(U91110KL1948NPL000469) Post Box No.236, Indian Chamber Road, Mattancherry, Cochin – 682002 Phone: 0484-2225966, Email: [email protected]
Annual Report 2014-2015
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 2
Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (U91110KL1948NPL000469) Post Box No.236, Indian Chamber Road, Mattancherry, Cochin – 682002 Phone: 0484-2225966, Email: [email protected]
C(5)/15 September 10, 2015
To
Ordinary Members, Affiliated Members & Auditors
Annual General Meeting - 30.09.2015
Notice is hereby given that the 118th Annual General Meeting of the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin will be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 5.30 pm at its Registered Office at Indian Chamber Road, Mattancherry, Cochin- 2, to transact the following business:
ORDINARY BUSINESS
1. To consider and adopt the audited financial statements of the Chamber as on 31st March 2015 together with the Auditors’ report and the report of the Managing Committee.
2. To elect a President, a Vice-President and five Committee Members.
3. To ratify the appointment of the Auditors and fix their remuneration and in this regard to consider and if thought fit, to pass with or without modification(s), the following resolution as an Ordinary Resolution:
“RESOLVED THAT pursuant to the provisions of Section 139 and other applicable provisions, if any, of the Companies Act, ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 3
2013 and the rules made there under (including statutory modification(s) or re-enactment thereof), the appointment of M/s Kaimal & Co., Chartered Accountants (Firm Registration No. 001746S), Cochin 682002, which has been approved at the Annual General Meeting held on 30th September 2014 for a term of 5 years, (i.e. from the conclusion of the 117th Annual General Meeting for the financial year ended 31st March 2014 until conclusion of the 122nd Annual General Meeting for the financial year ended 31st March 2019), be and is hereby ratified for the financial year 2015-16 on such remuneration as shall be fixed by the Managing Committee.”
For Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry,
Sd/- K Raghu Secretary
Note:
1. A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint another Member of the Chamber as his proxy to attend and vote instead of himself subject to the provisions of Section 105 of the Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 19(1) of Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014. The instrument appointing a proxy may be in the enclosed Form. Such Form should reach the Registered Office of the Chamber at least 48 hours before the time fixed for the meeting.
2. A person can act as proxy on behalf of members not exceeding fifty and holding in the aggregate not more than ten percent of the total share capital of the company carrying voting rights. A member holding more than ten percent of the total share capital of the company carrying voting rights may appoint a single person as proxy and such person shall not act as a proxy for any other person or shareholder.
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Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (U91110KL1948NPL000469) Post Box No.236, Indian Chamber Road, Mattancherry, Cochin – 682002 Phone: 0484-2225966, Email: [email protected] C(5)/15 September 10, 2015
To - Ordinary Members - Affiliated Members
Dear Sirs,
Annual General Meeting - 30.09.2015 Election of President, Vice-President and Committee Members
At the Annual General Meeting of the Chamber to be held on September 30, 2015, elections will be held for the posts of President, Vice-President and five Committee Members.
Under the Articles of Association of the Chamber, offices of the following persons retire from the Committee.
1. Mr. Rajkumar Gupta : President 2. Mr. K B Rajan : Vice-President 3. Mr. A A Abdul Azeez : Immediate Past President 4. Mr. Abraham Philip 5. Mr. P M Muralidharan 6. Mr. R Mohandas 7. Mr. Sadiq H kapasi 8. Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal
As per the Articles of Association of the Chamber, the retiring President automatically finds a place in the reconstituted Committee. Hence elections will be held at the Annual General Meeting to fill up the posts of President, Vice-President and five Committee Members.
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Nominations are invited from members for the above mentioned seven places. While making the nominations, please note the following: a) The Nomination should be in the enclosed Form b) The Nomination should be proposed by one member and seconded by another member c) In proposing and seconding the Nomination, the authorised representative of the member organisation should sign under the Seal. d) The Candidate should also sign the Nomination Form e) The retiring members are eligible for re-election
The Nominations should reach the Chamber Office before 2.00 p.m. on Thursday, the September 17, 2015. The Nomination papers will be scrutinised at 2.30 p.m. and the list of valid nominations will be displayed on the Chamber Notice Board at 4.00 p.m. on the same day.
