the amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These are amortised on straight line basis, over the period of contract.
The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the expected useful life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired.
Intangible assets are amortised as follows:
|
Intangible asset |
Expected useful life |
|
Software and application |
3 to 6 years |
|
IRU |
Over the contract period |
|
License |
Over the license period |
An intangible asset is de-recognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from de-recognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is de-recognised.
g. Investment properties
Investment properties comprise of land and buildings that are held for long term lease rental yields and/ or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognised at cost including transaction costs. Subsequently, investment properties comprising of building are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the estimated useful lives (refer note 2(e)) as specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The residual values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of investment properties are reviewed and adjusted on prospective basis as appropriate, at each financial year end. The effects of any revision are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment properties using cost based measurement, the fair values of investment properties are disclosed in note 7(b).
Investment properties are de-recognised when either they have been disposed off or doesn''t meet the criteria of investment property when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of derecognition.
h. Impairment of non-financial assets
The carrying values of assets / cash generating units ("CGUâ) at each balance sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable amount, impairment is recognised for such excess amount. The impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less cost of disposal and the value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash flows to their present value based on an appropriate discount factor. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less cost of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognised for an asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was previously charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss. In case of revalued assets, such reversal is not recognised.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecasts. These budgets and forecasts generally cover a significant period. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to projected future cash flows after the significant period.
The determination of whether an arrangement is (or contains) a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception of the lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease if fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
The Company''s lease asset classes primarily consist of leases for land, buildings and colocation spaces. The Company assesses whether a contract contains a lease, at inception of a contract. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Company assesses whether: (i) the contract involves the use of an identified asset (ii) the Company has substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset through the period of the lease and (iii) the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset.
At the date of commencement of the lease, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset ("ROUâ) and a corresponding lease liability for all lease arrangements in which it is a lessee, except for leases with a term of twelve months or less (short-term leases) and low value leases. For these short-term and low value leases, the Company recognizes the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Certain lease arrangements include the options to extend or terminate the lease before the end of the lease term. ROU assets and lease liabilities includes these options when it is reasonably certain that they will be exercised.
The right-of-use assets are initially recognized at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or prior to the commencement date of the lease plus any initial direct costs less any lease incentives. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated from the commencement date on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. Right of use assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Refer to the accounting policies in note 2(h) Impairment of non-financial assets.
The lease liability is initially measured at amortized cost at the present value of the future lease payments. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if not readily determinable, using the incremental borrowing rates in the country of domicile of these leases. The Company uses return on treasury bills with similar maturity as base rate and makes adjustments for spread based on the Company''s credit rating as the implicit interest rate cannot be readily determinable. Lease liabilities are remeasured with a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset if the Company changes its assessment if whether it will exercise an extension or a termination option.
Lease liability and ROU asset have been separately presented in the Balance Sheet.
Leases for which the Company is a lessor is classified as a finance or operating lease. Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the contract is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
For operating leases, rental income is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Inventories of traded goods, required to provide Data and Managed Services ("DMSâ), are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost includes cost of purchase and all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated cost necessary to make the sale.
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension and post-employment medical benefits.
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognised during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance incentives payable within twelve months.
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised as expense when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date which recognized each period of service as giving rise to additional unit of employee benefit entitlement and measure each unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability), are recognized immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in subsequent periods.
Past service cost is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of plan amendment. These benefits include gratuity, pension, provident fund and post-employment medical benefits.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
The Company recognized changes in service costs comprising of current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and nonroutine settlements under employee benefits expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The net interest expense or income is recognized as part of finance cost in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
iii. Other long-term benefits
Compensated absences, which are not expected to occur within twelve months after the end of the period in which the employee renders the related services, are recognized as a liability at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
l. Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to the customers for an amount, that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services in normal course of business. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable excluding taxes collected on behalf of the government and is reduced for estimated credit notes and other similar allowances.
Types of products and services and their revenue recognition criteria are as follows:
i. Revenue from Voice Solutions (VS) is recognised at the end of each month based on minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenue from Data and Managed Services (DMS) is recognised over the period of the arrangement based on contracted fee schedule or based on usage. In respect of sale of equipment (ancillary to DMS) revenue is recognised when the control over the goods has been passed to the customer and/ or the performance obligation has been fulfilled.
iii. The Company has entered into certain multiple-element revenue arrangements which involve the delivery and performance of equipments and services. At the inception of the arrangement, all the deliverables therein are evaluated to determine whether they represent distinct performance obligations, and if so, they are accounted for separately. Total consideration related to the multiple element arrangements is allocated to each performance obligation based on their relative fair values. Revenue is recognised for respective components either at the point in time or over time on satisfaction of the performance obligation. In contracts where the Company provides significant
integration services, the contract is treated as a single performance obligation and the revenue is recognized on delivery/acceptance by the customer, as per the terms of the respective contract.
iv. Bandwidth capacity sale under IRU arrangements is treated as revenue from operations. These arrangements do not have any significant financing component and are recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant IRU arrangement.
v. Exchange/ swaps with service providers are accounted as monetary/ non-monetary transactions depending on the nature of the arrangement with such service provider.
vi. Revenue/ Cost recovery in respect of annual maintenance service charges is recognised over the period for which services are provided.
vii. Income from real estate business and dark fibre contracts are considered as revenue from operations.
Accounting treatment of assets and liabilities arising in
course of sale of goods and services is set out below:
Trade receivable represents the Company''s right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional (i.e., only the passage of time is required before payment of the consideration is due).
Contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Company''s right to bill and receive the consideration (i.e. the Company must perform additional services or complete a milestone of performance obligation in order to bill and receive the consideration as per the contract terms).
Contract liabilities represent consideration received from customers in advance for providing the goods and services promised in the contract. The Company defers recognition of the consideration until the related performance obligation is satisfied. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed in advance and the non-recurring charges recognized over the contract/ service period. Contract liabilities have been disclosed as deferred revenue in the financial statements.
The incremental cost of acquisition or fulfilment of a contract with customer is recognised as an asset and amortised over the period of the respective arrangement. This includes non recurring charges for connectivity services and incentives for
customer contracts as disclosed under network and transmission and employee benefits respectively.
i. Dividend from investments is recognised when the right to receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments measured at amortised cost, interest income is recorded on accrual basis.
Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (as amended).
Provisions for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after offsetting these balances on an assessment year basis.
Current tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Current tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet approach on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled and are based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the
deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
The Company measures financial instruments such as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
⢠In the principal market for the asset or liability or
⢠In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
⢠Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
⢠Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
⢠Level 3 â Inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Fair values are determined in whole or in part using a valuation model based on assumptions that are neither supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument nor are they based on available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation
(based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
p. Foreign currencies
The Company''s financial statements are presented in INR, which is also the Company''s functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into INR at rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign currencies are not restated on the balance sheet date.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.
r. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit or loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for events, if any such as bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share split.
s. Provisions and contingent liabilities
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the
existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
t. Financial instruments
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of an instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value measured on initial recognition of financial asset or financial liability.
Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is to hold these assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is achieved by both collecting
contractual cash flows that give rise on specified dates to solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and by selling financial assets.
The Company has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income subsequent changes in the fair value of equity investments not held for trading.
Financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss unless it is measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income on initial recognition. The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are immediately recognised in profit or loss.
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily de-recognised (i.e. removed from the Company''s balance sheet) when:
⢠The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
⢠The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a âpassthrough'' arrangement; and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.
The Company assesses impairment based on expected credit loss (ECL) model to the following:
⢠Financial assets measured at amortised cost;
⢠Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive Income
The Company follows âsimplified approach'' for recognition of impairment loss allowance on trade receivables.
Under the simplified approach, the Company does not track changes in credit risk. Rather, it recognizes impairment loss allowance based on lifetime ECL at reporting date.
The Company uses a provision matrix to determine impairment loss allowance on the portfolio of trade receivables. The provision matrix is based on its historically observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivables and is adjusted for forward looking estimates. The historically observed default rates and forward-looking changes in estimates are analyzed and updated annually.
For assessing ECL on a collective basis, financial assets have been grouped on the basis of shared risk characteristics and basis of estimation may change during the course of time due to change in risk characteristics.
B. Financial liabilities
i. Loans and borrowings
After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost on accrual basis and using the EIR method.
ii. Guarantee fee obligations
Financial guarantee contracts are subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of loss allowance determined and the amount recognised less cumulative amortisation.
A financial liability is de-recognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially
modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the de-recognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward and option currency contracts to hedge its foreign currency risks. Such derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
Derivatives embedded in a host contract that is an asset within the scope of Ind AS 109 are not separated. Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest. Derivatives embedded in all other host contract are separated only if the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host and are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Embedded derivatives closely related to the host contracts are not separated.
u. Non-current assetâs held for sale
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such asset (or disposal group) and its sale is highly probable. The management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as completed sale within one year from the date of classification.
Non-current assets held for sale/ for distribution to owners and disposal groups are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell/ distribute. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale/ distribution are presented separately in the balance sheet. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets once classified as held for sale/ distribution to owners are not depreciated or amortised.
v. Recent pronouncements
On 31 March 2023, Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCAâ) amended the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 by issuing the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2023, applicable from 1 April 2023, as below:
The amendments require companies to disclose their material accounting policies rather than their significant accounting policies. Accounting policy information, together with other information, is material when it can reasonably be expected to influence decisions of primary users of general purpose financial statements. The Company does not expect this amendment to have any significant impact in its financial statements.
The amendments clarify how companies account for deferred tax on transactions such as leases and decommissioning obligations. The amendments narrowed the scope of the recognition exemption in paragraphs 15 and 24 of Ind AS 12 (recognition exemption) so that it no longer applies to transactions that, on initial recognition, give rise to equal taxable and deductible temporary differences. The Company is evaluating the impact, if any, in its financial statements.
The amendments will help entities to distinguish between accounting policies and accounting estimates. The definition of a change in accounting estimates has been replaced with a definition of accounting estimates.
Under the new definition, accounting estimates are "monetary amounts in financial statements that are subject to measurement uncertaintyâ. Entities develop accounting estimates if accounting policies require items in financial statements to be measured in a way that involves measurement uncertainty. The Company does not expect this amendment to have any significant impact in its financial statements.
The amendments are extensive and the Company will give effect to them as required by law.
The Company has entered into Business Transfer Agreement dated 14 December 2022 with Tata Communications Collaboration Services Private Limited ("TCCSPLâ, wholly owned subsidiary company) for transfer of the Internet of Things (loT) business undertaking engaged in providing non-network services, including IoT enabled applications, devices, and other managed services (the "Non-network IoT Business Undertakingâ). This transaction does not have significant impact on the financial statements of the Company and hence the same has not been disclosed as "Discontinued Operationsâ.
In accordance to above, the Company has transferred below assets and liabilities at their carrying values as at 01 January 2023 to TCCSPL for a consideration of H 50.82 crores.
|
(H in crores) |
|
|
Particulars |
Amounts |
|
Property, plant and equipment, Intangible assets and Capital work in progress (A) |
41.82 |
|
Other Non-current assets (B) |
1.35 |
|
Current assets (C) |
26.53 |
|
Total Assets (D = A B C) |
69.70 |
|
Non-current liabilities (E) |
2.09 |
|
Current liabilities (F) |
16.79 |
|
Total Liabilities (G=E F) |
18.88 |
|
Sale Consideration (H=D-G) |
50.82 |
Mar 31, 2022
1. Corporate information
TATA Communications Limited (the "Companyâ) was incorporated on 19 March 1986. The Government of India vide its letter No. G-25015/6/86OC dated 27 March 1986, transferred all assets and liabilities of the Overseas Communications Service ("OCSâ) (part of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications) as appearing in the Balance sheet as at 31 March 1986 to the Company with effect from 1 April 1986. During the financial year 2007-08, the Company changed its name from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited to Tata Communications Limited and the fresh certificate of incorporation consequent upon the change of name was issued by the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai, Maharashtra on 28 January 2008.
The Company is domiciled in India and its registered office is at VSB, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001. The Company''s equity and debt are listed on recognised stock exchanges in India.
The Company offers international and national voice and data transmission services, selling and leasing of bandwidth on undersea cable systems, internet connectivity services and other value-added services comprising telepresence, managed hosting, mobile global roaming and signalling services, transponder lease, television uplinking and other related services. The Company also undertakes leasing, letting out, licensing or developing immovable properties to earn income of any nature including inter-alia rental, lease, license income, etc from immovable properties of the Company including land and buildings.
2. Significant accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards (âInd AS'') notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended from time to time).
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following assets and liabilities which have been measured at fair value:
⢠Derivative financial instruments,
⢠Certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (refer note 2 (o)).
The accounting policies adopted for preparation and presentation of financial statements have been consistently applied. All assets and liabilities have been classified as current and non-current as per the Company''s normal operating cycle.
The financial statements are presented in Indian Rupees ("INRâ) and all values are rounded to the nearest crores (INR 00,00,000), except when otherwise indicated.
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with recognition and measurement principles of Ind AS requires the management of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to contingent liability as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the periods presented.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and future periods are affected.
i. Judgements
In the process of applying the Company''s accounting policies, the management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:
Operating lease commitments - Company as lessor
The Company has entered into property leases (âthe leases'') on its investment property portfolio. The Company has determined the accounting of the leases as operating lease on its Investment property portfolio, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, such as the lease term not constituting a major part of the economic life of the commercial property, the
fair value of the asset and the fact that it retains all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of these properties.
ii. Estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Defined benefit plans
The cost of the defined benefit gratuity plan and other post-employment benefits and the present value of such obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexities involved in the valuation and its long-term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
Useful lives of property plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets
The Company reviews the useful lives of property plant and equipment, investment property and intangible assets at the end of each reporting period. This re-assessment may result in change in depreciation and / or amortisation expense in future periods.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be measured based on quoted
prices in active markets, their fair values are measured using valuation techniques including the Discounted Cash Flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required in establishing fair values. Judgements include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Provision for decommissioning of assets
Provision for decommissioning of assets relates to the costs associated with the removal of long-lived assets when they will be retired. The Company records a liability at the estimated current fair value of the costs associated with the removal obligations, discounted at present value using risk-free rate of return. The liability for decommissioning of assets is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset and is depreciated over its useful life. The estimated removal liabilities are based on historical cost information, industry factors and engineering estimates.
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries and associates
The carrying values of the investments are reviewed for impairment at each balance sheet date or earlier, if any indication of impairment exists. The Company''s telecom business layout and asset structure of its India and International operations are integrated for delivering products and services to its customers in all jurisdictions. For the purpose of impairment testing, the Company prepares and analyses its business units, on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared in an integrated way across all jurisdictions.
Deferred Taxes
Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and probability of realisation of deferred income taxes and the timing of income tax payments. Deferred income taxes are provided for the effect of temporary differences between the amounts
|
Property, plant and equipment |
Estimated useful life |
|
Electrical equipment and installations* |
10 years |
|
Earth station * |
13 years |
|
General plant and machinery* |
15 years |
|
ii. Office equipment |
|
|
Integrated building management Systems** |
8 years |
|
Others* |
5 years |
|
iii. Leasehold land |
Over the lease period |
|
iv. Leasehold |
Asset life or lease |
|
improvements |
period whichever is lower |
|
v. Buildings* |
30 to 60 years |
|
vi. Motor Vehicles* |
8 to 10 years |
|
vii. Furniture and fixtures* |
8 to 10 years |
|
viii.Computers and IT |
3 to 6 years |
|
servers * |
|
* On the above categories of assets, the depreciation has been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
** In these cases, the useful lives of the assets are different from the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The useful lives of the assets have been assessed based on technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, etc.
of assets and liabilities recognised for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognised for income tax purposes. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that, if changed, would result in either an increase or decrease in the provision for income taxes in the period of change. The Company does not recognize deferred tax assets when there is no reasonable certainty that a deferred tax asset will be realized. In assessing the reasonable certainty, management considers estimates of future taxable income based on internal projections which are updated to reflect current operating trends the character of income needed to realise future tax benefits, and all available evidence.
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are
short-term balances (with an original maturity of
three months or less from the date of acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts do not form an integral part of the Company''s cash management and so the same is not considered as component of cash and cash equivalents.
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less accumulated depreciation / amortisation and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets to its working condition for their intended use.
Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property, plant and equipment under installation/ under development as at the balance sheet date and is carried at cost, comprising of direct cost, directly attributable cost and attributable interest.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and equipment is the cost of the property, plant and equipment or other amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value (wherever applicable).
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment has been provided on the straight-line method as per the estimated useful lives. The assets'' residual values, estimated useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and any change in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis.
Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
|
Property, plant and equipment |
Estimated useful life |
|
i. Plant and machinery |
|
|
Network equipment, |
2 to 13 years |
|
switches and component** |
|
|
Undersea cable** |
15 to 20 years or contract period whichever is earlier |
|
Land cable** |
15 years or contract period whichever is earlier |
Property, plant and equipment is eliminated from financial statements, either on disposal or when retired from active use. Losses arising in the case of retirement of property, plant and equipment and g ains or losses arising from d isposal of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the year of occurrence.
Cost of property, plant and equipment also includes present value of provision for decommissioning of assets if the recognition criterias for a provision are met.
Intangible assets are recognised when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably. Cost incurred on intangible assets not ready for their intended use is disclosed as intangible assets under development.
Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRUâ) taken for optical fibres are capitalised as intangible assets at the amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These are amortised on straight line basis, over the period of contract.
The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the expected useful life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired.
Intangible assets are amortised as follows:
An intangible asset is de-recognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is de-recognised.
g. Investment properties
Investment properties comprise of land and buildings that are held for long term lease rental yields and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognised at cost including transaction costs Subsequently, investment properties comprising of building are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the estimated useful lives (refer note 2(e)) as specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The residual
|
Intangible asset |
Estimated useful life |
|
Software and application |
3 to 6 years |
|
IRU |
Over the contract period |
|
License |
Over the license period |
values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of investment properties are reviewed and adjusted on prospective basis as appropriate, at each financial year end. The effects of any revision are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment properties using cost based measurement, the fair values of investment properties are disclosed in note 7(b).
Investment properties are de-recognised when either they have been disposed off or doesn''t meet the criteria of investment property when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of de-recognition.
