Policies

Policies

The Board of Directors of EWAC Alloys Limited have adopted the Whistle Blower Policy so that the employees of the company have a secure mechanism to report any concerns that they may have of actual, suspected or planned wrongdoings (hereinafter “wrongdoings”) involving an ESAB Company (EWAC Alloys Limited or any of its subsidiaries or associate companies) or any of its directors, officers or employees.

The employees of the company have a right to report any such concerns through this policy, knowing fully well that such an act of whistle blowing on his / her part would not lead to any discrimination or recrimination against him / her.

The Chairman of the Audit Committee shall be the person to whom such concerns can be addressed. Correspondence on this may be addressed to them at the address of the Registered Office at L&T Business Park, Tower – B, Powai Campus, Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai 400 072, or by email to mohan.b@ewacalloys.com (Chair of the Audit Committee).

PROTECTION OF WHISTLEBLOWER

Any employee of the Company making a report in good faith, can do so in the knowledge and confidence that the Board of Directors of EWAC Alloys Limited will ensure that the act will not lead to the employee facing any recrimination, punishment or victimization.

Reports made in good faith must be based on a reasonable belief that a Wrongdoing has occurred or is likely to occur. If a subsequent investigation reveals that there was no Wrongdoing the employee making the report would not be subjected to any victimization or disciplinary action if he/she had acted in good faith.

SCOPE OF POLICY

The policy applies to all ESAB Companies in India, including joint ventures and other investments in which any ESAB Company has a participating interest. The policy applies regardless of the jurisdiction in which the Wrongdoing occurs or is suspected to have occurred, or whether or not such Wrongdoing or suspected Wrongdoing occurs in the home country or jurisdiction of another Country.

WRONGDOING FOR WHISTLE BLOWING PURPOSES INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING

  • Criminal activities;
  • Fraud, forgery or defalcation
  • Bribery or corruption
  • Provision of misleading information or the falsification of financial or other records;
  • Breaches of copyright, patents and licences;
  • Violation of environmental legislation;
  • Violation of restraint of trade legislation;
  • Failure to comply with other legal obligations;
  • Violation of the Code of Conduct;
  • Violations of human rights, of child rights, use of child labour, workplace harassment, unfair treatment of employees;
  • Insider trading in the company's shares;
  • Falsification of statutory reports and records, including the company's financial statements and accounting records;
  • Breaches of other policies and procedures (including, without limitation, breaches of financial controls and reporting requirements) and
  • Concealing or overlooking any of the above

This is an illustrative list and employees can report other concerns.

PROCEDURES

Where an Employee of the Company suspects there is a Wrongdoing or has been asked to participate in a Wrongdoing, the employee has a paramount duty to report the concern immediately

In the circumstances where any EWAC Employee is directed to carry out or account for a transaction or series of transactions, that, in such EWAC Employee's opinion are outside normal policies and procedures, he should bring his concerns to the attention of the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Reports should be made to the individuals referred to in paragraph 1 above

If an employee, who has a concern that the Code of Conduct is not being properly complied with, should report it, in the first instances, to his immediate superior. In case the concern involves the superior or the employee believes that his/her report has not been acted upon, he / she should report the matter to the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Wherever possible anEWAC Employee should make a report disclosing his/her identity. However, if he/she makes a disclosure anonymously then consideration will only be given to such disclosures if:-

The subject matter is serious enough to justify it;

Sufficient information is provided to take further action;

Anonymity does not harm the credibility of the disclosure; and anonymity does not prevent the confirmation of details with other sources

All reports under this Policy will be promptly and thoroughly investigated, and all information disclosed during the course of the investigation will remain confidential, except as necessary to conduct the investigation and take any remedial action, in accordance with applicable law.

All reports will be investigated by persons with the appropriate authority and who are not directly linked with any aspect of the Wrongdoing as may be instructed to by the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

Wherever necessary, or required by law, a report may be referred to an external body for further investigation. Where feasible any such referral will be subject to the agreement of the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

All employees of EWAC Alloys Limited have a duty to cooperate in the investigation of reports of Questionable Accounting / Audit Matters or the reporting of fraudulent financial information or of Grave Misconduct or of discrimination, retaliation or harassment resulting from the reporting or investigation of such matters

An employee shall be subject to disciplinary action, including the termination of their employment, if the employee fails to cooperate in an investigation, or deliberately provides false information during an investigation. If, at the conclusion of its investigation, the Company determines that a violation of policy has occurred, the Company will take effective remedial action commensurate with the severity of the offense. This action may include disciplinary action against the accused party, up to and including termination. Reasonable and necessary steps will also be taken to prevent any further violations of policy

All documents related to the reporting, investigation and enforcement of this policy, as a result of a report of questionable accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters, or the reporting of fraudulent financial information or matter pertaining to Misconduct, or of the discrimination, retaliation or harassment of an employee who made such a report, shall be kept in accordance with the retention policy under applicable law

The results of an investigation shall be communicated to the EWAC Employee if considered appropriate by the Chairman of the Company or the Chairman of the Audit, provided the employee concerned has agreed to maintain confidentiality

AMENDMENTS

The Board of Directors of the Company may modify this Policy. Modification may be necessary, among other reasons, to maintain compliance with local, state and central regulations and / or to accommodate organizational changes within the Company.