The last date for withdrawal of nominations will be September 24, 2015, (Thursday) up to 4.00 p.m.
For Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry,
Sd/- K Raghu Secretary
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Annual Report of the Committee for the Year 2014-2015
The Committee of the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry has pleasure in presenting their Annual Report on the working of the Chamber for the year 2014-2015.
Composition of the Committee:
1) Mr. Rajkumar Gupta : President 2) Mr. K B Rajan : Vice-President 3) Mr. A A Abdul Azeez : Immediate Past President 4) Mr. Abraham Philip 5) Mr. Alex Rockey# 6) Mr. Anwar Hashim* 7) Dr. Baiju Ramachandran 8) Mr. Balagopala B Pai 9) Mr. Bharat N Khona 10) Mr. Divij R Agarwal 11) Mr. G P Goyal 12) Mr. Mahesh N Joshi# 13) Mr. Nishesh Shah* 14) Mr. P M Muraleedharan 15) Mr. R Mohandas 16) Mr. Rajesh Agarwal* 17) Mr. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal* 18) Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi 19) Mr. Ramalingam Iyyer* 20) Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal
The following gentlemen were nominated by the Affiliated Associations to represent them on the reconstituted Committee of the Chamber:
1. Mr. T A Kaleelur Rahman - Cochin Coir Merchants' Association 2. Mr. P C Thomas - Cochin Custom House Agents' Association 3. Mr. Aravind P Patel - Cochin Hardware Merchants' Association 4. Mr. Mahesh N Joshi - Cochin Hill Produce Merchants Association 5. Mr. Amar Bahadhur Singh - Cochin Oil Merchants' Association 6. Mr. G P Goyal - Cochin Rubber Merchants' Association 7. Mr. V F Pious - Grain Merchants' Association ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 7
8. Mr. Anand Kishor - India Pepper & Spice Trade Association 9. Mr. Dharmendra D Vora - Tea Buyers Association 10. Mr. P M Premkumar - Cochin Goods Transporters Association 11. Mr. Jose J Thaliath - Kerala Handicraft Dealers and Manufacturer’s Welfare Association
*Elected at the Annual General Meeting held on 30.09.2014 for a three year term. # Conveyance of the Affiliated Association to the Committee on 30.10.2014.
Committee Meetings There were 11 meetings of the Committee during the year under report.
Sub-Committees The Committee of the Chamber at their meeting held on 30.10.2014 reconstituted the various Committees of the Chamber for the year 2014-2015
Civic Forum Committee: Mr. G P Goyal : Chairman Mr. Mahesh N Joshi Mr. Alex Rockey Mr. Rajesh Agarwal
Trade Facilitation Committee: Mr. Anwar Hashim : Chairman Mr. Anand Kishor Mr. Nishesh Shah Mr. Ramalingam Iyer Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal
Taxation Committee: Mr. R Mohandas : Chairman Dr. Baiju Ramachandran Mr. Manoj Kamath Mr. Nithyananda Kamath
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Staff Committee Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi : Chairman Mr. A A Abdul Azeez Mr. Abraham Philip Mr. Jasbir Singh Chawla Mr. Nishesh Shah Mr. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal
Membership Development Committee Mr. Ramalingam Iyyer : Chairman Mr. Rajesh Agarwal Dr. Baiju Ramachandran Mr. Divij R Agarwal Mr. Nishesh Shah
New Initiatives/Strategies Committee Mr. Ramalingam Iyyer : Chairman Mr. Anilkumar N Prabhu Mr. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal Mr. R Radhakrishnan Kamath
Finance Committee Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi : Chairman Mr. A A Abdul Azeez Mr. Abraham Philip Mr. Anwar Hashim Mr. Divij R Agarwal Mr. Ramalingam Iyyer Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal
The President and the Vice President will be ex-officio members in all the above Committees. Chamber's Representatives on Public Bodies:
Cochin Customs Advisory Committee : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta Mr. A A Abdul Azeez
Cochin Customs Public Grievance Committee : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta Mr. A A Abdul Azeez ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 9