The carrying values of assets / cash generating units ("CGUâ) at each balance sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable amount, impairment is recognised for such excess amount. The impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less cost of disposal and the value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash flows to their present value based on an appropriate discount factor.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less cost of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognised for an asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was previously charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss. In case of revalued assets, such reversal is not recognised.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecasts. These budgets and forecasts generally cover a significant period. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to projected future cash flows after the significant period.
The determination of whether an arrangement is (or contains) a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception of the lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease if fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
Lessee
The Company''s lease asset classes primarily consist of leases for Land, buildings and colocation spaces. The Company assesses whether a contract contains a lease, at inception of a contract. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Company assesses whether: (i) the contract involves the use of an identified asset (ii) the Company has substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset through the period of the lease and (iii) the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset.
At the date of commencement of the lease, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset ("ROUâ) and a corresponding lease liability for all lease arrangements in which it is a lessee, except for leases with a term of twelve months or less (shortterm leases) and low value leases. For these shortterm and low value leases, the Company recognizes the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Certain lease arrangements include the options to extend or terminate the lease before the end of the lease term. ROU assets and lease liabilities includes these options when it is reasonably certain that they will be exercised.
The right-of-use assets are initially recognized at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or prior to the commencement date of the lease plus any initial direct costs less any lease incentives. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated from the commencement date on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. Right of use assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Refer to the accounting policies in note 2(h) Impairment of non-financial assets.
The lease liability is initially measured at amortized cost at the present value of the future lease payments. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if not readily determinable, using the incremental borrowing rates in the country of domicile of these leases. The Company uses return on treasury bills with similar maturity as base rate and makes adjustments for spread based on the Company''s credit rating as the implicit interest rate cannot be readily determinable. Lease liabilities are remeasured with a corresponding adjustment to the related right-of-use asset if the Company changes its assessment if whether it will exercise an extension or a termination option.
Lease liability and ROU asset have been separately presented in the Balance Sheet.
Lessor
Leases for which the Company is a lessor is classified as a finance or operating lease. Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the contract is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
For operating leases, rental income is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Inventories of traded goods, required to provide Data Managed Services ("DMSâ), are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost includes cost of purchase and all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated cost necessary to make the sale.
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension and postemployment medical benefits.
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognised during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post-employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised as expense when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being
carried out at each balance sheet date which recognises each period of service as giving rise to additional unit of employee benefit entitlement and measure each unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability), are recognised immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in subsequent periods.
Past service cost is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of plan amendment. These benefits include gratuity, pension, provident fund and post-employment medical benefits.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
The Company recognises changes in service costs comprising of current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and nonroutine settlements under employee benefits expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The net interest expense or income is recognised as part of finance cost in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
iii. Other long-term benefits
Compensated absences, which are not expected to occur within twelve months after the end of
the period in which the employee renders the related services, are recognised as a liability at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to the customers for an amount, that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services in normal course of business. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable excluding taxes collected on behalf of the government and is reduced for estimated credit notes and other similar allowances.
Types of products and services and their revenue recognition criteria are as follows:
i. Revenue from Voice Solutions (VS) is recognised at the end of each month based on minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenue from Data Managed Services (DMS) is recognised over the period of the arrangement based on contracted fee schedule or based on usage. In respect of sale of equipment (ancillary to DMS) revenue is recognised when the control over the goods has been passed to the customer and/ or the performance obligation has been fulfilled.
iii. Contracts are unbundled into separately identifiable components and the consideration is allocated to those identifiable components on the basis of their relative fair values. Revenue is recognised for respective components either at the point in time or over time on satisfaction of the performance obligation.
iv. Bandwidth capacity sale under IRU arrangements is treated as revenue from operations. These arrangements do not have any significant financing component and are recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant IRU arrangement.
v. Exchange/ swaps with service providers are accounted as monetary/ non-monetary transactions depending on the nature of the arrangement with such service provider.
vi. Revenue/ Cost recovery in respect of annual maintenance service charges is recognised over the period for which services are provided.
vii. Income from real estate business and dark fibre contracts are considered as revenue from operations.
Accounting treatment of assets and liabilities arising in course of sale of goods and services is set out below:
I. Trade receivable
Trade receivable represents the Company''s right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional (i.e., only the passage of time is required before payment of the consideration is due).
II. Contract assets
Contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Company''s right to bill and receive the consideration (i.e. the Company must perform additional services or complete a milestone of performance obligation in order to bill and receive the consideration as per the contract terms).
III. Contract liabilities
Contract liabilities represent consideration received from customers in advance for providing the goods and services promised in the contract. The Company defers recognition of the consideration until the related performance obligation is satisfied. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed in advance and the nonrecurring charges recognized over the contract/ service period. Contract liabilities have been disclosed as deferred revenue in the financial statements.
The incremental cost of acquisition or fulfilment of a contract with customer is recognised as an asset and amortised over the period of the respective arrangement. This includes non recurring charges for connectivity services and incentives for customer contracts as disclosed under network and transmission and employee benefits respectively.
m. Other income
i. Dividend from investments is recognised when the right to receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments measured at amortised cost, interest income is recorded on accrual basis.
n. Taxation
Current income tax
Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 (as amended).
Provisions for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after offsetting these balances on an assessment year basis.
Current tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Current tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet approach on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled and are based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
The Company measures financial instruments such as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
⢠In the principal market for the asset or liability or
⢠In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
⢠Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
⢠Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
⢠Level 3 â Inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Fair values are determined in whole or in part using a valuation model based on assumptions that are neither supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument nor are they based on available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
The Company''s financial statements are presented in INR, which is also the Company''s functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into INR at rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign currencies are not restated on the balance sheet date.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit or loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for events, if any such as bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share split.
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pretax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of an instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value measured on initial recognition of financial asset or financial liability.
A. Financial assets
i. Financial assets at amortised cost
Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is to hold these assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
ii. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI)
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows that give rise on specified dates to solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and by selling financial assets.
The Company has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income subsequent changes in the fair value of equity investments not held for trading.
iii. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)
Financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss unless it is measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income on initial recognition. The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are immediately recognised in profit or loss.
iv. De-recognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily de-recognised (i.e. removed from the Company''s balance sheet) when:
⢠The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
⢠The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a âpass-through'' arrangement and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.
The Company assesses impairment based on expected credit loss (ECL) model to the following:
⢠Financial assets measured at amortised cost;
⢠Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive Income
The Company follows âsimplified approach'' for recognition of impairment loss allowance on trade receivables.
Under the simplified approach, the Company does not track changes in credit risk. Rather, it recognizes impairment loss allowance based on lifetime ECL at reporting date.
The Company uses a provision matrix to determine impairment loss allowance on the portfolio of trade receivables. The provision matrix is based on its historically observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivables and is adjusted for forward looking estimates. The historically observed default rates and forward-looking changes in estimates are analyzed and updated annually.
For assessing ECL on a collective basis, financial assets have been grouped on the basis of shared risk characteristics and basis of estimation may change during the course of time due to change in risk characteristics.
B. Financial liabilities
i. Loans and borrowings
After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost on accrual basis and using the EIR method.
ii. Guarantee fee obligations
Financial guarantee contracts are subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of loss allowance determined and the amount recognised less cumulative amortisation.
iii. De-recognition
A financial liability is de-recognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the de-recognition of the original liability and the recognition
of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
C. Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously
D. Derivative financial instruments - Initial and subsequent measurement
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts to hedge its foreign currency risks. Such derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
E. Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in a host contract that is an asset within the scope of Ind AS 109 are not separated. Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest. Derivatives embedded in all other host contract are separated only if the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host and are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Embedded derivatives closely related to the host contracts are not separated.
Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only when the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and
customary for sales of such asset (or disposal group) and its sale is highly probable. The Management must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as completed sale within one year from the date of classification.
Non-current assets held for sale/for distribution to owners and disposal groups are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell/ distribute. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale/ distribution are presented separately in the balance sheet. Property, plant and equipment and intangible assets once classified as held for sale/ distribution to owners are not depreciated or amortised.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCAâ) notifies new standard or amendments to the existing standards. On 24 March 2021, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCAâ) through a notification, amended Schedule III of the Companies Act, 2013. The amendments revise Division I, II and III of Schedule III and are applicable from 1 April 2021. Key amendments relating to Division II which relate to companies whose financial statements are required to comply with Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules 2015 are:
The Company has made necessary disclosure in the respective schedules as applicable
Balance Sheet:
⢠Lease liabilities should be separately disclosed under the head âfinancial liabilities'', duly distinguished as current or non-current.
⢠Certain additional disclosures in the statement of changes in equity such as changes in equity share capital due to prior period errors and restated balances at the beginning of the current reporting period.
⢠Specified format for disclosure of shareholding of promoters.
⢠Specified format for ageing schedule of trade receivables, trade payables, capital work-inprogress, intangible asset under development and investment property under development.
⢠If a company has not used funds for the specific purpose for which it was borrowed from banks
and financial institutions, then disclosure of details of where it has been used.
⢠Specific disclosure under âadditional regulatory requirement'' such as compliance with approved schemes of arrangements, compliance with number of layers of companies, title deeds of immovable property not held in name of company, loans and advances to promoters, directors, key managerial personnel (KMP) and related parties, details of benami property held etc.
Statement of profit and loss:
⢠Additional disclosures relating to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), undisclosed income and crypto or virtual currency, if any.
On 23 March 2022, MCA amended the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2022, applicable from 1 April 2022, as below:
⢠Ind AS 103 - Reference to Conceptual Framework:
The amendments specify that to qualify for recognition as part of applying the acquisition method, the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed must meet the definitions of assets and liabilities in the Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting under Indian Accounting Standards (Conceptual Framework) issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India at the acquisition date. These changes do not significantly change the requirements of Ind AS 103. The Company does not expect the amendment to have any significant impact in its financial statements.
⢠Ind AS 16 - Proceeds before intended use
The amendments mainly prohibit an entity from deducting from the cost of property, plant and
equipment amounts received from selling items produced while the company is preparing the asset for its intended use. Instead, an entity will recognise such sales proceeds and related cost in profit or loss. The Company does not expect the amendments to have any impact in its recognition of its property, plant and equipment in its financial statements.
⢠Ind AS 37 - Onerous Contracts - Costs of Fulfilling
a Contract
The amendments specify that that the âcost of fulfilling'' a contract comprises the âcosts that relate directly to the contract''. Costs that relate directly to a contract can either be incremental costs of fulfilling that contract (examples would be direct labour, materials) or an allocation of other costs that relate directly to fulfilling contracts. The amendment is essentially a clarification and the Company does not expect the amendment to have any significant impact in its financial statements.
⢠Ind AS 109 - Annual Improvements to Ind AS (2021)
The amendment clarifies which fees an entity includes when it applies the â10 percent'' test of Ind AS 109 in assessing whether to derecognise a financial liability. The Company does not expect the amendment to have any significant impact in its financial statements. The amendments remove the illustration of the reimbursement of leasehold improvements by the lessor in order to resolve any potential confusion regarding the treatment of lease incentives that might arise because of how lease incentives were described in that illustration.
The amendments are extensive and the Company will give effect to them as required by law.
Mar 31, 2021
1. Corporate information
TATA Communications Limited (the "Companyâ) was incorporated on 19 March 1986. The Government of India vide its letter No. G-25015/6/86OC dated 27 March 1986, transferred all assets and liabilities of the Overseas Communications Service ("OCSâ) (part of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications) as appearing in the Balance sheet as at 31 March 1986 to the Company with effect from 1 April 1986. During the financial year 2007-08, the Company changed its name from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited to Tata Communications Limited and the fresh certificate of incorporation consequent upon the change of name was issued by the Registrar of Companies, Mumbai, Maharashtra on 28 January 2008.
The Company is domiciled in India and its registered office is at VSB, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001. The Company''s shares are listed on two recognised stock exchanges in India.
The Company offers international and national voice and data transmission services, selling and leasing of bandwidth on undersea cable systems, internet connectivity services and other value-added services comprising telepresence, managed hosting, mobile global roaming and signalling services, transponder lease, television uplinking and other related services. The Company also undertakes leasing, letting out, licensing or developing immovable properties to earn income of any nature including inter-alia rental, lease, license income, etc from immovable properties of the Company including land and buildings.
2. Significant accounting policies
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended from time to time).
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following assets and liabilities which have been measured at fair value:
⢠Derivative financial instruments,
⢠Certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (refer note 2 (o)).
The accounting policies adopted for preparation and presentation of financial statements have been consistently applied. All assets and liabilities have been classified as current and non-current as per the Company''s normal operating cycle.
The financial statements are presented in Indian Rupees ("INRâ) and all values are rounded to the nearest crores (H 00,00,000), except when otherwise indicated.
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with recognition and measurement principles of Ind AS requires the management of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to contingent liability as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the periods presented.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and future periods are affected.
i. Judgements
In the process of applying the Company''s accounting policies, the management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:
The Company has entered into property leases (''the leases'') on its investment property portfolio. The Company has determined the accounting of the leases as operating lease on its Investment property
portfolio, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, such as the lease term not constituting a major part of the economic life of the commercial property, the fair value of the asset and the fact that it retains all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of these properties.
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
The cost of the defined benefit gratuity plan and other post-employment benefits and the present value of such obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexities involved in the valuation and its long-term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
The Company reviews the useful lives of property, plant and equipment, investment
property and intangible assets at the end of each reporting period. This re-assessment may result in change in depreciation and / or amortisation expense in future periods.
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair values are measured using valuation techniques including the Discounted Cash Flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required in establishing fair values. Judgements include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Provision for decommissioning of assets relates to the costs associated with the removal of long-lived assets when they will be retired. The Company records a liability at the estimated current fair value of the costs associated with the removal obligations, discounted at present value using risk-free rate of return. The liability for decommissioning of assets is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset and is depreciated over its useful life. The estimated removal liabilities are based on historical cost information, industry factors and engineering estimates.
The carrying values of the investments are reviewed for impairment at each balance sheet date or earlier, if any indication of impairment exists. The Company''s telecom business layout and asset structure of its India
and International operations are integrated for delivering products and services to its customers in all jurisdictions. For the purpose of impairment testing, the Company prepares and analyses its business units, on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared in an integrated way across all jurisdictions.
Deferred Taxes
Assessment of the appropriate amount and classification of income taxes is dependent on several factors, including estimates of the timing and probability of realisation of deferred income taxes and the timing of income tax payments. Deferred income taxes are provided for the effect of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recognised for financial reporting purposes and the amounts recognised for income tax purposes. The Company measures deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that, if changed, would result in either an increase or decrease in the provision for income taxes in the period of change. The Company does not recognize deferred tax assets when there is no reasonable certainty that a deferred tax asset will be realized. In assessing the reasonable certainty, management considers estimates of future taxable income based on internal projections which are updated to reflect current operating trends the character of income needed to realise future tax benefits, and all available evidence.
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-
occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
d. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are short-term balances (with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts do not form an integral part of the Company''s cash management and so the same is not considered as component of cash and cash equivalents.
e. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less accumulated depreciation / amortisation and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets ready for their intended use.
Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property, plant and equipment under installation/ under development as at the balance sheet date
and is carried at cost, comprising of direct cost, directly attributable cost and attributable interest.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and equipment is the cost of the property, plant and equipment or other amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value (wherever applicable).
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment has been provided on the straight-line method as per the estimated useful lives. The assets'' residual values, estimated useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and any change in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis.
Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
|
Property, plant and |
Estimated useful |
|
|
equipment |
life |
|
|
i. Plant and machinery |
||
|
Network equipment, swtiches and component** |
2 to 13 years |
|
|
Undersea cable** |
20 years or contract period whichever is earlier |
|
|
Land cable** |
15 years or contract period whichever is earlier |
|
|
Electrical equipment and installations* |
10 years |
|
|
Earth station * |
13 years |
|
|
General plant and machinery* |
15 years |
|
|
ii. |
Office equipment |
|
|
Integrated building management Systems** |
8 years |
|
|
Others* |
5 years |
|
|
iii. |
Leasehold land |
Over the lease period |
|
iv. |
Leasehold |
Asset life or lease |
|
improvements |
period whichever is lower |
|
|
v. |
Buildings* |
30 to 60 years |
|
Property, plant and |
Estimated useful |
|
equipment |
life |
|
vi. Motor Vehicles* |
8 to 10 years |
|
vii. Furniture and fixtures* |
8 to 10 years |
|
viii.Computers* |
3 to 6 years |
*On the above categories of assets, the depreciation has been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
**In these cases, the useful lives of the assets are different from the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The useful lives of the assets have been assessed based on technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, etc.
Property, plant and equipment is eliminated from financial statements, either on disposal or when retired from active use. Losses arising in the case of retirement of property, plant and equipment and gains or losses arising from disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the year of occurrence.
Cost of property, plant and equipment also includes present value of provision for decommissioning of assets if the recognition criterias for a provision are met.
Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell. Assets classified as held for sale are presented separately in the balance sheet and are not depreciated post such classification.
Intangible assets are recognised when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRUâ) taken for optical fibres are capitalised as intangible assets at the amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These are amortised on straight line basis, over the period of agreement.
The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the expected useful life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired.
Intangible assets are amortised as follows:
|
Intangible asset |
Expected useful life |
|
Software and application |
3 to 6 years |
|
IRU |
Over the contract period |
An intangible asset is de-recognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from de-recognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is de-recognised.
Investment properties comprise of land and buildings that are held for long term lease rental yields and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognised at cost including transaction costs. Subsequently investment properties comprising of building are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the estimated useful lives (refer note 2(e)) as specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The residual values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of investment properties are reviewed and adjusted on prospective basis as appropriate, at each
financial year end. The effects of any revision are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment properties using cost based measurement, the fair values of investment properties are disclosed in note 5(b).
Investment properties are de-recognised when either they have been disposed of or doesn''t meet the criteria of investment property when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of de-recognition.
The carrying values of assets / cash generating units ("CGUâ) at each balance sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable amount, impairment is recognised for such excess amount. The impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less cost of disposal and the value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash flows to their present value based
on an appropriate discount factor. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pretax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less cost of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognised for an asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was previously charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss. In case of revalued assets, such reversal is not recognised.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast. These budgets and forecast generally cover a significant period. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to projected future cash flows after the significant period.