OBJECTIVES

These Guidelines provide guidance on business ethics. They supplement the principles set out in the Code of Conduct to show that all Colfax entities operate fairly, transparently and with integrity

The purpose is to ensure that Colfax and its subsidiaries (“Colfax”) comply fully with all applicable laws and operate to ethical standards wherever they conduct business

SCOPE

These Guidelines apply to all employees of Colfax, ESAB, Howden and EWAC with the exception of employees employed by AGI or its subsidiaries who are covered by separate guidelines issued by AGI.

These Guidelines apply throughout the group irrespective of the country where business is conducted and/or a particular business unit is situated. The principles contained in these Guidelines must be applied in all countries, even if they are more stringent than local law. Where local laws are more stringent than these Guidelines, then they must also be complied with.

Everyone at Colfax must show that all business is performed to the highest ethical standards and complies both with these Guidelines and all applicable laws.

POLICY

No one at Colfax will engage in any form of bribery.

A “bribe” is the promise of money, reward, favour or a benefit to a person or public official in order to influence the conduct or judgment of that person.

In particular, no Colfax employee will

  • Offer any bribe to any person or public official;
  • Accept any bribe; and/ or
  • Engage in any form of indirect bribery by offering or receiving any bribe through a 3rd party

COMPLIANCE AND OVERSIGHT

Senior Management (which means the MD/ Chief Executive and the FD / Head of Finance), of the relevant business unit, are responsible for implementing these Guidelines and enforcing them.

EWAC Alloys Limited is an equal employment opportunity company and is committed to creating a healthy working environment that enables employees to work without fear of prejudice, gender bias and sexual harassment. The Company also believes that all employees of the Company have the right to be treated with dignity. Sexual harassment at the work place or other than work place if involving employees is a grave offence and is, therefore, punishable.

This Policy extends to all employees of the Company and is deemed to be incorporated in the service conditions of all employees and comes into effect immediately.

The term employee refers to a person employed at a workplace for any work on regular, temporary ad hoc or daily wage basis, either directly or through an agent, including a contractor with or without the knowledge of the principal employer, whether for remuneration or not, or working on a voluntary basis or otherwise whether the terms of employment are express or implied and includes a co-worker, contract worker, probationer, trainee, apprentice or called by any other such name.

Sexual harassment would mean and include any of the following:

  • Physical Contact and advances. Or
  • A demand or request for sexual favours; or
  • Making sexual coloured remarks; or
  • Showing pornography; or
  • Any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non-verbal conduct of sexual nature

The following circumstances, among other circumstances, if it occurs or is present in relation to or connected with any act or behavior of sexual harassment may amount to sexual harassment:

  • Implied or explicit promise or preference treatment in your employment
  • Implied or explicit threat of detrimental treatment in your employment
  • Implied or explicit threat about your present or future employment status
  • Interference with you work or creating an intimidating or offensive or hostile work environment for you; or
  • Humiliating treatment likely to affect your health or safety

Objective of the Policy

  • The Company’s Remuneration Policy is aimed to attract and retain the best talents by ensuring a fair, transparent and equitable remuneration to employees and Directors, based inter alia on individual job requirements, responsibilities, commensurate qualifications of individuals, experience, the performance of the Company and the performance / contribution of the individual employee. The policy enables a framework that allows for fair rewards for the achievement of key deliverables, in line with industry and Group practice.
  • The Company follows a compensation mix of fixed and performance linked variable pay. Individual performance pay is measured through a structured and transparent appraisal process

Managing Director (MD)/ Executive Director (ED)/ Whole-time Director (WTD)/ Chief Executive (CE)

  • When determining the remuneration for the MD / ED / WTD/CE the Company will take into account the market sector that it operates, business performance and the practices in other comparable Companies including global companies when appropriate.
  • The Company would pay remuneration by way of Salary, Perquisites and performance linked variable pay to its MD / ED / WTD/CE, within the overall ceiling limits approved by the Shareholders of the Company, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 and is effective July every year. The Nomination & Remuneration Committee recommends the performance linked variable pay, payable to the MD / ED/ WTD/CE based on the profits for the financial year and as per the policy of the Group based on the performance of the Company as well as that of the MD / ED / WTD/CE and as prescribed under the Companies Act and within overall limits approved by the shareholders. The Board of Directors approves the variable pay payable for the year based on the recommendations of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee.
  • The Company also extends other perquisites as is applicable to the Senior Management Personnel of the Company and as per the Policy of the Company as may be approved by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee / Board of Directors from time to time.