Cochin Dock Safety Committee : Mr. Rajesh Agarwal
Cochin Port Anti-Pilferage Committee : Mr. P M Muraleedharan
Cochin Port Users' Committee : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta Mr. P M Muraleedharan
ECGC Co-ordination Committee : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta
Kerala State Productivity Council : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta
Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee : Mr. A A Abdul Azeez Mr. Rajkumar Gupta
Kerala State VAT Consultative Committee : Mr. R Mohandas Dr. Baiju Ramachandran
District Level VAT Consultative Committee, Kochi : Mr. R Mohandas
All India Organisation of Employers : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta
Cochin Port Lease Holders Association : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta
Merchant Navy : Mr. P M Muraleedharan
DRUCC : Mr. Baiju Ramachandran Mr. G P Goyal
Vytilla Mobility Hub : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta Mr. K B Rajan
Headload Workers Welfare Board : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta A A Abdul Azeez
DGFT : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta : Mr. G P Goyal
Willingdon Island Parkking Yard : Mr. Rajkumar Gupta Mr. Nishesh Shah
The Committee approved the above.
Disha Trustees Mr. Rajkumar Gupta : President Mr. K B Rajan : Vice-President Mr. A A Abdul Azeez : IPP Mr. Bharat N Khona : Convener Mr. Nishesh Shah ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 10
Mr. T Vidyasagar Mr. Viswanath Agarwal Mr. G P Goyal Mr. R Mohandas Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi
Retiring Committee Members At the forthcoming Annual General Meeting, the following Committee Members will retire by rotation.
1. Mr. Rajkumar Gupta 2. Mr. K B Rajan 3. Mr. A A Abdul Azeez 4. Mr. Abraham Philip 5. Mr. R Mohandas 6. Mr. P M Muraleedharan 7. Mr. Sadiq H kapasi 8. Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal
Membership
At the commencement of the year, there were 555 members on the rolls of the Chamber. There were 24 new admissions, 3 resignations and 67 cessations during the year. Thus, at the close of the year the membership stood at 509.
Annual Session
The 117th Annual Session of the Chamber was held at the Chamber Hall, of the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mattancherry, Cochin-682003 on September 29, 2013 at 6.30 p.m. followed by dinner. About 170 delegates attended the programme. The session was inaugurated by Dr. K N Raghavan, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Cochin. The ICCI Export Awards in various categories were presented on the occasion. A Memento was presented to the outgoing President of ICCI.
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Highlights of the Activities
Mr.Rajkumar Gupta took over as the New President of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin at the AGM held on 30.09.2014 at the Chamber Hall. He succeeded Mr. A A Abdul Azeez.
In Association with FICCI
FICCI AGM The 87th Annual General meeting of FICCI was held at the K K Birla Auditorium, Tansen Marg, New Delhi on 19.12.2014 Meeting was presided over by Mr. Arun Jaitley, Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Government of India. Speakers included Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping and Mrs. Nirmala Sitaraman, Hon’ble Minister of State for Commerce and Industry (IC).Dr.Jyotsna Suri was elected as the President of FICCI, for the coming year. President, Mr. Rajkumar Gupta and Vice-President Mr. K B Rajan attended the function.
FICCI Kerala State Council Annual Meet 24.11.2014: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the Annual Meet of FICCI held at Hotel Abad Plazza. The Guest of Honour was Mr.Elias George, IAS Additional Chief Secretary, Transport, Govt. of Kerala and Managing Director, Cochin Metro Rail Ltd.
Welcome address by Mr. M G George Muthoot, Chairman, FICCI Kerala State Council.