The determination of whether an arrangement is (or contains) a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception of the lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease if fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
The Company''s lease asset classes primarily consist of leases for Land, buildings and colocation spaces. The Company assesses whether a contract contains a lease, at inception of a contract. A contract is, or contains, a lease if the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To assess whether a contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Company assesses whether:
(i) the contract involves the use of an identified asset (ii) the Company has substantially all of the economic benefits from use of the asset through the period of the lease and (iii) the Company has the right to direct the use of the asset.
At the date of commencement of the lease, the Company recognizes a right-of-use asset ("ROUâ) and a corresponding lease liability for all lease arrangements in which it is a lessee, except for leases with a term of twelve months or less (short-term leases) and low value leases. For these short-term and low value leases, the Company recognizes the lease payments as an operating expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
Certain lease arrangements include the options to extend or terminate the lease before the end of the lease term. ROU assets and lease liabilities includes these options when it is reasonably certain that they will be exercised.
The right-of-use assets are initially recognized at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability adjusted for any lease payments made at or prior to the commencement date of the lease plus any initial direct costs less any lease incentives. They are subsequently measured at cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any.
Right-of-use assets are depreciated from the commencement date on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the lease term and useful life of the underlying asset. Right of use assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amounts may not be recoverable. Refer to the accounting policies in note 2(h) Impairment of non-financial assets.
The lease liability is initially measured at amortized cost at the present value of the future lease payments. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if not readily determinable, using the incremental borrowing rates in the country of domicile of these leases. The Company uses return on treasury bills with similar maturity as base rate
and makes adjustments for spread based on the Company''s credit rating as the implicit interest rate cannot be readily determinable. Lease liabilities are remeasured with a corresponding adjustment to the related right of use asset if the Company changes its assessment if whether it will exercise an extension or a termination option.
Lease liability and ROU asset have been separately presented in the Balance Sheet.
Leases for which the Company is a lessor is classified as a finance or operating lease. Whenever the terms of the lease transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership to the lessee, the contract is classified as a finance lease. All other leases are classified as operating leases.
For operating leases, rental income is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Inventories of traded goods, required to provide Data Managed Services ("DMSâ), are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost includes cost of purchase and all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated cost necessary to make the sale.
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension and post-employment medical benefits.
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for services rendered by employees
is recognised during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance incentives payable within twelve months.
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised as expense when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date which recognises each period of service as giving rise to additional unit of employee benefit entitlement and measure each unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability), are recognised immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in subsequent periods. Past service cost is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of plan amendment. These benefits include gratuity, pension, provident fund and post-employment medical benefits.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
The Company recognises changes in service costs comprising of current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements under employee
benefit expenses in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The net interest expense or income is recognised as part of finance cost in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
Compensated absences, which are not expected to occur within twelve months after the end of the period in which the employee renders the related services, are recognised as a liability at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to the customers for an amount, that reflects the consideration which the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services in normal course of business. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable excluding taxes collected on behalf of the government and is reduced for estimated credit notes and other similar allowances.
Types of products and services and their revenue recognition criteria are as follows:
i. Revenue from Voice Solutions (VS) is recognised at the end of each month based on minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenue from Data Managed Services (DMS) is recognised over the period of
the arrangement based on contracted fee schedule or based on usage. In respect of sale of equipment (ancillary to DMS) revenue is recognised when the control over the goods has been passed to the customer and/ or the performance obligation has been fulfilled.
iii. Contracts are unbundled into separately identifiable components and the consideration is allocated to those identifiable components on the basis of their relative fair values. Revenue is recognised for respective components either at the point in time or over time on satisfaction of the performance obligation.
iv. Bandwidth capacity sale under IRU arrangements is treated as revenue from operations. These arrangements do not have any significant financing component and are recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant IRU arrangement.
v. Exchange/ swaps with service providers are accounted as monetary/ non-monetary transactions depending on the nature of the arrangement with such service provider.
vi. Revenue/ Cost recovery in respect of annual maintenance service charges is recognised over the period for which services are provided.
vii. Income from real estate business and dark fibre contracts are considered as revenue from operations.
Accounting treatment of assets and liabilities
arising in course of sale of goods and services is
set out below:
Trade receivable represents the Company''s right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional (i.e., only the passage of time is required before payment of the consideration is due).
Contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Company''s right to bill and receive the consideration (i.e. the Company must perform additional services or complete a milestone of performance obligation in order to bill and receive the consideration as per the contract terms).
III. Contract liabilities
Contract liabilities represent consideration received from customers in advance for providing the goods and services promised in the contract. The Company defers recognition of the consideration until the related performance obligation is satisfied. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed in advance and the non-recurring charges recognized over the contract/ service period. Contract liabilities have been disclosed as deferred revenue in the financial statements.
The incremental cost of acquisition or fulfilment of a contract with customer is recognised as an asset and amortised over the period of the respective arrangement. This includes non recurring charges for connectivity services and incentives for customer contracts as disclosed under network and transmission and employee benefits respectively.
i. Dividend from investments is recognised when the right to receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments measured at amortised cost, interest income is recorded on accrual basis.
n. Taxation
Current income tax
Current tax expense is determined in accordance
with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961
(as amended).
Provisions for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after offsetting these balances on an assessment year basis.
Current tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Current tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet approach on temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled and are based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax
liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
The Company measures financial instruments such as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
⢠In the principal market for the asset or liability or
⢠In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
⢠Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices
(unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
⢠Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable
for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
⢠Level 3 â Inputs are not based on
observable market data (unobservable inputs). Fair values are determined in whole or in part using a valuation model based on assumptions that are neither supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument nor are they based on available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
The Company''s financial statements are presented in INR, which is also the Company''s functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into INR at rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign currencies are not restated on the balance sheet date.
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an
asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit or loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for events if any of a bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share split.
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pretax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
A financial instrument is any contract that gives rise to a financial asset of one entity and a financial liability or equity instrument of another entity. Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of an instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value measured on initial recognition of financial asset or financial liability.
A. Financial assets
Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is to hold these assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows that give rise on specified dates to solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and by selling financial assets.
The Company has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income subsequent changes in the fair value of equity investments not held for trading.
Financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss unless it is measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income on initial recognition. The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are immediately recognised in profit or loss.
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily de-recognised (i.e. removed from the Company''s balance sheet) when:
⢠The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
⢠The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ''pass-through'' arrangement; and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.
The Company assesses impairment based on expected credit loss (ECL) model to the following:
⢠Financial assets measured at amortised cost;
⢠Financial assets measured at fair value through other comprehensive Income
The Company follows ''simplified approach'' for recognition of impairment loss allowance on trade receivables.
Under the simplified approach, the Company does not track changes in credit risk. Rather, it recognizes impairment loss allowance based on lifetime ECL at reporting date.
The Company uses a provision matrix to determine impairment loss allowance on the portfolio of trade receivables. The provision matrix is based on its historically observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivables and is adjusted for forward looking estimates. The historically observed default rates and forward-looking changes in estimates are analyzed and updated annually.
For assessing ECL on a collective basis, financial assets have been grouped on the basis of shared risk characteristics and basis of estimation may change during the course of time due to change in risk characteristics.
i. Loans and borrowings
After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost on accrual basis and using the EIR method.
ii. Guarantee fee obligations
Financial guarantee contracts are subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of loss allowance determined and the amount recognised less cumulative amortisation.
A financial liability is de-recognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the
terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the de-recognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts to hedge its foreign currency risks. Such derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
E. Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in a host contract that is an asset within the scope of Ind AS 109 are not separated. Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest. Derivatives embedded in all other host contract are separated only if the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host and are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Embedded derivatives closely related to the host contracts are not separated.
u. Recent pronouncements
Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCAâ) notifies new standard or amendments to the existing standards. On 24 March 2021, the Ministry of
Corporate Affairs ("MCAâ) through a notification, amended Schedule III of the Companies Act, 2013. The amendments revise Division I, II and III of Schedule III and are applicable from 1 April 2021. Key amendments relating to Division II which relate to companies whose financial statements are required to comply with Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules 2015 are:
Balance Sheet:
⢠Lease liabilities should be separately disclosed under the head ''financial liabilities'', duly distinguished as current or non-current.
⢠Certain additional disclosures in the statement of changes in equity such as changes in equity share capital due to prior period errors and restated balances at the beginning of the current reporting period.
⢠Specified format for disclosure of shareholding of promoters.
⢠Specified format for ageing schedule of trade receivables, trade payables, capital work-in-progress and intangible asset under development.
⢠If a company has not used funds for the specific purpose for which it was borrowed from banks and financial institutions, then disclosure of details of where it has been used.
⢠Specific disclosure under ''additional regulatory requirement'' such as compliance with approved schemes of arrangements, compliance with number of layers of companies, title deeds of immovable property not held in name of company, loans and advances to promoters, directors, key managerial personnel (KMP) and related parties, details of benami property held etc.
Statement of profit and loss:
⢠Additional disclosures relating to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), undisclosed income and crypto or virtual currency, if any.
The amendments are extensive and the Company will evaluate the applicability of the same to give effect to them as required by law.
Mar 31, 2019
a. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended from time to time).
b. Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following assets and liabilities which have been measured at fair value:
- Derivative financial instruments,
- Certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (refer note 2 (o)).
The accounting policies adopted for preparation and presentation of financial statements have been consistently applied except for the changes in accounting policy on introduction of Ind AS 115 that was effective for annual period beginning on or after 1 April 2018.
The financial statements are presented in Indian Rupees (âINRâ) and all values are rounded to the nearest crores (INR 00,00,000), except when otherwise indicated.
c. Significant accounting judgements, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with recognition and measurement principles of Ind AS requires the management of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to contingent liability as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the periods presented.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised and future periods are affected.
i. Judgements
In the process of applying the Companyâs accounting policies, the management has made the following judgements, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements:
Operating lease commitments - Company as lessor
The Company has entered into commercial property leases (âthe leasesâ) on its investment property portfolio. The Company has determined the accounting of the leases as operating lease, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, such as the lease term not constituting a major part of the economic life of the commercial property, the fair value of the asset and the fact that it retains all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of these properties.
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries and associates
The carrying values of the investments are reviewed for impairment at each balance sheet date or earlier, if any indication of impairment exists. The Companyâs business layout and asset structure of its India and International operations are integrated for delivering products and services to its customers in all jurisdictions. For the purpose of impairment testing, the Company prepares and analyses its business units, on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared in an integrated way across all jurisdictions.
ii. Estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Defined benefit plans
The cost of the defined benefit gratuity plan and other post-employment benefits and the present value of such obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexities involved in the valuation and its long-term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
Useful lives of assets
The Company reviews the useful lives of assets at the end of each reporting period. This re-assessment may result in change in depreciation expense in future periods.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair values are measured using valuation techniques including the Discounted Cash Flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgement is required in establishing fair values. Judgements include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Provision for decommissioning of assets
Provision for decommissioning of assets relates to the costs associated with the removal of long-lived assets when they will be retired. The Company records a liability at the estimated current fair value of the costs associated with the removal obligations, discounted at present value using risk-free rate of return. The liability for decommissioning of assets is capitalised by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset and is depreciated over its useful life. The estimated removal liabilities are based on historical cost information, industry factors and engineering estimates.
d. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are short-term balances (with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts do not form an integral part of the Companyâs cash management and so the same is not considered as component of cash and cash equivalents.
e. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less accumulated depreciation / amortisation and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets ready for their intended use.
Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the Companyâs ownership interest in such assets.
Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property, plant and equipment under installation/ under development as at the balance sheet date and is carried at cost, comprising of direct cost, directly attributable cost and attributable interest.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and equipment is the cost of the property, plant and equipment or other amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value (wherever applicable).
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment has been provided on the straight-line method as per the estimated useful lives. The assetsâ residual values, estimated useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and any change in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis.
Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
* On the above categories of assets, the depreciation has been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
** In these cases, the useful lives of the assets are different from the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The useful lives of the assets have been assessed based on technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, past history of replacement, anticipated technological changes, manufacturersâ warranties and maintenance support, etc.
Property, plant and equipment is eliminated from financial statements, either on disposal or when retired from active use. Losses arising in the case of retirement of property, plant and equipment and gains or losses arising from disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the year of occurrence.
Cost of property, plant and equipment also includes present value of provision for decommissioning of assets if the recognition criterias for a provision are met.
Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell. Assets classified as held for sale are presented separately in the balance sheet and are not depreciated post such classification.
f. Intangible assets
Intangible assets are recognised when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
Indefeasible Right to Use (âIRUâ) taken for optical fibres are capitalised as intangible assets at the amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These are amortised on straight line basis, over the period of agreement.
The amortisation period and the amortisation method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortisation period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortised over the expected useful life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired.
Intangible assets are amortised as follows:
An intangible asset is de-recognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from de-recognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is de-recognised.
g. Investment properties
Investment properties comprise of land and buildings that are held for long term lease rental yields and/or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognised at cost including transaction costs. Subsequently investment properties comprising of building are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the estimated useful lives (refer note 2(e)) as specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The residual values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of investment properties are reviewed and adjusted on prospective basis as appropriate, at each financial year end. The effects of any revision are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment properties using cost based measurement, the fair values of investment properties are disclosed in note 4.
Investment properties are de-recognised when either they have been disposed of or doesnât meet the criteria of investment property when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of de-recognition.
h. Impairment of non-financial assets
The carrying values of assets / cash generating units (âCGUâ) at each balance sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable amount, impairment is recognised for such excess amount. The impairment loss is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less cost of disposal and the value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash flows to their present value based on an appropriate discount factor.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognised for an asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was previously charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss. In case of revalued assets, such reversal is not recognised.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less cost of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast. These budgets and forecast generally cover a significant period. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to projected future cash flows after the significant period.
i. Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is (or contains) a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception of the lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease if fulfilment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
Lessee
A lease is classified at the inception date as a finance lease or an operating lease. A lease that transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership is classified as a finance lease and all other leases are defined as operating lease.
Finance leases are capitalised at the commencement of the lease at the inception date fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognised in finance costs in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalized in accordance with the Companyâs general policy on the borrowing costs. Contingent rentals are recognised as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.
A leased asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. However, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the asset is depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.
Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term since the payment to the lessor is structured in a manner that the increase is not expected to be in line with expected general inflation.
Lessor
Leases in which the Company does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are classified as operating leases. Rental income from operating lease is recognised on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognised over the lease term on the same basis as rental income. Contingent rents are recognised as revenue in the period in which they are earned.
Leases are classified as finance leases when substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are transferred from the Company to the lessee. Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recorded as receivables at the Companyâs net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment outstanding in respect of the finance lease.
The Company enters into agreements for granting IRU of dark fibre to third parties. These arrangements are classified as operating leases as the title to the assets and significant risks associated with the operation and maintenance of these assets remain with the Company. Upfront consideration is received for these arrangements and the same is deferred over the tenure of the IRU agreement for recognition of the revenue. Unearned IRU revenue net of the amount recognisable within one year is disclosed as deferred revenue in non-current liabilities and the amount recognisable within one year is disclosed as deferred revenue in current liabilities.
Income from real estate business and dark fibre contracts are considered as revenue from operations.
j. Inventories
Inventories of traded goods, required to provide Data Managed Services (âDMSâ), are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value. Cost includes cost of purchase and all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis. Net realisable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated cost necessary to make the sale.
k. Employee benefits
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension and post-employment medical benefits.
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognised during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post-employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date which recognises each period of service as giving rise to additional unit of employee benefit entitlement and measure each unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability), are recognised immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in subsequent periods. Past service cost is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of plan amendment.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
The Company recognises changes in service costs comprising of current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements under employee benefit expenses in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The net interest expense or income is recognised as part of finance cost in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
iii. Other long-term benefits
Compensated absences, which are not expected to occur within twelve months after the end of the period in which the employee renders the related services, are recognised as a liability at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
l. Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognised upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to the customers. Revenue is recognized upon transfer of control of promised goods or services to the customers for an amount, that reflects the consideration, the Company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services in normal course of business. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable excluding taxes collected on behalf of the government and is reduced for estimated credit notes and other similar allowances.
Types of products and services and their recognition criterion are as follows:
i. Revenue from Voice Solutions (VS) is recognised at the end of each month based on minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenue from Data Managed Services (DMS) is recognised over the period of the arrangement based on contracted fee schedule or based on usage. In respect of sale of equipment (ancillary to DMS) revenue is recognised when the control over the goods has been passed to the customer and/ or the performance obligation has been fulfilled.
iii. Contracts are unbundled into separately identifiable components and the consideration is allocated to those identifiable components on the basis of their relative fair values. Revenue is recognised for respective components either at the point in time or over time on satisfaction of the performance obligation.
iv. Bandwidth capacity sale under IRU arrangements is treated as revenue from operations. These arrangements do not have any significant financing component and are recognised on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant IRU arrangement.
v. Exchange/ swaps with service providers for VS and DMS are accounted for as nonmonetary transactions.
Accounting treatment of assets and liabilities arising in course of sale of goods and services is set out below:
I. Trade receivable
Trade receivable represents the Companyâs right to an amount of consideration that is unconditional (i.e., only the passage of time is required before payment of the consideration is due).
II. Contract assets
Contract asset is recorded when revenue is recognized in advance of the Companyâs right to bill and receive the consideration (i.e. the Company must perform additional services or complete a milestone of performance obligation in order to bill and receive the consideration as per the contract terms).
II. Contract liabilities
Contract liabilities represent consideration received from customers in advance for providing the goods and services promised in the contract. The Company defers recognition of the consideration until the related performance obligation is satisfied. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed in advance and the non-recurring charges recognized over the contract/ service period.
The incremental cost of acquisition or fulfilment of a contract with customer is recognised as an asset and amortised over the period of the respective arrangement. This includes non recurring charges for connectivity services and incentives for customer contracts as disclosed under network and transmission and employee benefits respectively.
m. Other income
i. Dividend from investments is recognised when the right to receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments measured at amortised cost, interest income is recorded on accrual basis.
n. Taxation
Current income tax
Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Provisions for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after offsetting these balances on an assessment year basis.