Non-Executive & Independent Directors

The Company currently pays no sitting fees for attending the meetings of the Board / Committees thereof, which includes Audit Committee / Nomination & Remuneration Committee / CSR Committee. Any change in this fee would have to be approved by the Board of Directors within the limits and provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

Commission to Non-Executive Directors

The Company also reimburses the out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Directors for attending the meetings as and when applicable and may also pay any amount as may be approved by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee and Board as commission to Non-Executive Director’s within the overall ceiling limits as specified in the Companies Act, 2013.

Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) & Senior Management Personnel (SMP)

KMP as defined in the Companies Act, includes the Chief Financial Officer/Head of Finance and the Company Secretary. The Senior Management Personnel are all those Executives who directly report to the MD / ED / WTD/ CE i.e. one level below the Board of Directors.

The Compensation package to the KMPs and the SMPs will comprise:

  • Salary and applicable allowances. The annual salary revision for members of the KMPs and SMPs will be subject to approval by the Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
  • A performance linked variable pay, based on the performance of the Company and the concerned individual, within the Colfax Group’s overall Policy on variable pay.
  • Applicable Perquisites based on HR policies.
  • Pension and other retiral benefits in accordance with the relevant statutes.
  • Any other perquisite in accordance with the Policy of the Company and as approved by the Nomination & Remuneration Committee / Board of Directors, from time to time.

Effective Date
This policy shall be effective 8 February, 2018.

Concept

This policy, encompasses the company’s philosophy for delineating its responsibility as a Corporate Citizen and lays down the guidelines and mechanism for carrying out socially useful activities / projects and programmes for welfare and sustainability, development of community at large and is titled “EWAC’s CSR Policy”.

Preamble

EWAC ALLOYSLIMITED recognizing its social and statutory responsibilities has adopted a policy to make a positive difference to the society. The Company recognizes that it cannot be present at all places and hence the fewer projects under the CSR which could have impact on the society at large and tradesmen in particular.

The Concept of CSR has gained prominence and EWAC has adopted a CSR policy as a strategic tool for sustainable growth not with just and intent to invest funds in social activity but to integrate the business processes with the social processes.

Vision

To commit for enhanced value-creation for the Society, to compete for our shareholders, stakeholders and the communities we live in, by taking up activities and initiatives for sustainable growth for the society, the safety and well being of workers being deeply committed to socio economic development in its areas of operation.

Strategy

To mobilise core competencies of EWAC and resources of business to facilitate working in partnership on projects that benefit communities and workers.Our focus is safety, skill development of workers along with working with communities in our vicinity.

Objective

The main objective of this CSR policy is to lay down guidelines to make CSR a key business process for sustainable development of the society, while complying with the statutory requirements of the Companies Act, 2013.

This policy would ensure increased commitment at all levels in the organisation to operate its business in an economically, socially and environmentally sustainable manner, while recognising the interests of all its stakeholders. The CSR activities and initiatives would enable the company to get the good will of the community and help reinforce a positive and socially responsible image for the Company.

Funding & Allocation

For achieving the CSR objectives, EWAC will allocate 2% of its average net profits arrived at for the three preceding years as provided under Section 135 of the Companies Act, 2013.

a. Promoting Education, vocations skills
b. Safety, Right Usage for external Workers.
c. Environment Management
d. Any other areas as may be decided by the Internal Committee.

Implementation

CSR programmes will be undertaken by the Corporate Office to the best possible extent within the defined ambit of the above identified heads. By and large it may be ensured that at least 50% of the CSR programmes are executed in and around the areas adjoining EWAC Offices / Plant.

EWAC may employ the assistance of voluntary organisations (NGOs), Education Institutions, Trusts, Missions, Self-help groups, Government and semi government organisations, professional consultancy organisation and others.

CSR Steps

  • Identification of the programmes by CSR Committee
  • Put up to CSR Board Committee for approval
  • Allocate funds and monitor usage of the funds
  • To identify the CSR volunteers in Corporate Office and the plant for implementation of the project and to report to CSR sub-committee on a monthly basis the progress of the projects.
  • Report to the CSR Board Committee on a periodical basis on the progress made on CSR front
  • Report to the CSR Board Committee on the usage of the funds allocated and the balance available for spend and the reasons for not spending the entire CSR allocation.
  • Appropriate documentation of the CSR policy and CSR activities, executing partners and expenditure to be undertaken on a regular basis.
  • CSR initiatives of the Company will also be reported in the Annual Report of the Company.

Conclusion

The above guidelines would form the framework around which the CSR activities would be undertaken. EWAC will review the policy from time to time based on changing needs and aspirations of the target beneficiaries, statutory needs and make suitable modifications as may be necessary