Special address were given by :
Dr.Safeena IAS, Development Commissioner, SEZ Cochin. Dr.Arbind Prasad, Director General FICCI, New Delhi Dr.G C Gopala Pillai, Managing Director KINFRA
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 12
March 2, 2015: A Critical Analysis on Union Budget 2015-16: FICCI in association with Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, TIE, Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce, Geojit Securities & Ernst & Young conducted an Interactive Session at Taj Gateway, Kochi. Speakers on the occasion were Mr. Deepak L Aswani, Dr. Rudrasenserma, Mr. Anil Lukose and Mr. Mohammed Ashraf, President Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry spoke on the views on the Budget from Trade & Industry.
29.05.2015 Workshop on Foreign Trade Policy
FICCI in association with Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin and Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce organized a workshop on Foreign Trade Policy 2015- 2020, at Hotel Abad Plaza, Ernakulam. The inaugural address was given by Shri D K Singh, IAS, Addl Director, Directorate General Foreign Trade, Govt: of India, New Delhi.
Address by guest of honor, Dr. A N Safeena, IAS, Development Commissioner, Kochin Special Economic Zone. Special address by Dr. K N Raghavan, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Kochi. Observations were made by Shri. Rajkumar Gupta, President , Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, Shri. T K Shahal ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 13
Hassan Musaliar, Chairman, Cashew Export Promotion Council of India. Shri. Alex K Nainan, Vice President, Sea Food Exporters Association of India, Kerala Region. Shri. K K Pillai, President, Kochin Export Processing zone Industries Association.
21.08.2015 Industry Awareness Program by FICCI: An Industrial awareness program on International equivalence of accreditation and its benefits to Industry was organized by FICCI, at Grand Hotel, MG Road, Kochi. Shri. Deepak L Aswani, Co Chairman FICCI gave the welcome address. Mr. T K Jose IAS, Chairman, Coconut Development Board, Govt of India, Kochi gave the Inaugural address. Felicitation was done by Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, President ICCI and Mr. Gopal Shenoy, Hon’ble Secretary, Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce. The technical session was conducted by Smt. Sashi Rekha, Director NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies) and Shri. Rajesh Maheswari, Joint Director, NABCB.
04.09.2015 Seminar on Improving Employee relations, Competitiveness and Employment growth towards futuristic Employment policy: A one day seminar was organized by the FICCI in association with AIOE, ILO, FRICL and Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Improving Employee relations, Competitiveness and Employment growth towards futuristic Employment policy. Shri. Shibu Baby John, Hon’ble Minister of Labour and Employement, Govt: of Kerala was the Chief Guest. Shri Deepak L Aswani, Co- Chairman FICCI Kerala State Council. Adv. C B Mukundan, ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 14
President FRICL, Shri. D P Pant, Advisor AIOE, Shri. R Chandrashekaran, Member ILO, Miss. Panudda Boonpala, Director ILO, Shri. P M Shankaran, President, Bakers association , Kerala and Shri. Rajkumar Gupta, President Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, spoke on the occasion.
International Events
23.12.2014 Session with Mr.Jayant Nadigar: An interactive session with Mr.Jayant Nadigar , Trade & Investment Commissioner of Flanders Belgium for South India was held on, 23rd December 2014 in the Indian Chamber Board room to discuss about the possibilities of trade relations with Belgium. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, ICCI Board Directors Mr. Anwar Hashim, Mr. G P Goyal, Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi, committee members, Mr.Alex Rockey, Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal, Mr. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal, Mr. Mahesh N Joshi and members from affiliated associations attended the function.
16.02.2015 Visit from ILS, USA: Mr. Don Wilson, Vice- President Inventory Locater Service and Mr. Satish Gundala, Business Partner, USA, Visited the Chamber on Monday 16th February 2015. The purpose of the visit was to discuss business strategies to offer their services to Boat Manufacturers and the Ship building industry. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, Board Director, Mr. Alex Rockey, Secretary and Assistant Secretary were present. Later the ILS representatives were taken for a visit to Samudra Shipyard.