Current tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Current tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet approach on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilised. Unrecognised deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognised to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realised or the liability is settled and are based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognised outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Deferred tax items are recognised in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offseted if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
o. Fair value measurement
The Company measures financial instruments such as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
- In the principal market for the asset or liability or
- In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximising the use of relevant observable inputs and minimising the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorised within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
- Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
- Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
- Level 3 â Inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Fair values are determined in whole or in part using a valuation model based on assumptions that are neither supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument nor are they based on available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognised in the balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
p. Foreign currencies
The Companyâs financial statements are presented in INR, which is also the Companyâs functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into INR at rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign currencies are not restated on the balance sheet date.
q. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalised as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.
r. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit or loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for events if any of a bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share split.
s. Provisions and contingent liabilities
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pretax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognised as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
t. Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognised when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of an instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value measured on initial recognition of financial asset or financial liability.
A. Financial assets
i. Financial assets at amortised cost
Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is to hold these assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
ii. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI)
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows that give rise on specified dates to solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and by selling financial assets.
The Company has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income subsequent changes in the fair value of equity investments not held for trading.
iii. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)
Financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss unless it is measured at amortised cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income on initial recognition. The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are immediately recognised in profit or loss.
iv. De-recognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily de-recognised (i.e. removed from the Companyâs balance sheet) when:
- The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
- The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a âpass-throughâ arrangement; and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.
v. Impairment of financial assets
The Company assesses impairment based on expected credit loss (ECL) model for the following:
- Financial assets measured at amortised cost;
- Financial assets measured at FVTOCI;
The Company follows âsimplified approachâ for recognition of impairment loss allowance on trade receivables.
Under the simplified approach, the Company does not track changes in credit risk. Rather, it recognises impairment loss allowance based on lifetime ECL at reporting date.
The Company uses a provision matrix to determine impairment loss allowance on the portfolio of trade receivables. The provision matrix is based on its historically observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivables and is adjusted for forward looking estimates. At every reporting date, the historically observed default rates are updated and changes in the forward-looking estimates are analysed.
For assessing ECL on a collective basis, financial assets have been grouped on the basis of shared risk characteristics and basis of estimation may change during the course of time due to change in risk characteristics.
B. Financial liabilities
i. Loans and borrowings
After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost on accrual basis and using the EIR method.
ii. Guarantee fee obligations
Financial guarantee contracts are subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of loss allowance determined and the amount recognised less cumulative amortisation.
iii. De-recognition
A financial liability is de-recognised when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the derecognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
C. Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously
D. Derivative financial instruments - Initial and subsequent measurement
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts to hedge its foreign currency risks. Such derivative financial instruments are recognised at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
E. Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in a host contract that is an asset within the scope of Ind AS 109 are not separated. Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest. Derivatives embedded in all other host contract are separated only if the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host and are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Embedded derivatives closely related to the host contracts are not separated.
u. New and amended accounting standards
The Company has adopted Ind AS 115 âRevenue from Contracts with Customersâ based on modified retrospective approach effective 01 April 2018. The effect of the changes as a result of adoption of this new accounting standard is described below:
The Company has recognised RS.115.90 crores as revenue for goods and services transferred to customer at a point in time.
There have been other amendments and interpretations which became applicable for the first time during the year ended 31 March 2019, the same did not have any impact on the financial statements of the Company.
v. Standards issued but not yet effective
The new standards/ amendments to the standards that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Companyâs financial statements are disclosed below. The Company intends to adopt these standards/ amendments, if applicable, when they become effective.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (âMCAâ) has issued the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2017 and Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2018 introducing/ amending the following standards:
Ind AS 116 Leases
Ind AS 116 Leases was notified by MCA on 30 March 2019 and it replaces Ind AS 17 Leases, including appendices thereto. Ind AS 116 is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 April 2019. Ind AS 116 sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases and requires lessees to account for all leases under a single on-balance sheet model similar to the accounting for finance leases under Ind AS 17. The standard includes two recognition exemptions for lessees - leases of âlow-valueâ assets and short-term leases (i.e., leases with a lease term of 12 months or less). At the commencement date of a lease, a lessee will recognise a liability to make lease payments (i.e., the lease liability) and an asset representing the right to use the underlying asset during the lease term (i.e., the right-of-use asset). Lessees will be required to separately recognise the interest expense on the lease liability and the depreciation expense on the right-of-use asset.
Lessees will also be required to remeasure the lease liability upon the occurrence of certain events (e.g., a change in the lease term, a change in future lease payments resulting from a change in an index or rate used to determine those payments). The lessee will generally recognise the amount of the remeasurement of the lease liability as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset.
Lessor accounting under Ind AS 116 is substantially unchanged from accounting under Ind AS 17. Lessors will continue to classify all leases using the same classification principle as in Ind AS 17 and distinguish between two types of leases: operating and finance leases.
The Company has established an implementation team to implement Ind AS 116 related to the recognition of leases and it continues to evaluate the changes to accounting system and processes, and additional disclosure requirements that may be necessary, including the available transition methods. The Companyâs considerations also include, but are not limited to, the comparability of its financial statements and the comparability within its industry from application of the new standard to its contractual arrangements. The ultimate impact from the application of Ind AS 116 will be subject to assessments that are dependent on many variables, including, but not limited to, the terms of the contractual arrangements and the mix of business. A reliable estimate of the impact of Ind AS 116 on the financial statements will only be possible once the implementation project has been completed.
Amendments to Ind AS 19: Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement
The amendments to Ind AS 19 address the accounting when a plan amendment, curtailment or settlement occurs during a reporting period. The amendments specify that when a plan amendment, curtailment or settlement occurs during the annual reporting period, an entity is required to:
- Determine current service cost for the remainder of the period after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement, using the actuarial assumptions used to remeasure the net defined benefit liability (asset) reflecting the benefits offered under the plan and the plan assets after that event.
- Determine net interest for the remainder of the period after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement using: the net defined benefit liability (asset) reflecting the benefits offered under the plan and the plan assets after that event; and the discount rate used to remeasure that net defined benefit liability (asset).
The amendments also clarify that an entity first determines any past service cost, or a gain or loss on settlement, without considering the effect of the asset ceiling. This amount is recognised in profit or loss.
An entity then determines the effect of the asset ceiling after the plan amendment, curtailment or settlement. Any change in that effect, excluding amounts included in the net interest, is recognised in other comprehensive income.
The amendments apply to plan amendments, curtailments, or settlements occurring on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period that begins on or after 1 April 2019. These amendments will apply only to any future plan amendments, curtailments, or settlements of the Company.
Mar 31, 2018
1. Corporate information
TATA Communications Limited (the âCompanyâ) was incorporated on 19 March 1986. The Government of India vide its letter No. G-25015/6/86OC dated 27 March 1986, transferred all assets and liabilities of the Overseas Communications Service (âOCSâ) (part of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications) as appearing in the Balance sheet as at 31 March 1986 to the Company with effect from 1 April 1986. During the financial year 2007-08, the Company changed its name from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited to Tata Communications Limited and the fresh certificate of incorporation consequent upon the change of name was issued by the Registrar of Companies, Maharashtra on 28 January 2008.
The Company is domiciled in India and its registered office is at Videsh Sanchar Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001. The Company''s shares are listed on two recognized stock exchanges in India.
The Company offers international and national voice and data transmission services, selling and leasing of bandwidth on undersea cable systems, internet connectivity services and other value-added services comprising telepresence, managed hosting, mobile global roaming and signaling services, transponder lease, television up linking and other related services.
2. Significant accounting policies
a. Statement of compliance
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 (as amended from time to time).
b. Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following assets and liabilities which have been measured at fair value or revalued amount:
- Derivative financial instruments,
- Certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (refer note 2 (t)).
The accounting policies adopted for preparation and presentation of financial statements have been consistently applied except for the changes in accounting policy for amendments to Ind AS 7 that was effective for annual period beginning from on or after 1 April 2017.
The financial statements are presented in Indian Rupees (âINRâ) and all values are rounded to the nearest crores (INR 00,00,000), except when otherwise indicated.
c. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with recognition and measurement principles of Ind AS requires the management of the Company to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to contingent liability as at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses for the periods presented.
Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimates are revised and future periods are affected. Key sources of estimation of uncertainty at the date of financial statements, which may cause a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, is in respect of useful lives of property, plant and equipment, valuation of deferred tax assets, provisions and contingent liabilities.
i. Judgments
In the process of applying the Company''s accounting policies, the management has made the following judgments, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements:
Operating lease commitments - Company as less or
The Company has entered into commercial property leases (''the leases'') on its investment property portfolio. The Company has determined the accounting of the leases as operating lease, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, such as the lease term not constituting a major part of the economic life of the commercial property, the fair value of the asset and the fact that it retains all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of these properties.
Impairment of investments in subsidiaries and associates
The carrying values of the investments are reviewed for impairment at each balance sheet date or earlier, if any indication of impairment exists. The Company''s business layout and asset structure of its India and International operations are integrated for delivering products and services to its customers in all jurisdictions. For the purpose of impairment testing, the Company prepares and analyses its business units, on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared in integrated way across jurisdictions.
ii. Estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Defined benefit plans
The cost of the defined benefit gratuity plan and other post-employment benefits and the present value of such obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexities involved in the valuation and its long-term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
Useful lives of assets
The Company reviews the useful lives of assets at the end of each reporting period. This re-assessment may result in change in depreciation expense in future periods.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair value is measured using valuation techniques including the Discounted Cash Flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. Judgments include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Provision for decommissioning of assets
Provision for decommissioning of assets relates to the costs associated with the removal of long-lived assets when they will be retired. The Company records a liability at the estimated current fair value of the costs associated with the removal obligations, discounted at present value using risk-free rate of return. The liability for decommissioning of assets is capitalized by increasing the carrying amount of the related asset and is depreciated over its useful life. The estimated removal liabilities are based on historical cost information, industry factors and engineering estimates.
d. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are short-term balances (with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value. Bank overdrafts do not form an integral part of the Company''s cash management and so the same is not considered as component of cash and cash equivalents.
e. Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less accumulated depreciation / amortization and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets ready for their intended use.
Jointly owned assets are capitalized in proportion to the Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property, plant and equipment under installation / under development as at the balance sheet date and is carried at cost, comprising of direct cost, directly attributable cost and attributable interest.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and equipment is the cost of the property, plant and equipment or other amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value (wherever applicable).
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment has been provided on the straight-line method as per the estimated useful lives. The assets'' residual values, estimated useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and any change in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis.
*On the above categories of assets, the depreciation has been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
**In these cases, the useful lives of the assets are different from the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The useful lives of the assets have been assessed based on technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, past history of replacement, anticipated technological changes, manufacturers'' warranties and maintenance support, etc.
Property, plant and equipment is eliminated from financial statements, either on disposal or when retired from active use. Losses arising in the case of retirement of property, plant and equipment and gains or losses arising from disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the year of occurrence.
Cost of property, plant and equipment also includes present value of provision for decommissioning of assets if the recognition criteriaâs for a provision are met.
Assets held for sale are measured at the lower of their carrying amount and the fair value less costs to sell. Assets classified as held for sale are presented separately in the balance sheet and are not depreciated post such classification.
f. Intangible assets
Intangible assets are recognized when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
Indefeasible Right to Use (âIRUâ) taken for optical fibres are capitalized as intangible assets at the amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These are amortized on straight line basis, over the period of agreement.
The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of each financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the expected useful life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired.
An intangible asset is de-recognized on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from de-recognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is de-recognized.
g. Investment properties
Investment properties comprise of land and buildings that are held for long term lease rental yields and / or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognized at cost including transaction costs. Subsequently investment properties comprising of building are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the estimated useful lives (refer note 2(e)) as specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The residual values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of investment properties are reviewed and adjusted on prospective basis as appropriate, at each financial year end. The effects of any revision are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment properties using cost based measurement, the fair values of investment properties are disclosed in note 4.
Investment properties are de-recognized when either they have been disposed of or doesn''t meet the criteria of investment property when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of de-recognition.
h. Impairment of non-financial assets
The carrying values of assets / cash generating units (âCGUâ) at each balance sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable amount, impairment is recognized for such excess amount. The impairment loss is recognized as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the fair value less cost of disposal and the value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash flows to their present value based on an appropriate discount factor.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognized for an asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was previously charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss. In case of revalued assets, such reversal is not recognized.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less cost of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared separately for the Company as a CGU. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a significant period. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to projected future cash flows after the significant period.
i. Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is (or contains) a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception of the lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease if fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
Lessee
A lease is classified at the inception date as a finance lease or an operating lease. A lease that transfers substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership is classified as a finance lease and all other leases are defined as operating lease.
Finance leases are capitalized at the commencement of the lease at the inception date fair value of the leased property or, if lower, at the present value of the minimum lease payments. Lease payments are apportioned between finance charges and reduction of the lease liability so as to achieve a constant rate of interest on the remaining balance of the liability. Finance charges are recognized in finance costs in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless they are directly attributable to qualifying assets, in which case they are capitalized in accordance with the Company''s general policy on the borrowing costs. Contingent rentals are recognized as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.
A leased asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. However, if there is no reasonable certainty that the Company will obtain ownership by the end of the lease term, the asset is depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset and the lease term.
Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term since the payment to the less or is structured in a manner that the increase is not expected to be in line with expected general inflation.
Lesser
Leases in which the Company does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are classified as operating leases. Rental income from operating lease is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease. Initial direct costs incurred in negotiating and arranging an operating lease are added to the carrying amount of the leased asset and recognized over the lease term on the same basis as rental income. Contingent rents are recognized as revenue in the period in which they are earned.
Leases are classified as finance leases when substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are transferred from the Company to the lessee. Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recorded as receivables at the Company''s net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment outstanding in respect of the finance lease.
The Company enters into agreements for granting IRU of dark fibre / bandwidth capacities to third parties. These arrangements are classified as operating leases as the title to the assets and significant risks associated with the operation and maintenance of these assets remain with the Company. Upfront revenue is received for these arrangements and the same is deferred over the tenure of the IRU agreement. Unearned IRU revenue net of the amount recognizable within one year is disclosed as deferred revenue in non-current liabilities and the amount recognizable within one year is disclosed as deferred revenue in current liabilities.
j. Inventories
Inventories of traded goods, required to provide Data Managed Services (âDMSâ), are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost includes cost of purchase and all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less the estimated cost necessary to make the sale.
k. Employee benefits
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension and post-employment medical benefits.
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognized during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post-employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date which recognizes each period of service as giving rise to additional unit of employee benefit entitlement and measure each unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability), are recognized immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in subsequent periods. Past service cost is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of plan amendment.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
The Company recognizes changes in service costs comprising of current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements under employee benefit expenses in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The net interest expense or income is recognized as part of finance cost in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognized past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
iii. Other long-term employee benefits
Compensated absences, which are not expected to occur within twelve months after the end of the period in which the employee renders the related services, are recognized as a liability at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
l. Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured, regardless of when the payment is being made. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable excluding taxes collected on behalf of the government and is reduced for estimated customer credit notes and other similar allowances. Types of services and its recognition criteriaâs are as follows:
i. Revenue from Voice Solutions (VS) is recognized at the end of each month based upon minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenue from Data Managed Services (DMS) is recognized over the period of the respective arrangements based on contracted fee schedules and the sale of equipments (ancillary to DMS) is recognized when the significant risks and rewards of ownership of the goods have been passed to the buyer, usually on delivery of the goods. Revenue from the sale of goods is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable.
iii. Revenue from IRU of fibre capacity provided as operating lease is recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant IRU arrangement.
iv. Exchange / swaps with service providers are accounted for as non-monetary transactions depending on the terms of the agreements entered into with such service provider.
v. Export benefits are accounted for based on eligibility and when there is no uncertainty in receiving the same and there is a reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to them.
m. Other income
i. Dividend from investments is recognized when the right to receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments measured at amortized cost, interest income is recorded on accrual basis. Interest income is included in other income in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
n. Taxation
Current income tax
Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Provisions for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after offsetting these balances on an assessment year basis.
Current tax relating to items recognized outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognized outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Current tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet approach on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled and are based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognized outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognized outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Deferred tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in other comprehensive income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are off-site if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
o. Fair value measurement
The Company measures financial instruments such as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
- In the principal market for the asset or liability or
- In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data is available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
- Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
- Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
- Level 3 â Inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Fair values are determined in whole or in part using a valuation model based on assumptions that are neither supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument nor are they based on available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
The fair valuation for assets and liabilities has been performed by an independent valuer.
p. Foreign currencies
The Company''s financial statements are presented in INR, which is also the Company''s functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into INR at rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Non-monetary assets and liabilities that are measured in terms of historical cost in foreign currencies are not restated on the balance sheet date.
q. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of an asset that necessarily takes a substantial period of time to get ready for its intended use or sale are capitalized as part of the cost of the asset. All other borrowing costs are expensed in the period in which they occur. Borrowing costs consist of interest and other costs that an entity incurs in connection with the borrowing of funds.
r. Earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing the net profit or loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for events if any of a bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share split.
s. Provisions and contingent liabilities
A provision is recognized when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognized in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
t. Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of an instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value measured on initial recognition of financial asset or financial liability.
A. Financial assets
i. Financial assets at amortized cost
Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost using the effective interest rate (EIR) if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is to hold these assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
ii. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income (FVTOCI)
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows that give rise on specified dates to solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and by selling financial assets.
The Company has made an irrevocable election to present in other comprehensive income subsequent changes in the fair value of equity investments not held for trading.
iii. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)
Financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss unless it is measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income on initial recognition. The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are immediately recognized in profit or loss.
iv. De-recognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily de-recognized (i.e. removed from the Company''s balance sheet) when:
- The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
- The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ''pass-through'' arrangement; and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.
v. Impairment of financial assets
The Company assesses impairment based on expected credit loss (ECL) model to the following:
- Financial assets measured at amortized cost;
- Financial assets measured at FVTOCI;
The Company follows ''simplified approach'' for recognition of impairment loss allowance on trade receivables.
Under the simplified approach, the Company does not track changes in credit risk. Rather, it recognizes impairment loss allowance based on lifetime ECL at reporting date.
The Company uses a provision matrix to determine impairment loss allowance on the portfolio of trade receivables. The provision matrix is based on its historically observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivables and is adjusted for forward looking estimates. At every reporting date, the historically observed default rates are updated and changes in the forward-looking estimates are analyzed.
For assessing ECL on a collective basis, financial assets have been grouped on the basis of shared risk characteristics and basis of estimation may change during the course of time due to change in risk characteristics.