March 6, 2015: US Consul General visit: An interactive session with Mr. Phillip A Min, Consul General of the United States of America, American Consulate General Chennai was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin supported by Federation of Indian Export ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 15
Organizations (FIEO) at the Indian Chamber hall on 6th March 2015.
This was Mr. Min’s first visit to Kochi. In his keynote address he claimed that the Trade and Commerce relation between USA and India has strengthened after the visit of the American President, Mr. Barack Obama. He also added that the US visa processing procedures has drastically changed and the time taken for the entire process will only take up to 45 minutes at present. Mr. Min suggested that more interactions between the business community of Kochi and the American Business Corner have to be initiated. ABC offered its whole hearted support to the “Make in India” campaign by giving more importance to exports from Kerala to the US for products like Spices, Coir, Rubber, Tea, Seafood etc.
Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, President ICCI, Mr. R Ashokan Dpt Director General FIEO and K B Rajan, Vice President ICCI spoke on the ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 16
occasion. The Consul General was accompanied by his wife Ms. Young Lee and Ms. Ariel H Pollock, Public Affairs Office, US consulate General Chennai.
01.07.2015 US Independence 239th Anniversary: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta along with his wife attended the 239th Anniversary of US Independence celebration at Le Royal Meridian, Chennai.
23.07.2015 International Seminar at Cochin CollegeThe Cochin College in association with the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin and US Commercial Services organized an International Seminar on Technology & Innovation incentives and Management on 23rd July 2015.
Ambassador Mr. Robert Holleyman, Department US Trade representative and Mr. John Fleming, Principal Commercial Officer, U.S. Foreign Commercial Service provided the gathering with the inside outs of the topic. The informative session was followed by an interactive session where the students of the Cochin College took part and exchanged their views and ideas with the dignitaries. Indian Chamber President ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 17
Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, Mr. T Vidyasagar, former President of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Dr. Jose P Abraham, Principal, The Cochin College also shared their views with the gathering.
Dr. Jaya K R, Head of the Commerce Department, proposed vote of thanks. Miss. Dawn Shackleford, Deputy Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for India, USTR Mr. Conor Harrington, Director of IP, USTR
Visit of Mr. F K Morule, High Commissioner, South African High Commission and Mr. Ravi Issar, Adviser South African High Commission on 03.09.2015 Mr. F K Morule, High Commissioner, South African High Commission and Mr. Ravi Issar, Adviser South African High Commission on 03.09.2015. The discussion was aimed at formulating plans and ideas to enhance the trade relation between both India and South Africa. President, Mr. Rajkumar Gupta applauded the South African High Commission for making it to the Chamber.
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Interactive Sessions & Meetings:
ESI – EPF Seminar October 9th 2014: Kerala Merchants Union in association with Forum for Reforms in Corporate Laws conducted a legal awareness and updating program on ESI act, EPF act, Bonus and other Labour Laws at S S Kalamandhir, T D Road Cochin. Mr.Vishwambaran, former Collector of Cochin was the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries who were present and spoke were
Mr.Gopal Shenoy, Secretary Kerala Merchants Union. Mr.V A Mohammad Asharaf, President Kerala Merchants Union Adv.C B Mukundhan.
Shri. Rajkumar Gupta, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, Mr.David T Mookken, former President FICCI, Kerala. Rev.Fr.Simon Pallupatta, Executive Director Catholic Health Association of India. Mr.K P Ramachandran , President Kerala Small Scale Industries Association, Mr.Justin Palathara,President All Kerala Gold and Silver Merchants Association, Mr.Jose Mohan, General secretary Kerala Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Seminar on Exports from Kerala – Issues and Prospects 17th October 2014: Business Standard in association with Federation of Indian Export Organizations held a seminar on Export from kerala – Issues and Prospects at Hotel Pearl Palace, Ernakulam. The Session was presided over by Mr.Walter D’souza, regional Chairman FIEO, Southern region. Speakers Included: Mr. Rajkumar Gupta ,President ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 19
Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, Mr.S Anil Kumar, Joint Commissioner Customs, Cochin, Mr. D Sridhar Dpty. Director General of Foreign trade Kochi, Mr. C. V. George General Manager,Reserve Bank of India, Kochi, Mr. George Joseph, Special Correspondent Business Standard.
Kerala HATS 6th Annual Conference 25th October 2014: The 6th Annual Conference of Kerala Homestay and Tourism Society was held at Cochin Club Fort Kochi. The Conference was inaugurated by Prof.K V Thomas MP. Felicitations were given by Shri. Rajkumar Gupta, President, Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, Mr. P I Sheik Pareeth, Director of Kerala Tourism, Mr. P K Hormese Tharakan, former Chief of RAW, Mr. Domnic Presentation MLA, Mr. Tony Chammany Kochi Mayor, and Mr. M T Sivadathan Kerala HATS Director
03.11.2014 Seminar on Foreign Exchange Risk: Federation of Indian Export organisations(FIEO), in association with Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, Religare Securities Ltd and NSE Ltd conducted a seminar on Foreign Exchange Risk at Hotel ABAD Chullikal, Cochin.
Welcome address was given by Mr. A K Vijayakumar, Assistant Director, FIEO. Felicitations was done by Mr. Rajkumar Gupta. Mrs. Deepa Agarwal, Head Corporates, NSE Ltd gave the presentation and Mr. Ankur Kapoor, Senior Executive operations, Religare Securities Ltd gave the Presentation on Foreign Exchange Risk Management. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 20
08.11.2014 Hon’ble Governor’s Visit: Shri Justice (Retd) P. Sathasivam, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala visited the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin on 8th November 2014. He inaugurated the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan campaign, one of the three main agenda’s for ICCI this year. The Hon’ble Governor also honoured the past presidents with mementos. President, Mr.Rajkumar Gupta and MLA, Mr.Dominic Presentation spoke on the occasion. Vice-president Mr. K B Rajan gave the Vote of thanks.
14.11.2014 Clean Cochin Campaign: Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry together with the Corporation of Cochin, organized a “Clean Cochin” Campaign on 14th November 2014. MP Mr.K V Thomas, MLA Mr.Dominic Presentation, Mayor Mr. Tony Chammany, GCDA Chairman Mr.N Venugopal, Health Standing Committee Chairman Mr.T K Ashraf, President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, board members Mr. Nishesh Shah, Mr. Alex Rockey, Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi, Mr. Ramalingam Iyer Mr. Mahesh N Joshi and past president Viresh N Khona took part in the cleaning session. Members of all our affiliated associations, members from various ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 21
residence associations, members from coronation Club and Students from five different schools in the Locality also participated in the Campaign.
25.11.2014 Felicitation to Assistant Commissioner of Police : A felicitation to the Assistant Commissioner of Police Mr. G Venu and an Interactive session was conducted by the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry at the Chamber Hall to discuss the issues faced by the Chamber’s Affiliated Associations, around the neighborhood. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, gave the welcome address. Members form the committee and representatives from all affiliated associations attended the session. ACP assured that a police constable will be posted in the Bazar road on busy days and the cameras will be made fully functional very soon.
Vice-President Mr. K B Rajan gave the Vote of thanks.
12.12.2014 Investment Activity Filled Workshop: An activity filled workshop was conducted by Mr.Prajesh Maroo, Associate Director of IDFC mutual fund,at the Indian Chamber Hall on 12th December 2014. The main emphasis was on effects of Psychological, Social, Cognitive and emotional factors on the Economic decisions of individuals and Institutions and its ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 22
consequences. The workshop also demonstrated how market decisions are made based on rules of Thumb (and not strict logic) and the mechanisms that drive public choice. President Mr Rajkumar Gupta gave the welcome address and vote of thanks was give by Secretary Mr, K Raghu.
22.01.2015 Session with Mr. Elias George IAS:
The Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin organized an interactive session with Mr. Elias George IAS, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail, at the Chamber hall. The topic of discussion was “Benefits of West Kochi from Kochi Metro”.