B. Financial liabilities
i. Loans and borrowings
After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost on accrual basis and using the EIR method.
ii. Guarantee fee obligations
Financial guarantee contracts are subsequently measured at the higher of the amount of loss allowance determined and the amount recognized less cumulative amortization.
iii. De-recognition
A financial liability is de-recognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the de-recognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
C. Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
D. Derivative financial instruments - Initial and subsequent measurement
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts to hedge its foreign currency risks. Such derivative financial instruments are recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
E. Embedded derivatives
Derivatives embedded in a host contract that is an asset within the scope of Ind AS 109 are not separated. Financial assets with embedded derivatives are considered in their entirety when determining whether their cash flows are solely payment of principal and interest. Derivatives embedded in all other host contract are separated only if the economic characteristics and risks of the embedded derivative are not closely related to the economic characteristics and risks of the host and are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Embedded derivatives closely related to the host contracts are not separated.
u. Standards issued but not yet effective
The amendments to standards that are issued, but not yet effective, up to the date of issuance of the Company''s financial statements are disclosed below. The Company intends to adopt these standards, if applicable, when they become effective.
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has issued the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2017 and Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Amendment Rules, 2018 amending the following standard:
Ind AS 115 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
âInd AS 115 was notified on March 28, 2018 and establishes a five-step model to account for revenue arising from contracts with customers. Under Ind AS 115, revenue is recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity expects to be entitled in exchange for transferring goods or services to a customer.
The new revenue standard will supersede all current revenue recognition requirements under Ind AS. This new standard requires revenue to be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in amounts that reflect the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Adoption of the new rules could affect the timing of revenue recognition for certain transactions of the Company. Ind AS 115 is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using either one of two methods: (i) retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented in accordance with Ind AS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors, with the option to elect certain practical expedients as defined within Ind AS 115 (the full retrospective method); or (ii) retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying Ind AS 115 recognized at the date of initial application (1 April 2018) and providing certain additional disclosures as defined in Ind AS 115 (the modified retrospective method).
The Company has established an implementation team to implement Ind AS 115 related to the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers and it continues to evaluate the changes to accounting system and processes, and additional disclosure requirements that may be necessary, including the available transition methods. The Company''s considerations also include, but are not limited to, the comparability of its financial statements and the comparability within its industry from application of the new standard to its contractual arrangements. The ultimate impact on revenue resulting from the application of Ind AS 115 will be subject to assessments that are dependent on many variables, including, but not limited to, the terms of the contractual arrangements and the mix of business. A reliable estimate of the impact of Ind AS 115 on the financial statements will only be possible once the implementation project has been completed.â
Transfers of Investment Property â Amendments to Ind AS 40
The amendments clarify when an entity should transfer property, including property under construction or development into, or out of investment property. The amendments state that a change in use occurs when the property meets, or ceases to meet, the definition of investment property and there is evidence of the change in use. A mere change in management''s intentions for the use of a property does not provide evidence of a change in use.
Entities should apply the amendments prospectively to changes in use that occur on or after the beginning of the annual reporting period in which the entity first applies the amendments. An entity should reassess the classification of property held at that date and, if applicable, reclassify property to reflect the conditions that exist at that date. Retrospective application in accordance with Ind AS 8 is only permitted if it is possible without the use of hindsight.
The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 April 2018. The Company will apply amendments when they become effective. However, since the Company''s current practice is in line with the clarifications issued, the Company does not expect any effect on its standalone financial statements.
Appendix B to Ind AS 21 Foreign Currency Transactions and Advance Consideration
The Appendix clarifies that, in determining the spot exchange rate to use on initial recognition of the related asset, expense or income (or part of it) on the derecognition of a non-monetary asset or non-monetary liability relating to advance consideration, the date of the transaction is the date on which an entity initially recognizes the non-monetary asset or nonmonetary liability arising from the advance consideration. If there are multiple payments or receipts in advance, then the entity must determine the transaction date for each payment or receipt of advance consideration.
Entities may apply the Appendix requirements on a fully retrospective basis. Alternatively, an entity may apply these requirements prospectively to all assets, expenses and income in its scope that are initially recognized on or after:
i. The beginning of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the Appendix, or
ii. The beginning of a prior reporting period presented as comparative information in the financial statements of the reporting period in which the entity first applies the Appendix.
The Appendix is effective for annual periods beginning on or after 1 April 2018. However, since the Company''s current practice is in line with the Interpretation, the Company does not expect any effect on its standalone financial statements.
a. Freehold land includes Rs, 0.16 crores (31 March 2017: Rs, 0.16 crores) identified as surplus land. During the current year, the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on 13 December 2017, had approved a draft scheme of arrangement and reconstruction (âthe Schemeâ) between the Company and Hemisphere Properties India Limited and their respective shareholders and creditors. Thereafter, the Company had approached the stock exchanges for their âno objectionâ to the Scheme. Both BSE and NSE have given their âno objectionâ to the Scheme. The Company thereafter approached the National Company Law Tribunal (âNCLTâ) bench at Mumbai for its approval to the Scheme. NCLT vide its order dated March 26, 2018 directed the Company to hold a Shareholders'' Meeting of the Company on May 10, 2018 to seek their consent to the Scheme. Accordingly, a meeting of the Equity Shareholders was held on May 10, 2018 wherein the Shareholders have approved the Scheme. The Company shall now approach NCLT seeking its final approval to the Scheme.
b. Gross block of buildings includes
i. Rs, 34.20 crores (31 March 2017: Rs, 32.75 crores) for properties at Mumbai in respect of which title deeds are under dispute as at year end.
ii. Rs, 0.38 crores (31 March 2017: Rs, 0.38 crores) for sheds at GIDC, Gandhinagar in respect of which agreements have not been executed.
c. Finance cost capitalized during the year is Rs, Nil (31 March 2017: Rs, 9.06 crores).
d. Refer note 43 (b) for assets given on operating leases.
e. Transfers include assets transferred to investment property and intangible assets during the year.
Mar 31, 2017
NOTES FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2017
1. Corporate information:
TATA Communications Limited ("the Company") was incorporated on 19 March 1986. The Government of India vide its letter No. G-25015/6/86OC dated 27 March 1986, transferred all assets and liabilities of the Overseas Communications Service ("OCS") (part of the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications) as appearing in the Balance Sheet as at 31 March 1986 to the Company with effect from 1 April 1986. During the financial year 200708, the Company changed its name from Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited to Tata Communications Limited and the fresh certificate of incorporation consequent upon the change of name was issued by the Registrar of Companies, Maharashtra on 28 January 2008.
The Company is domiciled in India and its registered office is at VSB, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai - 400 001.
The Company offers international and national voice and data transmission services, selling and leasing of bandwidth on undersea cable systems, internet connectivity services and other value-added services comprising unified conferencing and collaboration services, managed hosting, mobile global roaming and signaling services, transponder lease, television up linking and other services.
2. Significant accounting policies
a. Statement of compliance
In accordance with the notification issued by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs ("MCA"), the Company has adopted Indian Accounting Standards (referred to as "Ind AS") notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 with effect from 1 April 2016. Previous periods have been restated to Ind AS. In accordance with Ind AS 101 - First time Adoption of Indian Accounting Standards, the Company has presented a reconciliation from the presentation of the financial statements under Accounting Standards notified under the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006 ("Previous GAAP") to Ind AS of shareholders equity as at 31 March 2016 and 1 April 2015 and of the comprehensive net income for the year ended 31 March 2016.
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Ind AS as notified under the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) Rules, 2015 read with section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013.
b. Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared on a historical cost basis, except for the following assets and liabilities which have been measured at fair value or revalued amount:
- Derivative financial instruments,
- Certain financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (refer note 2 (s)).
The financial statements are presented in Indian Rupees ("INR") and all values are rounded to the nearest crores (INR 0,000,000), except when otherwise indicated.
c. Significant accounting judgments, estimates and assumptions
The preparation of these financial statements in conformity with recognition and measurement principles of Ind AS requires the management of the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported balances of assets and liabilities, disclosures relating to contingent liability as at the date of the financial statement and the reported amounts of income and expense for the period presented.
Estimate and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revision to accounting estimates are recognized in the period in which the estimate are revised and future periods are affected.
Judgments
In the process of applying the Company''s accounting policies, management has made the following judgments, which have the most significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements.
Operating lease commitments - Company as less or
The Company has entered into commercial property leases on its investment property portfolio. The Company
has determined, based on an evaluation of the terms and conditions of the arrangements, such as the lease term not constituting a major part of the economic life of the commercial property and the fair value of the asset, that it retains all the significant risks and rewards of ownership of these properties and accounts for the contracts as operating leases.
Fair value measurement of financial instruments
When the fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities recorded in the balance sheet cannot be measured based on quoted prices in active markets, their fair value is measured using valuation techniques including the Discounted Cash Flow model. The inputs to these models are taken from observable markets where possible, but where this is not feasible, a degree of judgment is required in establishing fair values. Judgments include considerations of inputs such as liquidity risk, credit risk and volatility. Changes in assumptions about these factors could affect the reported fair value of financial instruments.
Estimates and assumptions
The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. The Company based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the standalone financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising that are beyond the control of the Company. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.
Defined benefit plans
The cost of the defined benefit plan and other post-employment benefits and the present value of such obligations are determined using actuarial valuations. An actuarial valuation involves making various assumptions that may differ from actual developments in the future. These include the determination of the discount rate, future salary increases and mortality rates. Due to the complexities involved in the valuation and its long-term nature, a defined benefit obligation is highly sensitive to changes in these assumptions. All assumptions are reviewed at each reporting date.
Useful lives of assets
The Company reviews the useful life of assets at the end of each reporting period. This reassessment may result in change in depreciation expense in future periods.
Provisions and contingent liabilities
A provision is recognized when the Company has a present obligation as a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognized in the financial statements.
If the effect of the time value of money is material, provisions are discounted using a current pre-tax rate that reflects, when appropriate, the risks specific to the liability. When discounting is used, the increase in the provision due to the passage of time is recognized as a finance cost.
Provisions and contingent liabilities are reviewed at each balance sheet date.
d. Cash and cash equivalents
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are short-term balances (with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk of changes in value.
e. Property, plant and equipment
i. Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less accumulated depreciation / amortization and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets ready for their intended use.
ii. Jointly owned assets are capitalized in proportion to the Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
iii. Capital work-in-progress includes cost of property, plant and equipment under installation/ under development as at the balance sheet date and are carried at cost, comprising of direct cost, directly attributable cost and attributable interest.
The depreciable amount for property, plant and equipment is the cost of the property, plant and equipment or other amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value (wherever applicable). Depreciation on property, plant and equipment has been provided on the straight-line method as per the estimated useful lives. The asset''s residual values, estimated useful lives and methods of depreciation are reviewed at each financial year end and any change in estimate is accounted for on a prospective basis.
Estimated useful lives of the assets are as follows:
Property, plant and equipment Useful lives of Assets
i. Plant and Machinery
flatwork Equipment arid Component ''Refer 1 below? to 8 year:
Sea cable (Refer 1 below) 20 years or Contract period whichever is earlier
Land cable (Refer 1 below) 15 years or Contract period whichever is earlier
Electrical Equipment and Installations* 10 years
Earth station and Switch* 13 years
General Plant and Machinery* 15 years
ii. Office equipments
Integrated Building Management Systems (Refer 1
below? Years Others* 5 years
iii. Leasehold Land Over the lease period
iv. Leasehold improvements Asset life or lease period whichever is less
v. Buildings* 30 to 60 years
vi. Roads* 3 to 10 years
vii. Fences, Tubes and Well* 5 years
viii. Temporary structures* 3 years
ix. Furniture & Fixtures* 10 years
x. Computers, server and network* 3 to 6 years
* On the above categories of assets, the depreciation has been provided as per useful life prescribed in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013.
1. In these cases, the lives of the assets are other than the prescribed lives in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The lives of the assets have been assessed based on technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset, past history of replacement, anticipated technological changes, manufacturers warranties and maintenance support, etc.
2. Property, plant and equipment are eliminated from financial statement, either on disposal or when retired from active use. Losses arising in the case of retirement of property, plant and equipment and gains or losses arising from disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the year of occurrence.
f. Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are recognized when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are attributable to the assets will flow to the Company and the cost of the asset can be measured reliably.
Indefeasible Right to Use ("IRU") taken for optical fibres are capitalized as intangible assets at the amounts paid for acquiring such rights. These are amortized on straight line basis, over the period of agreement.
The amortization period and the amortization method for an intangible asset with a finite useful life are reviewed at the end of financial year. Changes in the expected useful life or the expected pattern of consumption of future economic benefits embodied in the asset are considered to modify the amortization period or method, as appropriate, and are treated as changes in accounting estimates.
Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over the useful economic life and assessed for impairment whenever there is an indication that the intangible asset may be impaired.
Intangible assets. are amortized as follows:
Intangible asset Useful lives
Software and Application 3 to 6 years
IRU Over the contract period
An intangible assets is de-recognized on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from de-recognition of an intangible asset are measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the asset is de-recognized.
g. Investment Properties
Investment properties comprise of land and buildings that are held for long term lease rental yields and/ or for capital appreciation. Investment properties are initially recognized at cost including transaction costs. Subsequently investment property comprising of building is carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses, if any.
Depreciation on building is provided over the estimated useful lives as specified in Schedule II to the Companies Act, 2013. The residual values, estimated useful lives and depreciation method of investment properties are reviewed, and adjusted on prospective basis as appropriate, at each financial year end. The effects of any revision are included in the Statement of Profit and Loss when the changes arise.
Though the Company measures investment property using cost based measurement, the fair value of investment property is disclosed in the notes.
Investment properties are de-recognized when either they have been disposed of or doesn''t meet the criteria of investment property when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefit is expected from its disposal.
The difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of de-recognition.
h. Impairment of non-financial asset
The carrying values of assets / cash generating units ("CGU") at each balance sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset with indefinite useful lives.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable amount, impairment is recognized for such excess amount. The impairment loss is recognized as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the net selling price and the value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash flows to their present value based on an appropriate discount factor.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognized for an asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the amount was previously charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss. In case of revalued assets such reversal is not recognized.
In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset. In determining fair value less costs of disposal, recent market transactions are taken into account.
The Company bases its impairment calculation on detailed budgets and forecast calculations, which are prepared separately for the Company as a CGU. These budgets and forecast calculations generally cover a significant period. For longer periods, a long-term growth rate is calculated and applied to project future cash flows after the significant period.
i. Leases
The determination of whether an arrangement is (or contains) a lease is based on the substance of the arrangement at the inception of the lease. The arrangement is, or contains, a lease if fulfillment of the arrangement is dependent on the use of a specific asset or assets and the arrangement conveys a right to use the asset or assets, even if that right is not explicitly specified in an arrangement.
The Company enters into agreements for granting IRU of dark fibre capacities to third parties. These arrangements are classified as operating leases as the title to the assets and significant risk associated with the operation and maintenance of these assets remains with the Company. Upfront revenue is received for these arrangements and the same is deferred over the tenure of the IRU agreement. Unearned IRU revenue net of the amount recognizable within one year is disclosed as deferred revenue in non-current liabilities and the amount recognizable within one year is disclosed as deferred revenue in current liabilities.
Lessee
Operating lease payments are recognized as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss on a straight-line basis over the lease term since the payment to the less or are structured in a manner that the increase is not expected to be in line with expected general inflation.
Lesser
Leases in which the Company does not transfer substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are classified as operating leases. Rental income from operating lease is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the relevant lease.
Leases are classified as finance leases when substantially all of the risks and rewards incidental to ownership of an asset are transferred from the Company to the lessee. Amounts due from lessees under finance leases are recorded as receivables at the Company''s net investment in the leases. Finance lease income is allocated to accounting periods so as to reflect a constant periodic rate of return on the net investment outstanding in respect of the finance lease.
j. Inventories
Inventories of stores and spares are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost includes all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted average basis.
k. Employee benefits
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences, pension and post-employment medical benefits.
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognized during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post-employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date which recognizes each period of service as giving rise to additional unit of employee benefit entitlement and measure each unit separately to build up the final obligation.
Remeasurements, comprising of actuarial gains and losses, the effect of the asset ceiling (if applicable), excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability and the return on plan assets (excluding amounts included in net interest on the net defined benefit liability), are recognized immediately in the balance sheet with a corresponding debit or credit to retained earnings through other comprehensive income in the period in which they occur. Remeasurements are not reclassified to the Statement of Profit and Loss in subsequent periods. Past service cost is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the period of plan amendment.
Net interest is calculated by applying the discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or asset.
The Company recognizes changes in service costs comprising of current service costs, past-service costs, gains and losses on curtailments and non-routine settlements under employee benefit expenses in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The net interest expense or income is recognized as part of finance cost in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as adjusted for unrecognized past service cost, and as reduced by the fair value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
iii. Other long-term employee benefits
Compensated absences which are not expected to occur within twelve months after the end of the period in which the employee renders the related services are recognized as a liability at the present value of the defined benefit obligation at the balance sheet date.
l. Revenue recognition
Revenue is recognized to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the Company and the revenue can be reliably measured, regardless of when the payment is being made. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and is reduced for estimated customer credit notes and other similar allowances.
i. Revenues from Voice Solutions (VS) are recognized at the end of each month based upon minutes of traffic carried during the month.
ii. Revenues from Data Managed Services (DMS) are recognized over the period of the respective arrangements
based on contracted fee schedules. -
iii. Revenues from IRU of fibre capacity provided as operating lease are recognized on a straight line basis over the term of the relevant IRU.
iv. Exchange/ swaps with service providers of telecommunication services are accounted for as non-monetary transactions depending on the terms of the agreements entered into with such telecommunication service provider.
v. Export benefits are accounted for in the year of exports based on eligibility and when there is no uncertainty in receiving the same and there is a reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the conditions attached to them.
m. Other income
i. Dividends from investments are recognized when the right to receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to collectability exists.
ii. Interest income - For all financial instruments measured at amortized cost, interest income is recorded on accrual basis. Interest income is included in Other income in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
n. Taxation
Current income tax
i. Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
ii. Provision for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after offsetting them on an assessment year basis.
Deferred tax
Deferred tax is provided using the balance sheet approach on temporary differences at the reporting date between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes at the reporting date.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profit will be available to allow all or part of the deferred tax asset to be utilized. Unrecognized deferred tax assets are reassessed at each reporting date and are recognized to the extent that it has become probable that future taxable profits will allow the deferred tax asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the year when the asset is realized or the liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date.