Mr. Elias George in his speech said that the first Phase of Kochi Metro from Petta to Aluva is on its full fledge and is only below schedule for a little less than three months. He informed that over the course of time after the first Phase, Kochi Metro Rail will extend its services from Petta to Thripunithura, JLN stadium to Infopark Via Kakkanad, Aluva to Angamaly and finally from Jos Junction to Fort Kochi. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 23
He stated that the renovation of boat jetties with international standards and introduction of World Class boats (Similar to the ones in Hong Kong), Metro Coaches with the Apex specifications will also take place simultaneously with the first phase of Kochi Metro Rail. This would ensure that the natives around Kochi Metro Rail path way, such as Fort Kochi, Kakkanad, Angamaly, Aluva etc will have internationally competent transport systems to take them to their closest Metro Stations.
Mr. Elias George also explained about the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA), the idea of which is to ensure 4 key ingredients.
• A single transportation network with seamless interchange for Kochi, which includes buses, boats, metro and suburban rail. • A single paperless ticketing system on cell phones and devices. • Operation, Command and Control of Kochi’s transportation system under one authority with total traffic management. • Integrated timetable and real-time monitoring of all schedules
The idea of beautifying the Fort Kochi and Mattanchery with walkways and cycling paths is also in the process.
The Metro man urged the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry to get involved in every possible way to successfully complete this world class infrastructure. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 24
Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, President Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin gave the Welcome speech and Vice- President Mr. K B Rajan gave the vote of thanks.
12.06.2015 Session with Mr. Kochouseph Chittilapilly: An interactive session with the founding chairman of V Guard Group of Companies, Mr. Kochouseph Chittilapiilly was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin on 12th June 2015. The context of the session was “Responsibilities of a Businessman towards the Society”. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta gave the welcome address. Board Directors Mr. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal ,Mr. G P Goyal, Mr. Mahesh N Joshi, Mr. P M Muralidharan, Mr.Ramalingam Iyer, Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi and Past Presidents Mr. Anil Kumar Prabhu and Mr. Jasbir Singh Chawla also attended the function. Vice President Mr. K B Rajan proposed the vote of thanks.
19.06.2015 Session with Mr. Paul Antony IAS:
An interactive session with the Chairman of Cochin Port, Mr. Paul Antony IAS was organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin on 19th June 2015. The context of the session was “The Future of Cochin Port”. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta gave the welcome address. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 25
Board directors Mr. Abraham Philip, Mr. Alex Rockey, Mr.Anwar Hashim, Mr. Bharat N Khona, Mr. R Mohandas, Mr.G P Goyal, Mr.Mahesh N Joshi, Mr.Nishesh Shah, Mr.P M Muralidharan and Mr. Vikas Kumar Singhal attended the function. Representatives from CCHAA, Cochin Steamer Agents Association, Cochin Chamber of Commerce, DP World and Trade Union attended the session. Former Mayor of Kochi Mr.K J Sohan was also present. Immediate Past President Mr. A A Abdul Azeez proposed the vote of thanks.
28.07.2015 Session with Mr. T N Neelakantan: The Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin organised an interactive session with the Vice president and terminal head of Petronet LNG Ltd, Mr. T N Neelakantan on 28th July 2015 at their Chamber hall. The session covered the Business prospective and Future of the LNG terminal. Mr. T N Neelakantan provided the gathering with a power point presentation of the LNG terminal in Vypeen and its strategies and hurdles. He said that the main issue with the public of the city of Cochin is that they are not aware of the benefits of LNG and are worried about the fact that there might be high safety concerns once the pipe lines are in place. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 26
He added that the flammability of the Liquefied natural Gas is much lesser than LPG, Diesel, Petrol and other related products and most of the western countries have implemented it years ago and has had no safety related issues.