Deferred tax relating to items recognized outside the Statement of Profit and Loss is recognized outside the Statement of Profit and Loss. Deferred tax items are recognized in correlation to the underlying transaction either in Other Comprehensive Income or directly in equity.
Deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are offset if a legally enforceable right exists to set off current tax assets against current income tax liabilities and the deferred taxes relate to the same taxable entity and the same taxation authority.
o. Fair value measurement
The Company measures financial instruments such as derivatives and certain investments, at fair value at each balance sheet date.
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement is based on the presumption that the transaction to sell the asset or transfer the liability takes place either:
- In the principal market for the asset or liability or
- In the absence of a principal market, in the most advantageous market for the asset or liability.
The principal or the most advantageous market must be accessible by the Company.
The fair value of a financial asset or a liability is measured using the assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the asset or liability, assuming that market participants act in their economic best interest.
The Company uses valuation techniques that are appropriate in the circumstances and for which sufficient data are available to measure fair value, maximizing the use of relevant observable inputs and minimizing the use of unobservable inputs.
All assets and liabilities for which fair value is measured or disclosed in the financial statements are categorized within the fair value hierarchy, described as follows, based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole:
- Level 1 â Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
- Level 2 â Inputs are other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly (i.e. as prices) or indirectly (i.e. derived from prices).
- Level 3 â Inputs are not based on observable market data (unobservable inputs). Fair values are determined in whole or in part using a valuation model based on assumptions that are neither supported by prices from observable current market transactions in the same instrument nor are they based on available market data.
For assets and liabilities that are recognized in the balance sheet on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred between levels in the hierarchy by re-assessing categorization (based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.
For the purpose of fair value disclosures, the Company has determined classes of assets and liabilities on the basis of the nature, characteristics and risks of the asset or liability and the level of the fair value hierarchy as explained above.
The fair valuation for assets and liabilities has been performed by an independent actuary.
p. Foreign currencies
The Company''s financial statements are presented in INR, which is also the Company''s functional currency.
Foreign currency transactions are converted into INR at rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities are outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to INR at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
q. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs include interest, amortization of any fee paid to the lender at the time of availing the borrowing. Costs in connection with the borrowing of funds to the extent not directly related to the acquisition of qualifying assets are charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss over the tenure of the loan. Borrowing costs, allocated to and utilized for qualifying assets, pertaining to the period from commencement of activities relating to construction / development of the qualifying asset up to the date of capitalization of such asset are added to the cost of the assets. Capitalization of borrowing costs is suspended and charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss during extended periods when active development activity on the qualifying assets is interrupted.
r. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit or loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted for events if any of a bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share split.
s. Financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are recognized when the Company becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. Financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at fair value. Transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issue of financial assets and financial liabilities (other than financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss) are added to or deducted from the fair value measured on initial recognition of financial asset or financial liability.
A. Financial assets
i. Financial assets at amortized cost
Financial assets are subsequently measured at amortized cost if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is to hold these assets in order to collect contractual cash flows and the contractual terms of the financial asset give rise on specified dates to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding.
ii. Financial assets at fair value through other comprehensive income
Financial assets are measured at fair value through other comprehensive income if these financial assets are held within a business whose objective is achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows that give rise on specified dates to solely payments of principal and interest on the principal amount outstanding and by selling financial assets.
The Company has made an irrevocable election to present in Other Comprehensive Income subsequent changes in the fair value of equity investments not held for trading.
iii. Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets are measured at fair value through profit or loss unless it is measured at amortized cost or at fair value through other comprehensive income on initial recognition. The transaction costs directly attributable to the acquisition of financial assets and liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are immediately recognized in Statement of Profit and Loss.
iv. De-recognition
A financial asset (or, where applicable, a part of a financial asset or part of a group of similar financial assets) is primarily de-recognized (i.e. removed from the Company''s balance sheet) when:
- The rights to receive cash flows from the asset have expired, or
- The Company has transferred its rights to receive cash flows from the asset or has assumed an obligation to pay the received cash flows in full without material delay to a third party under a ''pass-through'' arrangement; and either (a) the Company has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, or (b) the Company has neither transferred nor retained substantially all the risks and rewards of the asset, but has transferred control of the asset.
The transferred asset and the associated liability are measured on a basis that reflects the rights and obligations that the Company has retained.
Continuing involvement that takes the form of a guarantee over the transferred asset is measured at lower of the original carrying amount of the asset and maximum amount of consideration that the Company could be required to repay.
v. Impairment of financial assets
The Company assesses impairment based on expected credit losses (ECL) model to the following:
- Financial assets measured at amortized cost;
- Financial assets measured at Fair Value through Other Comprehensive Income;
The Company follows ''simplified approach'' for recognition of impairment loss allowance on:
- Trade receivables
Under the simplified approach, the Company does not track changes in credit risk. Rather, it recognizes impairment loss allowance based on lifetime ECL at reporting date.
The Company uses a provision matrix to determine impairment loss allowance on the portfolio of trade receivables. The provision matrix is based on its historically observed default rates over the expected life of the trade receivable and is adjusted for forward looking estimates. At every reporting date, the
historical observed default rates are updated and changes in the forward-looking estimates are analyzed.
For assessing ECL on a collective basis, financial assets have been grouped on the basis of shared risk characteristics and basis of estimation may change during the course of time due to change in risk characteristics.
B. Financial liabilities
Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost using the effective interest method.
i. Subsequent measurement
The measurement of financial liabilities depends on their classification, as described below:
I. Loans and borrowings
After initial recognition, interest-bearing loans and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortized cost on accrual basis.
II. De-recognition
A financial liability is de-recognized when the obligation under the liability is discharged or cancelled or expires. When an existing financial liability is replaced by another from the same lender on substantially different terms, or the terms of an existing liability are substantially modified, such an exchange or modification is treated as the de-recognition of the original liability and the recognition of a new liability. The difference in the respective carrying amounts is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
ii. Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the balance sheet if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognized amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis, to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.
iii. Derivative financial instruments - Initial and subsequent measurement
The Company uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts to hedge its foreign currency risks. Such derivative financial instruments are initially recognized at fair value on the date on which a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently re-measured at fair value. Derivatives are carried as financial assets when the fair value is positive and as financial liabilities when the fair value is negative.
t. Recent accounting pronouncements
Standards issued but not yet effective
In March 2017, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued the Companies (Indian Accounting Standards) (Amendments) Rules, 2017, notifying amendments to Ind AS 7, ''Statement of cash flows''. These amendments are in accordance with the recent amendments made by International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) to IAS 7, ''Statement of cash flows''. The amendments are applicable to the Company from 1 April 2017.
Amendment to Ind AS 7
The amendment to Ind AS 7 requires the entities to provide disclosures that enable users of financial statements to evaluate changes in liabilities arising from financing activities, including both changes arising from cash flows and non-cash changes, suggesting inclusion of a reconciliation between the opening and closing balances in the balance sheet for liabilities arising from financing activities, to meet the disclosure requirement.
The Company is evaluating the requirements of the amendment and the effect on the financial statements is being evaluated.
The fair value of investment property has been determined by external, independent property valuers, having appropriate recognized professional qualifications and recent experience in the location and category of the property being valued.
The best evidence of fair value is current price in an active market for similar properties. Where such information is not available, the Company considers information from a variety of sources including:
- Current prices in an active market for properties of different nature or recent prices of similar properties in less active markets, adjusted to reflect those differences.
- Capitalized income projections based upon a property''s estimated net market income, and a capitalization rate derived from an analysis of market evidence.
I. During the current year, the Company has transferred its entire shareholding in VSNL SNOSPV Pte Ltd to Tata Communications International Pte Ltd. ("TCIPL") for a nominal cash consideration of '' @ (USD 2).
II. The Company has an investment of Rs,1,398.06 crores (2016: Rs,1,352.71 crores, 2015: Rs,1,153.18 crores) in equity shares of Tata Communications Payment Solutions Limited ("TCPSL"). In the opinion of the management, having regard to the nature of the subsidiary business and future business projections, there is no diminution, other than temporary in the value of investment despite significant accumulated losses.
III. a. During the previous year, terms of preference shares of TCPSL aggregating Rs, 930.00 crores (including
Rs, 80.00 crores new investment made in that year) were changed from 12% cumulative redeemable preference shares to 12% convertible preference shares and thereafter 435,000,000, 12% convertible preference shares of TCPSL of Rs, 10 each were converted to 290,000,000 equity shares of Rs, 10 each at a premium of Rs, 5.00 per share.
b. During the current year, the terms of issue of 495,000,000, 12% convertible preference shares of TCPSL have been changed so as to make them convertible into a fixed number of 324,377,500 equity shares having face value of Rs, 10 each and convertible at a premium of Rs, 5.26 per share.
As per modified terms of conversion, the investment in preference shares in substance is equity instrument and hence carried at cost.
Subsequent to modification in terms, on 22 December 2016, 140,000,000, 12% convertible preference shares converted into 91,743,131 equity shares of Rs, 10 each at premium of Rs, 5.26 per share.
c. During the current year, consequent to modification of terms of conversion, the Company converted its investment in TCIPL of 30,955,250 preference shares of USD 1 each into equity shares at a fair value of USD 3.89 per share resulting in a loss of Rs, 453.23 crores on account of reduction in the fair value of preference shares. The original terms of conversion was one equity share in exchange of one preference share.
d. During the current year, loan given by the Company to TCIPL, amounting to USD 281,383,984 was converted into 72,335,214 equity shares of USD 1 each at a fair value of USD 3.89 per share.
IV. During the current year, the Company has completed sale of 74% shareholding in Tata Communications Data Centers Private Limited ("TCDC") to Singapore Technologies Telemedia (ST Telemedia) for a cash consideration of Rs, 1,796.78 crores resulting into a gain on sale of Rs, 1,696.22 crores. The Company has considered this investment to be an investment in associate as it retains an equity share exceeding 20% with a right to appoint two director''s on their Board. In April 2017, name of TCDC was changed to STT Global Data Centres India Private Limited.
V. During the current year, the Company acquired an additional 5% of the equity share capital of Smart ICT Services Private Limited (Smart ICT), taking the Company''s total shareholding in the equity share capital of Smart ICT to 24%, pursuant to which, Smart ICT became an associate of the Company, whereas earlier the same was considered as investment in others.
VI. The Company has investment in the equity shares of Tata Teleservices Limited ("TTSL") which is recognized at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income. During the quarter ended 31 December 2016, the Company reassessed the fair value of TTSL and accordingly recognized a loss of Rs, 166.71 crores (2016: Rs, 344.40 crores) in Other Comprehensive Income. As of the date of issue of these financial statements, due to the continued volatility of market conditions, it was not possible to complete an updated valuation report to determine fair value as at 31 March 2017.
The Company has issued corporate guarantees for the loans and credit facility arrangements in respect of various subsidiaries.
ii. As at 31 March 2017 the proportionate share of pension obligations and payments of Rs, 61.15 crores (2016: Rs, 61.15 crores, 2015: Rs, 61.15 crores) to the erstwhile Overseas Communications Service ("OCS") employees was recoverable from the Government of India ("the Government"). Pursuant to discussions with the Government, the Company had made a provision of Rs, 53.71 crores (2016: Rs, 53.71 crores, 2015: Rs, 53.71 crores) resulting in a net amount due from the Government towards its share of pension obligations of Rs, 7.44 crores (2016: Rs, 7.44 crores, 2015: Rs, 7.44 crores).
The Company has issued corporate guarantees for the loans and credit facility arrangements in respect of various subsidiaries.
iv. Interest receivable includes interest due from subsidiaries of Rs, 0.04 crores (2016: Rs, 0.02 crores, 2015: Rs, 6.65 crores).
i. The Management intends to dispose off a parcel of the Company''s freehold land and staff quarter''s. An active program to locate the buyer and to complete the sale has already been initiated, the sale is expected to be completed in the next 12 months. Accordingly, these assets have been classified as assets held for sale as on 31 March 2017.
ii. Further the fair value of these assets is higher than its carrying value as on 31 March 2017 and hence no impairment loss has been recognized.
a. Issued, Subscribed and Paid up:
There was no change in the issued, subscribed and paid up share capital of the Company during the current and past five financial years.
b. Terms / rights attached to equity shares:
The Company has only one class of equity shares with a face value of Rs, 10 per share. Each shareholder of equity shares is entitled to one vote per share at any general meeting of shareholders. The Company declares and pays dividends in INR. The dividend proposed by the Board of Directors is subject to the approval of the shareholders in the ensuing Annual General Meeting. In the event of liquidation, the equity shareholders are eligible to receive the remaining assets of the Company, after distribution of all preferential amounts, in proportion to their shareholding.
c. The Board of Directors have recommended a dividend of Rs, 4.50 (2016: Rs, 4.30) per share and a special dividend of Rs, 1.50 per share for the year ended 31 March 2017.
i. Capital Reserve includes Rs, 205.22 crores in respect of foreign exchange gains on unutilised proceeds from Global Depository Receipts in earlier years.
ii. Debenture redemption reserve (DRR): The Company has issued redeemable non-convertible debentures, accordingly, the Companies (Share capital and Debenture) Rules, 2014 (as amended), requires that where a company issues debentures, it shall create a debenture redemption reserve out of profits of the company available for payment of dividend. The Company is required to maintain a DRR of 25% of the value of debentures issued, either by a public issue or on a private placement basis. The amounts credited to the DRR may not be utilised by the Company except to redeem debentures.
iii. Securities premium: It is the additional amount which the shareholder had paid more than the face value of issued shares. This premium can be used to write off equity related expenses and issue of bonus shares.
iv. General reserve: It can be utilised from time to time to transfer profit from retained earnings for appropriation purposes. As the general reserve is created by a transfer from one component of equity to another and is not an item of Other Comprehensive Income, items included in the general reserve will not be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss.
v. Other Comprehensive Income: This represents the cumulative gains and losses arising on the revaluation of equity instruments measured at fair value through Other Comprehensive Income, net of amounts reclassified to retained earnings when those assets have been disposed off and remeasurement of defined employee benefit plans (net of taxes).
i. Secured Debentures
The outstanding 50, 11.25% debentures amounting to Rs, 5.00 crores is due for redemption on 23 January 2019 and are secured by a first legal mortgage and charge on the Company''s plant and machinery.
For facilitating the above redemption, the Company has created a debenture redemption reserve of Rs, 1.25 crores (2016: Rs, 1.25 crores, 2015: Rs, 1.25 crores).
ii. Unsecured Debentures
The outstanding 1,500, 9.85% debentures amounting to Rs, 150 crores are due for redemption on 2 July 2019.
For facilitating the above redemption, the Company has created a DRR of Rs, 37.50 crores (2016: Rs, 37.50 crores, 2015: Rs, 37.50 crores).
i. Interest on others includes Rs, 51.84 crores (2016: Rs, 36.06 crores) from subsidiaries and associates.
ii. During the current year, consequent to modification of terms of conversion, the Company converted its investment in TCIPL of 30,955,250 preference shares of USD 1 each into equity shares at a fair value of USD 3.89 per share resulting in a loss of Rs, 453.23 crores on account of reduction in the fair value of preference shares. The original terms of conversion was one equity share in exchange of one preference share.
iii. Includes Rs, 104.45 crores (2016: Rs, 88.73 crores) from subsidiaries and associates.
iv. During the previous year, based on transfer pricing study and legal precedent, the Company and its subsidiaries have re-determined the arm''s length price in respect of guarantee fees charged by the Company in earlier periods to its subsidiaries. Accordingly, guarantee income from subsidiaries for the year ended 31 March 2016 is net of guarantee fees of Rs, 233.90 crores pertaining to earlier years and has a corresponding tax impact of Rs, 79.50 crores.
i. As required by the Companies Act, 2013 and rules thereon, gross amount required to be spent by the Company during the year toward Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) amount to Rs, 14.56 crores (2016: Rs, 13.85 crores). The Company has spent Rs, 14.66 crores (2016: Rs, 13.47 crores) during the year on CSR activities mainly for promotion of education, social business projects, etc. including Rs, 1.83 crore (2016 : Rs, 2.30 crores) on construction/ acquisition of assets.
Mar 31, 2015
1. Corporate information:
TATA Communications Limited ("the Company") was incorporated on 19
March 1986. The Government of India vide its letter No. G-25015/6/86OC
dated 27 March 1986, transferred all assets and liabilities of the
Overseas Communications Service ("OCS") (part of the Department of
Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications) as appearing in the
Balance sheet as at 31 March 1986 to the Company with effect from 01
April 1986. During the year 2007-08, the Company changed its name from
Videsh Sanchar Nigam Limited to Tata Communications Limited and the
fresh certificate of incorporation consequent upon the change of name
was issued by the Registrar of Companies, Maharashtra on 28 January
2008.
The Company offers international and national voice and data
transmission services, selling and leasing of bandwidth on undersea
cable systems, internet dial up and broadband services, and other
value-added services comprising telepresence, managed hosting, mobile
global roaming and signalling services, transponder lease, television
uplinking and other services.
a. Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements of the Company have been prepared in
accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in India
(Indian GAAP) to comply with all applicable Accounting Standards
specified under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule
7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 and the relevant provisions
of the Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act"). The financial statements have
been prepared on accrual basis under the historical cost convention.
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial
statements are consistent with those followed in the previous year.
b. Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires the management of
the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures relating to the
contingent liabilities as at the date of financial statements and
reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Examples of
such estimates include provisions for doubtful trade receivables and
advances, employee benefits, provision for income taxes, impairment of
assets and useful lives of fixed assets.
The management believes that the estimates used in preparation of the
financial statements are prudent and reasonable. Future results could
differ due to these estimates and the differences between the actual
results and the estimates are recognised in the periods in which the
results are known/materialise.
c. Cash and cash equivalents (for purposes of Cash Flow Statement)
Cash comprises cash on hand. Cash equivalents are short-term balances
(with an original maturity of three months or less from the date of
acquisition), highly liquid investments that are readily convertible
into known amounts of cash and which are subject to insignificant risk
of changes in value.
d. Cash flow statement
Cash flows are reported using the indirect method, whereby
profit/(loss) before extraordinary items and tax is adjusted for the
effects of transactions of a non-cash nature and any deferrals or
accruals of past or future cash receipts or payments. The cash flows
from operating, investing and financing activities of the Company are
segregated based on the available information.
e. Fixed assets
i. Tangible and intangible assets are stated at cost of acquisition or
construction, less accumulated depreciation/ amortisation and
impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes
and all incidental expenses incurred on making the assets ready for
their intended use.
ii. Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUs) for international and domestic
telecommunication circuits are classified under fxed assets. The IRU
agreements transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership to the Company.
iii. Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the
Company's ownership interest in such assets.
iv. Cost of borrowing related to the acquisition or construction of
fixed assets that are attributable to the qualifying assets are
capitalised as part of the cost of such asset. All other borrowing
costs are recognised as expenses in the periods in which they are
incurred.
v. Capital work-in-progress includes projects under which tangible
fixed assets are not yet ready for their intended use and are carried
at cost, comprising direct cost, directly attributable cost and
attributable interest.
vi. Assets acquired pursuant to an agreement for exchange of similar
assets are recorded at the net book value of the asset given up, with
an adjustment for any balancing receipt or payment of cash or any other
form of consideration.
f. Depreciation/ amortisation
The depreciable amount for assets is the cost of an asset, or other
amount substituted for cost, less its estimated residual value.
Depreciation on tangible fixed assets has been provided on the
straight-line method as per the useful lives prescribed in Schedule II
to the Companies Act, 2013 ("the Act") except in respect of the
following categories of assets where the lives of the assets are other
than the prescribed lives in the Act.
Tangible and Intangible assets Useful lives of Assets
i. Plant and Machinery (Refer 1 below)
Network Equipment and Component 3 to 8 years 20 years or Contract
period Sea cable whichever is earlier 15 years or Contract period Land
cable, whichever is earlier Integrated Building Management Systems 8
years
ii. Leasehold Land and Improvements Over the lease period
iii. Software and Application (Refer 2 below) 3 to 6 years
1. In these cases, the lives of the assets have been assessed based on
technical advice, taking into account the nature of the asset, the
estimated usage of the asset, the operating conditions of the asset,
past history of replacement, anticipated technological changes,
manufacturers warranties and maintenance support, etc.
2. The estimated useful lives of the intangible assets and the
amortisation period are reviewed at the end of each financial year and
the amortisation period is revised to reflect the changed pattern, if
any.
g. Impairment
The carrying values of assets/ cash generating units at each balance
sheet date are reviewed for impairment, if any indication of impairment
exists. The following intangible assets are tested for impairment at
the end of each financial year even if there is no indication that the
asset is impaired:
i. an intangible asset that is not yet available for use; and
ii. an intangible asset that is amortised over a period exceeding ten
years from the date when the asset is available for use.
If the carrying amount of the assets exceed the estimated recoverable
amount, impairment is recognised for such excess amount. The impairment
loss is recognised as an expense in the Statement of Profit and Loss,
unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount, in which case any
impairment loss of the revalued asset is treated as a revaluation
decrease to the extent a revaluation reserve is available for that
asset.
The recoverable amount is the greater of the net selling price and the
value in use. Value in use is arrived at by discounting the future cash
flows to their present value based on an appropriate discount factor.
When there is indication that an impairment loss recognised for an
asset (other than a revalued asset) in earlier accounting periods no
longer exists or may have decreased, such reversal of impairment loss
is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss, to the extent the
amount was previously charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss. In
case of revalued assets such reversal is not recognised.
h. Operating leases
Lease arrangements where the risk and rewards incidental to ownership
of an asset substantially vest with the lessor are classified as an
operating lease.
Rental income and rental expenses on assets given or obtained under
operating lease arrangements are recognised on a straight line basis
over the term of the lease in Statement of Profit and Loss.
The initial direct costs relating to operating leases are recorded as
expenses as they are incurred.
i. Investments
Long-term investments are carried individually at cost less provision
for diminution, other than temporary, in the value of such investments.
Current investments comprising investments in mutual funds are stated
at the lower of cost and fair value, determined on an individual
investment basis.
j. Inventories
Inventories of stores and spares are valued at the lower of cost or net
realisable value. Cost includes all expenses incurred to bring the
inventory to its present location and condition. Cost is determined on
a weighted average basis.
k. Employee benefits
Employee benefits include contributions to provident fund, employee
state insurance scheme, gratuity fund, compensated absences and
post-employment medical benefits.
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be
paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognised
during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits
include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance
incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are
recognised as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling
them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is
determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial
gains and losses are recognised in full in the Statement of Profit and
Loss for the period in which they occur. Past service cost is
recognised immediately to the extent that the benefits are already
vested, and otherwise is amortised on a straight-line basis over the
average period until the benefits become vested.
The retirement benefit obligation recognised in the balance sheet
represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as
adjusted for unrecognised past service cost, and as reduced by the fair
value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is
limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available
refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
l. Revenue recognition
i. Revenues from Voice Solutions (VS) are recognised at the end of
each month based upon minutes of traffic completed in such month.
ii. Revenues from Data Managed Services (DMS) are recognised over the
period of the respective arrangements based on contracted fee
schedules.
iii. Revenues from right to use of fibre capacity provided based on
IRU are recognised over the period of such arrangements.
m. Other income
i. Dividends from investments are recognised when the right to receive
payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to
collectability exists. Interest income is accounted on an accrual
basis.
ii. Guarantee fees are accrued over the period in which the Company
has provided the respective guarantees.
n. Export incentive
Export benefits are accounted for in the year of exports based on
eligibility and when there is no uncertainty in receiving the same and
there is a reasonable assurance that the Company will comply with the
conditions attached to them. Export incentives are included in other
operating income.
o. Taxation
i. Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions
of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using the tax rates, which have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax expense or benefit is
recognised on timing differences being the differences between taxable
incomes and accounting incomes that originate in one period and are
capable of reversing in one or more subsequent periods.
ii. In the event of unabsorbed depreciation and carry forward of
losses, deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that
there is virtual certainty supported by convincing evidence that
sufficient taxable income will be available to realise these assets. In
other situations, deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent
that there is reasonable certainty that sufficient future taxable
income will be available to realise these assets. Deferred tax assets
are reviewed at each balance sheet date for their realisability.
iii. Provision for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in
respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet
after offsetting them on an assessment year basis.
iv. Current and deferred tax relating to items directly recognised in
the reserves are recognised in the reserves and not in the Statement of
Profit and Loss.
p. Foreign currency transactions and translations
i. Foreign currency transactions are converted into Indian Rupees at
rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction
dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the
transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities
outstanding as at the balance sheet date are translated to Indian
Rupees at the closing rates prevailing on the balance sheet date.
Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognised in
the Statement of Profit and Loss. The exchange difference arising on a
monetary item that, in substance, forms part of an enterprise's net
investments in a non-integral foreign operation are accumulated in a
foreign currency translation reserve.
ii. Premium or discount on forward contracts are amortised over the
life of such contracts and recognised in the Statement of Profit and
Loss. Forward contracts outstanding as at the balance sheet date are
stated at exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date and any gains
or losses are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss. Profit or
loss arising on cancellation or enforcement/ exercise of forward
exchange is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the
period of such cancellation or enforcement/ exercise.
q. Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs include interest, amortisation of ancillary costs
incurred and exchange differences arising from foreign currency
borrowings to the extent they are regarded as an adjustment to the
interest cost. Costs in connection with the borrowing of funds to the
extent not directly related to the acquisition of qualifying assets are
charged to the Statement of Profit and Loss over the tenure of the
loan. Borrowing costs, allocated to and utilised for qualifying assets,
pertaining to the period from commencement of activities relating to
construction/ development of the qualifying asset up to the date of
capitalisation of such asset are added to the cost of the assets.
Capitalisation of borrowing costs is suspended and charged to the
Statement of Profit and Loss during extended periods when active
development activity on the qualifying assets is interrupted.
r. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit or
loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting
preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average
number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted
average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted
for events if any of a bonus issue to existing shareholders or a share
split.
s. Segment reporting .
i. The Company identifies primary segments based on the dominant
source, nature of risks and returns and the internal organisation and
management structure. The operating segments are the segments for which
separate financial information is available and for which operating
profit/ loss amounts are evaluated regularly by the executive
Management in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing
performance.
ii. The accounting policies adopted for segment reporting are in line
with the accounting policies of the Company. Segment revenue and
segment expenses, segment assets and segment liabilities have been
identified to segments on the basis of their relationship to the
operating activities of the segment.
iii. Revenue and expenses which relate to the Company as a whole and
are not allocable to segments on a reasonable basis have been included
under "unallocated revenue/ expenses/ assets/ liabilities".
t. Contingent liabilities and provisions
A provision is recognised when the Company has a present obligation as
a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources
will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a
reliable estimate can be made. Provisions (excluding retirement
benefits) are not discounted to their present value and are determined
based on the best estimate of the amount required to settle the
obligation at the balance sheet date. These are reviewed at each
balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimates.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed when there is a possible
obligation arising from past events, the existence of which will be
confirmed only by occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain
future events not wholly within the control of the Company or a present
obligation that arises from past events where it is either not probable
that an outflow of resources will be required to settle or a reliable
estimate of the amount cannot be made. Contingent liabilities are
disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets are not recognised in the
financial statements.
u. Derivative financial instruments
Gains and losses on hedging instruments designated as hedges of the net
investments in foreign operations are recognised in foreign currency
translation reserve to the extent that the hedging relationship is
effective. The premium or discount on such hedging instruments does not
form part of the hedging relationship and hence they are marked to
market at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses relating to hedge
ineffectiveness are recognised immediately in the Statement of Profit
and Loss. Gains and losses accumulated in the foreign currency
translation reserve are transferred to the Statement of Profit and Loss
when the foreign operation is disposed off.
Mar 31, 2013
A. Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in India (Indian GAAP) to
comply with the Accounting Standards notified under of the Companies
(Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006 (as amended) and the relevant
provisions of the Companies Act, 1956. The financial statements have
been prepared on an accrual basis under the historical cost convention
and as a going concern. The accounting policies adopted in the
preparation of the financial statements are consistent with those
followed in the previous year.
b. Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires the management of
the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures relating to the
contingent liabilities as at the date of financial statements and
reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Examples of
such estimates include provisions for doubtful trade receivables and
advances, employee benefits, provision for income taxes, impairment of
assets and useful lives of fixed assets.
The management believes that the estimates used in preparation of the
financial statements are prudent and reasonable. Future results could
differ due to these estimates and the differences between the actual
results and the estimates are recognized in the periods in which the
results are known / materialize.
c. Cash flow statement
Cash flows are reported using the indirect method, whereby profit /
(loss) before extraordinary items and tax is adjusted for the effects
of transactions of a non-cash nature and any deferrals or accruals of
past or future cash receipts or payments. The cash flows from
operating, investing and financing activities of the Company are
segregated based on the available information.
d. Fixed assets
i. Tangible and intangible assets are stated at cost of acquisition or
construction, less accumulated depreciation/ amortization and
impairment loss, if any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes
and all incidental expenses incurred to bring the assets to their
present location and condition.
ii. Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUs) for international and domestic
telecommunication circuits are classified under fixed assets. IRU
agreements in respect of these intangibles transfer substantially all
the risks and rewards of ownership.
iii. Jointly owned assets are capitalized in proportion to the
Company''s ownership interest in such assets.
iv. Costs of borrowing related to the acquisition or construction of
fixed assets that are attributable to the qualifying assets are
capitalized as part of the cost of such asset. All other borrowing
costs are recognized as expenses in the periods in which they are
incurred.
v. Capital work-in-progress includes projects under which tangible
fixed assets are not yet ready for their intended use and are carried
at cost, comprising direct cost, directly attributable cost and
attributable interest.
vi. Assets acquired pursuant to an agreement for exchange of similar
assets are recorded at the net book value of the asset given up, with
an adjustment for any balancing receipt or payment of cash or any other
form of consideration.
e. Depreciation/ amortization
Depreciation/ Amortization is provided on the straight line method
(SLM), at the rates and in the manner prescribed in Schedule XIV to the
Companies Act, 1956 except as follows where the depreciation rate is
higher than the prescribed rate in Schedule IV to the Companies Act,
1956:
f. Impairment
At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of
its fixed assets to determine whether there is any indication that
those assets suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to
determine the extent of the impairment loss. The recoverable amount is
the higher of an asset''s net selling price and value in use. In
assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows expected
from the continuing use of the asset and from its ultimate disposal are
discounted to their present values using a pre-determined discount rate
that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money
and risks specific to the asset.
g. Operating leases
Lease arrangements where the risk and rewards incidental to ownership
of an asset substantially vest with the lessor are classified as
operating leases.
Rental income and rental expenses on assets given or obtained under
operating lease arrangements are recognized on a straight line basis
over the term of the lease.
The initial direct costs relating to operating leases are recorded as
expenses as they are incurred.
h. Investments
Long-term investments are valued at cost less provision for other than
temporary diminution in value.
Current investments comprising of investments in mutual funds are
stated at the lower of cost and fair value, determined on an individual
investment basis.
i. Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Cost includes all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its
present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted
average basis.
j. Employee benefits
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be
paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognized
during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits
include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance
incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are
recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling
them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is
determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial
gains and losses are recognized in full in the Statement of Profit and
Loss for the period in which they occur. Past service cost is
recognized immediately to the extent that the benefits are already
vested, and otherwise is amortized on a straight-line basis over the
average period until the benefits become vested.
The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the balance sheet
represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as
adjusted for unrecognized past service cost, and as reduced by the fair
value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is
limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available
refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
k. Revenue recognition
i. Revenues from Global Voice Services (GVS) are recognized at the end
of each month based upon minutes of traffic completed in such month.
ii. Revenues from Global Data Managed Services (GDMS) are recognized
over the period of the respective arrangements based on contracted fee
schedules.
iii. Revenues from right to use of fibre capacity provided based on IRU
are recognized over the period of such arrangements.
iv. Certain transactions with providers of telecommunication services
such as buying, selling, swapping and/ or exchange of traffic are
accounted for as non-monetary transactions depending on the terms of
the agreements entered into with such telecommunication service
providers.
l. Other income
i. Dividends from investments are recognized when the right to receive
payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to
measurability or collectability exists. Interest on bank deposits is
recognized on accrual basis.
ii. Guarantee fees are accrued over the period in which the Company
has provided the respective guarantees.
m. Taxation
i. Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions
of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using the tax rates, which have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax expense or benefit is
recognized on timing differences being the differences between taxable
incomes and accounting incomes that originate in one period and are
capable of reversing in one or more subsequent periods.
ii. In the event of unabsorbed depreciation and carry forward of
losses, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that
there is virtual certainty that sufficient taxable income will be
available to realize these assets. In other situations, deferred tax
assets are recognized only to the extent that there is reasonable
certainty that sufficient future taxable income will be available to
realize these assets.
iii. Provision for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in
respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet
after offsetting them on an assessment year basis.
n. Foreign currency transactions and translations
i. Foreign currency transactions are converted into Indian Rupees at
rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction
dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the
transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities
are translated to Indian Rupees at the closing rates prevailing on the
balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency
transactions are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Exchange difference arising on a monetary item that, in substance,
forms part of an enterprise''s net investments in a non-integral foreign
operation are accumulated in a foreign currency translation reserve.
ii. Premium or discount on forward contracts are amortized over the
life of such contracts and recognized in the Statement of Profit and
Loss. Forward contracts outstanding as at the balance sheet date are
stated at exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date and any gains
or losses are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss. Profit or
loss arising on cancellation or enforcement/exercise of forward
exchange is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the
period of such cancellation or enforcement/exercise.
o. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit or
loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting
preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average
number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted
average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted
for events if any of bonus issue to existing shareholders and share
split.
p. Contingent liabilities and provisions
A provision is recognized when the Company has a present obligation as
a result of past events and it is probable that an outflow of resources
will be required to settle the obligation in respect of which a
reliable estimate can be made. Provisions (excluding retirement
benefits) are not discounted to their present value and are determined
based on the best estimate of the amount required to settle the
obligation at the balance sheet date. These are reviewed at each
balance sheet date and adjusted to reflect the current best estimates.
Contingent liabilities are disclosed in the notes. Contingent assets
are not recognized in the financial statements.
q. Derivative financial instruments
Gains and losses on hedging instruments designated as hedges of the net
investments in foreign operations are recognized in foreign currency
translation reserve to the extent that the hedging relationship is
effective. The premium or discount on such hedging instruments does not
form part of the hedging relationship and hence they are marked to
market at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses relating to hedge
ineffectiveness are recognized immediately in the Statement of Profit
and Loss. Gains and losses accumulated in the foreign currency
translation reserve are transferred to the Statement of Profit and Loss
when the foreign operation is disposed of.
Mar 31, 2012
A. Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost
convention, on an accrual basis of accounting in accordance with the
accounting principles generally accepted in India ('Indian GAAP') and
comply with the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006 (as
amended) and relevant provisions of Companies Act, 1956 ('the Act').
b. Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires the management of
the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures relating to the
contingent liabilities as at the date of financial statements and
reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Examples of
such estimates include provisions for doubtful trade receivables and
advances, employee benefits, provision for income taxes, impairment of
assets and useful lives of fixed assets.
c. Fixed assets
i. Fixed assets are stated at cost of acquisition or construction,
less accumulated depreciation/ amortization and impairment loss, if
any. Cost includes inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental
expenses incurred to bring the assets to their present location and
condition.
ii. Intangible assets in the nature of Indefeasible Rights of Use
(IRUs) for international and domestic telecommunication circuits are
classified under fixed assets. IRU agreements in respect of these
intangibles transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership.
iii. Jointly owned assets are capitalized in proportion to the
Company's ownership interest in such assets.
iv. Costs of borrowing related to the acquisition or construction of
fixed assets that are attributable to the qualifying assets are
capitalised as part of the cost of such asset. All other borrowing
costs are recognized as expenses in the periods in which they are
incurred.
These rates are not less than those prescribed under Schedule XIV to
the Companies Act, 1956.
e. Impairment
At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of
its fixed assets to determine whether there is any indication that
those assets suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to
determine the extent of the impairment loss. The recoverable amount is
the higher of an asset's net selling price and value in use. In
assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows expected
from the continuing use of the asset and from its ultimate disposal are
discounted to their present values using a pre-determined discount rate
that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money
and risks specific to the asset.
f. Operating leases
Lease arrangements where the risk and rewards incidental to ownership
of an asset substantially vest with the lessor are classified as
operating leases.
Rental income and rental expenses on assets given or obtained under
operating lease arrangements are recognized on a straight line basis
over the term of the lease.
The initial direct costs relating to operating leases are recorded as
expenses as they are incurred.
g. Investments
Long-term investments are valued at cost less provision for other than
temporary diminution in value.
Current investments comprising investments in mutual funds are stated
at the lower of cost or market value, determined on an individual
investment basis.
h. Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value.
Cost includes all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its
present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted
average basis.
i. Employee benefits
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be
paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognized
during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits
include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance
incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are
recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling
them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is
determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial
gains and losses are recognized in full in the Statement of Profit and
Loss for the period in which they occur. Past service cost is
recognized immediately to the extent that the benefits are already
vested, and otherwise is amortized on a straight-line basis over the
average period until the benefits become vested.
The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the balance sheet
represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as
adjusted for unrecognized past service cost, and as reduced by the fair
value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is
limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available
refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
j. Revenue recognition
i. Revenues from Global Voice Services (GVS) are recognized at the end
of each month based upon minutes of traffic completed in such month.
ii. Revenues from Global Data Managed Services (GDMS) are recognized
over the period of the respective arrangements based on contracted fee
schedules.
iii. Revenues from right to use of fibre capacity provided based on IRU
are recognized over the period of such arrangements.
iv. Revenues from Internet Telephony services are recognized based on
usage.
v. Revenue on account of subscription for providing internet access
and broadband services is recognized on accrual basis in the year in
which the access is provided. In cases where services are provided
through a cable operator, revenue is shared between the cable operator,
master distributor and the Company in terms of the agreement.
vi. Revenue on account of registration fees for providing internet
access is recognized in the year in which access is provided.
vii. Transactions with providers of telecommunication services such as
buying, selling, swapping and/or exchange of traffic are accounted for
as non-monetary transactions depending on the terms of the agreements
entered into with such telecommunication service providers.
viii. Dividends from investments are recognized when the right to
receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to
measurability or collectability exists. Interest on bank deposits is
recognized on accrual basis.
k. Taxation
i. Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions
of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using the tax rates, which have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax expense or benefit is
recognized on timing differences being the differences between taxable
incomes and accounting incomes that originate in one period and are
capable of reversing in one or more subsequent periods.
ii. In the event of unabsorbed depreciation and carry forward of
losses, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that
there is virtual certainty that sufficient taxable income will be
available to realize these assets. In other situations, deferred tax
assets are recognized only to the extent that there is reasonable
certainty that sufficient future taxable income will be available to
realize these assets.
iii. Provision for current income taxes and advance taxes paid in
respect of the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet
after offsetting on an assessment year basis.
l. Foreign currency transactions and translations
i. Foreign currency transactions are converted into Indian Rupees at
rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction
dates or at the average exchange rate for the month in which the
transaction occurs. Foreign currency monetary assets and liabilities
are translated to Indian Rupees at the closing rates prevailing on the
balance sheet date. Exchange differences on foreign currency
transactions are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss.
Exchange difference arising on a monetary item that, in substance,
forms part of an enterprise's net investments in a non-integral foreign
operation are accumulated in a foreign currency translation reserve.
ii. Premium or discount on forward contracts are amortized over the
life of such contracts and recognized in the Statement of Profit and
Loss. Forward contracts outstanding as at the balance sheet date are
stated at exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date and any gains
or losses are recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss. Profit or
loss arising on cancellation or enforcement/exercise of forward
exchange is recognized in the Statement of Profit and Loss in the
period of such cancellation or enforcement/exercise.
m. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit or
loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting
preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average
number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted
average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted
for events if any of bonus issue to existing shareholders and share
split.
n. Contingent liabilities and provisions
Provisions are recognized in respect of present probable obligations,
the amount of which can be reliably estimated. Contingent Liabilities
are disclosed in respect of possible obligations that may arise from
past events whose existence and crystallization is confirmed by the
occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not
within the control of the Company.
o. Derivative financial instruments
Gains and losses on hedging instruments designated as hedges of the net
investments in foreign operations are recognized in foreign currency
translation reserve to the extent that the hedging relationship is
effective. The premium or discount on such hedging instruments does
not form part of the hedging relationship and hence they are marked to
market at the balance sheet date. Gains and losses relating to hedge
ineffectiveness are recognized immediately in the Statement of Profit
and Loss. Gains and losses accumulated in the foreign currency
translation reserve are transferred to the Statement of Profit and Loss
when the foreign operation is disposed off.
Mar 31, 2011
1. Basis of preparation of financial statements
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost
convention, on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with the
accounting principles generally accepted in India ('Indian GAAP') and
comply with the Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006 issued by
the Central Government, in consultation with National Advisory
Committee on Accounting Standards ('NACAS') and relevant provisions of
Companies Act, 1956 ('the Act') to the extent applicable.
2. Use of estimates
The preparation of the financial statements requires the management of
the Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amount of assets and liabilities and disclosures relating to the
contingent liabilities as at the date of financial statements and
reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Examples of
such estimates include provisions for doubtful debts and advances,
employee benefits, provision for income taxes, impairment of assets and
useful lives of fixed assets.
3. Fixed assets
i. Fixed assets are stated at cost of acquisition or construction, less
accumulated depreciation and impairment loss, if any. Cost includes
inward freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to
bring the assets to their present location and condition.
ii. Fixed assets received as gifts from other Foreign Telecom Carriers
/ vendors are capitalised and credited to capital reserve on the basis
of notional cost (cost assessed by customs authorities). Cost includes
inward freight, insurance and customs duty.
iii. Intangible assets in the nature of Indefeasible Rights of Use
(IRUs) for international and domestic telecommunication circuits are
classified under fixed assets. IRU agreements in respect of these
intangibles transfer substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership.
iv. Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the
Company's ownership interest in such assets.
v. Costs of borrowing related to the acquisition or construction of
fixed assets that are attributable to the qualifying assets are
capitalized as part of the cost of such asset. A qualifying asset is
one which necessarily takes a substantial period to get ready for its
intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognized as expenses in
the periods in which they are incurred in accordance with the
Accounting Standard on "Borrowing Costs" (AS-16) notified by the
Companies (Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006.
4. Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on the straight line method (SLM), at the
rates and in the manner prescribed in Schedule XIV of the Companies
Act, 1956 except as follows:
Assets Rates of Depreciation /Period of amortisation
i) Plant and Machinery
a. Land cables 6.33%
b. Earth station and switches 7.92%
c. Other Networking equipments 11.88%
d. Customer premises cables & equipments 19.00%
ii) Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRU's) Life of IRU or period of
agreement,whichever is lower
iii) Leasehold Land Over the lease period
iv) Goodwill Over a period of 60 months These rates are not less than
those prescribed under Schedule XIV to the Companies Act, 1956.
5. Impairment
At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of
its fixed assets to determine whether there is any indication that
those assets suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to
determine the extent of the impairment loss. The recoverable amount is
the higher of an asset's net selling price and value in use. In
assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows expected
from the continuing use of the asset and from its ultimate disposal are
discounted to their present values using a pre-determined discount rate
that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money
and risks specific to the asset.
6. Operating Leases
Lease arrangements where the risk and rewards incidental to ownership
of an asset substantially vest with the lessor are classified as
operating leases.
Rental income and rental expenses on assets given or obtained under
operating lease arrangements are recognised on a straight line basis
over the term of the lease.
7. Investments
Long-term investments are valued at cost less provision for other than
temporary diminution in value.
Current investments comprising investments in mutual funds are stated
at the lower of cost or market value, determined on an individual
investment basis.
8. Inventory
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value.
Cost includes all expenses incurred to bring the inventory to its
present location and condition. Cost is determined on a weighted
average basis.
9. Employee benefits
i. Short term employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be
paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognized
during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits
include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance
incentives payable within twelve months.
ii. Post employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are
recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling
them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is
determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial
gains and losses are recognized in full in the profit and loss account
for the period in which they occur. Past service cost is recognized
immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and
otherwise is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average period
until the benefits become vested.
The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the balance sheet
represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as
adjusted for unrecognized past service cost, and as reduced by the fair
value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is
limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available
refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
10. Revenue recognition
i. Revenues from Telephony services are recognised at the end of each
month based upon minutes of traffic completed in such month.
ii. Revenues from Global Data Managed Services (GDMS) are recognised
over the period of the respective arrangements based on contracted fee
schedules.
iii. Revenues from right to use of fibre capacity provided based on IRU
are recognised over the period of such arrangements.
iv. Revenues from Internet Telephony services are recognised based on
usage.
v. Revenue on account of subscription for providing internet access and
broadband services is recognised on accrual basis in the year in which
the access is provided. In cases where services are provided through a
cable operator, revenue is shared between the cable operator, master
distributor and the Company in terms of the agreement.
vi. Revenue on account of registration fees for providing internet
access is recognised in the year in which access is provided.
vii. Transactions with providers of telecommunication services such as
buying, selling, swapping and/or exchange of traffic are accounted for
as non-monetary transactions depending on the terms of the agreements
entered into with such telecommunication service providers.
viii. Dividends from investments are recognized when the right to
receive payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to
measurability or collectability exists. Interest on bank deposits is
recognised on accrual basis.
11. Taxation
i. Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions
of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using the tax rates, which have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax expense or benefit is
recognized on timing differences being the differences between taxable
incomes and accounting incomes that originate in one period and are
capable of reversing in one or more subsequent periods.
ii. In the event of unabsorbed depreciation and carry forward of
losses, deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that
there is virtual certainty that sufficient taxable income will be
available to realise these assets. In other situations, deferred tax
assets are recognised only to the extent that there is reasonable
certainty that sufficient future taxable income will be available to
realise these assets.
iii. Provision for current income taxes and advance taxes arising in
the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after
offsetting on an assessment year basis.
12. Foreign currency transactions
i. Foreign currency transactions are converted into Indian Rupees at
rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction
date or at average exchange rate during the transaction month. Foreign
currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated to Indian
Rupees at the closing rate prevailing on the balance sheet date.
Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognized in
the profit and loss account.
ii. Premium or discount on forward contracts are amortised over the
life of such contracts and recognised in the profit and loss account.
Forward contracts outstanding as at the balance sheet date are stated
at exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date and any gains or
losses are recognised in the profit and loss account. Profit or loss
arising on cancellation or enforcement/exercise of forward exchange is
recognised in the profit and loss account in the period of such
cancellation or enforcement/exercise.
13. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit or
loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting
preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average
number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted
average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted
for events if any of bonus issue to existing shareholders and share
split.
14. Contingent Liabilities and Provisions
Provisions are recognised in respect of present probable obligations,
the amount of which can be reliably estimated. Contingent Liabilities
are disclosed in respect of possible obligations that may arise from
past events but their existence is confirmed by the occurrence or non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within the control of the Company.
Mar 31, 2010
1. Basis of Preparation
The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost
convention and the requirements of the Companies Act, 1956.
2. Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements requires the management of the
Company to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
balances of assets and liabilities and disclosures relating to the
contingent liabilities as at the date of the financial statements and
reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Examples of
such estimates include provisions for doubtful debts and advances,
employee benefits, provision for income taxes, impairment of assets and
useful life of fixed assets.
3. Fixed Assets
i) Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Cost
includes freight, duties, taxes and all incidental expenses incurred to
bring the assets to their present location and condition.
ii) Fixed assets received as gifts from other Foreign Telecom Carriers
/ vendors are capitalised and credited to capital reserve on the basis
of notional cost (cost assessed by custom authorities). Cost includes
freight, insurance and customs duty.
iii) Intangible assets in the nature of Indefeasible Rights of Use
(IRUs) for international and domestic telecommunication circuits are
classified under fixed assets. IRU agreements in respect of these
intangible substantially transfer all the risks and rewards of
ownership.
iv) Jointly owned assets are capitalised in proportion to the CompanyÃs
ownership interest in such assets.
v) Costs of borrowing related to the acquisition or construction of
fixed assets that are attributable to the qualifying assets are
capitalized as part of the cost of such asset. A qualifying asset is
one which necessarily takes a substantial period to get ready for its
intended use. All other borrowing costs are recognized as an expense in
the period in which they are incurred in accordance with the Accounting
Standard on ÃBorrowing Costsà (AS-16) notified by the Companies
(Accounting Standards) Rules, 2006.
4. Depreciation
Depreciation is provided on the straight line method (SLM), at the
rates and in the manner prescribed in Schedule XIV to the Companies
Act, 1956 except as follows:
Assets Rates of Depreciation /Period of amortisation
i) Plant and Machinery
a. Land cables 6.33%
b. Earth station and switches 7.92%
c. Other Networking equipments 11.88%
d. Customer premises cables & equipments 19.00%
ii) Indefeasible Rights of Use (IRUÃs) Life of IRU or period of
agreement,whichever is lower
iii) Leasehold Land Over the lease period
These rates are not less than those prescribed under Schedule XIV.
5. Operating Leases
Lease arrangements where the risk and rewards incidental to ownership
of an asset substantially vest with the lessor are classified as
operating leases.
Rental income and rental expenses on assets given or obtained under
operating lease arrangements are recognised on a straight line basis
over the term of the lease.
The initial direct costs relating to operating leases are recorded as
expenses as they are incurred.
6. Impairment
At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews the carrying amounts of
its fixed assets to determine whether there is any indication that
those assets suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication
exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to
determine the extent of the impairment loss. The recoverable amount is
the higher of an assetÃs net selling price and value in use. In
assessing the value in use, the estimated future cash flows expected
from the continuing use of the asset and from its ultimate disposal are
discounted to their present values using a pre-determined discount rate
that reflects the current market assessments of the time value of money
and risks specific to the asset.
7. Investments
Long-term investments are valued at cost less provision for other than
temporary diminution in value.
Current investments comprising investments in mutual funds are stated
at the lower of cost or market value, determined on an individual
investment basis.
8. Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value.
Cost is determined on a weighted average basis.
9. Employee Benefits
i) Short Term Employee benefits
The undiscounted amount of short term employee benefits expected to be
paid in exchange for services rendered by employees is recognized
during the period when the employee renders the service. These benefits
include compensated absences such as paid annual leave and performance
incentives payable within twelve months.
ii) Post employment benefits
Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are
recognized as expenses when employees have rendered services entitling
them to the contributions.
For defined benefit schemes, the cost of providing benefits is
determined using the Projected Unit Credit Method, with actuarial
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial
gains and losses are recognized in full in the profit and loss account
for the period in which they occur. Past service cost is recognized
immediately to the extent that the benefits are already vested, and
otherwise is amortized on a straight-line basis over the average period
until the benefits become vested.
The retirement benefit obligation recognized in the balance sheet
represents the present value of the defined benefit obligation as
adjusted for unrecognized past service cost, and as reduced by the fair
value of scheme assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is
limited to past service cost, plus the present value of available
refunds and reductions in future contributions to the scheme.
10. Revenue Recognition
i) Revenues from Telephony services are recognised at the end of each
month based upon minutes of traffic completed in such month. A
substantial portion of revenues are on account of recoveries from
Foreign Telecommunication Carriers for incoming traffic and recovery
from domestic carriers for delivery of calls on foreign and domestic
networks.
ii) Revenues from Data services are recognised over the period of the
respective arrangements based on contracted fee schedules.
iii) Revenues from right to use of fibre capacity provided based on IRU
are recognised over the period of such arrangements.
iv) Revenues from Internet Telephony services are recognised based on
usage.
v) Dividends from investments are recognized when the right to receive
payment is established and no significant uncertainty as to
measurability or collectibility exists.
vi) Transactions with providers of telecommunication services such as
buying, selling, swapping and/or exchange of traffic are accounted for
as non-monetary transactions depending on the terms of the agreements
entered into with such telecommunication service providers.
11. Taxation
i) Current tax expense is determined in accordance with the provisions
of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are
measured using the tax rates, which have been enacted or substantively
enacted at the balance sheet date. Deferred tax expense or benefit is
recognized on timing differences being the differences between taxable
incomes and accounting incomes that originate in one period and are
capable of reversing in one or more subsequent periods.
ii) In the event of unabsorbed depreciation and carry forward of
losses, deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that
there is virtual certainty that sufficient taxable income will be
available to realise these assets. In other situations, deferred tax
assets are recognised only to the extent that there is reasonable
certainty that sufficient future taxable income will be available to
realise these assets.
iii) Provision for current income taxes and advance taxes arising in
the same jurisdiction are presented in the balance sheet after
offsetting on an assessment year basis.
12. Foreign Currency Transactions
i) Foreign currency transactions are converted into Indian Rupees at
rates of exchange approximating those prevailing at the transaction
date or at average exchange rate during the transaction month. Foreign
currency monetary assets and liabilities are translated to Indian
Rupees at the closing rate prevailing on the balance sheet date.
Exchange differences on foreign currency transactions are recognized in
the profit and loss account.
ii) Premium or discount on forward contracts are amortised over the
life of such contracts and recognised in the profit and loss account.
Forward contracts outstanding as at the balance sheet date are stated
at exchange rates prevailing at the reporting date and any gains or
losses are recognised in the profit and loss account. Profit or loss
arising on cancellation or enforcement/exercise of forward exchange is
recognised in the profit and loss account in the period of such
cancellation or enforcement/exercise.
13. Earnings Per Share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit or
loss for the year attributable to equity shareholders (after deducting
preference dividends and attributable taxes) by the weighted average
number of equity shares outstanding during the year. The weighted
average number of equity shares outstanding during the year is adjusted
for events if any of bonus issue to existing shareholders and share
split.
For the purpose of calculating diluted earnings per share, the net
profit for the period attributable to equity shareholders and the
weighted average number of shares outstanding during the year are
adjusted for the effects of all dilutive potential equity shares from
the exercise of options on unissued share capital. The number of equity
shares is the aggregate of the weighted average number of equity shares
and the weighted average number of equity shares, which would be issued
on the conversion of all the dilutive potential equity shares into
equity shares. Options on unissued equity share capital are deemed to
have been converted into equity shares.
14. Contingent Liabilities and Provision
Provisions are recognised in respect of present probable obligations,
the amount of which can be reliably estimated. Contingent Liabilities
are disclosed in respect of possible obligations that may arise from
past events but their existence is confirmed by the occurrence or
non-occurrence of one or more uncertain future events not wholly within
the control of the Company.
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