He argued that the length of the pipe lines in US and Europe are 4.8lakhs Kms and 2.5lakh Kms respectively compared to the 15000kms throughout India. Even Pakistan being a poorer nation than India, has three times more length of pipelines for LNG.
Not only the safety measures are better but also the cost is less than 20% as compared to the current Petrol and Diesel Prices.
He opined that the LNG projects in Gujarat and Kochi was proposed at the same capacity and same time in late 90's. Gujarat has went on to triple their initial LNG capacity since then and Kochi terminal is still in the same ground not even utilizing 10% of its capacity. He said that if Kerala could at least meet 50% of its requirement for fuel with LNG, the minimum tax the State Government would enjoy will be 1100 crores per year. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 27
He urged the citizens of Cochin to think about the future and possibilities that the LNG terminal is offering and make sensible decisions than to hinder the work of laying Pipelines. As such the LNG terminal is on an a loss of 300-400 crores per year because of the unwanted issues related to pipeline laying, which is the responsibility of the Govt to sort out.
LNG makes the city greener as it is the least pollutant fuel in the world.
Mr Rajkumar Gupta, President ICCI gave the welcome address and Mr. A A Abdul Azzez, Immediate Past President proposed the Vote of thanks. 20.08.2015 Interactive session with Addl. Commissioner of Income Tax, Kochi:
The Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin, organized an interactive session with Smt. S. Uma Venkatesan, IRS. Additional Commissioner of Income Tax, Non corporate, Range-1 & Range-2 Kochi, on Thursday, 20.08.2015, at the Chamber hall.
The interactive session was aimed at bridging the gap between the income tax department and the Tax Payers. The Members of the Chamber discussed their queries and opinions with the Addl. Commissioner and her team. Smt. S. Uma Venkatesan opined that the income tax department is undergoing ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 28
changes which would make the income tax department friendlier towards the tax payers in days to come. She and her team also educated the gathering about the recent changes in the Tax laws and promised that they would be glad to help the tax payers if need be. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta gave the welcome address and Past President Mr. Nishesh Shah proposed the vote of thanks.
Meetings and gatherings:
Visit of Godrej Official at ICCI on 22nd October 2014:
Mr. Vijayakumar, General Manager Godrej Industries Ltd Visited the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin to felicitate the President and to offer Whole hearted support to “Make In India” program initiated by the Prime Minister and taken forward by the Chamber as one of its principle agendas for this year.
Vice-President Mr.K B Rajan, Past Presidents Mr. G P Goyal, Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi, Mr.Nishesh Shah and Board Directors Mr.Rajesh Agarwal and Mr.Rajesh Kumar Agarwal were also present
05.11.2014 Meeting with the Mayor of Cochin: As part of the “Swachh Bharat” initiative taken up by the chamber, President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta and Committee member Mr. G P Goyal met the Mayor of Cochin, Mr. Tony Chammany at Corporation office Ernakulam, to discuss the Chamber’s involvement in the Clean Cochin campaign organized by the Corporation of Cochin from 1st to 14th November 2014.
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 29
09.11.2014 Meeting with Mayor: A meeting was held at the Chamber hall with the Mayor of Cochin, Mr.Tony Chammany to plan the events for “Clean Cochin” campaign. Health Standing Committee Chairman T K Ashraf, President Mr.Rajkumar Gupta, Past President Mr. G P Goyal, Committee member Mr.Mahesh N Joshi and members of the Civic Forum Committee also attended the meeting.
17.11.2014 Annual General Meeting of the Cochin Carnival Association: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the 31st annual General Meeting of the Cochin Carnival Association at the RDO Office hall, Fort Kochi.
19.11.2014 Meeting with Affiliated Associations: A meeting was held at the Chamber hall with representatives from all the Affiliated Associations to discuss the issues faced by the respective associations and to formulate Solutions. President Mr. Rajkuamar Gupta, Committee members, Mr. G P Goyal, Mr. Ramalingam Iyer, Mr. Alex Rockey also attended the meeting.
22.11.2014 Meeting with Loknath Behera ADGP: A meeting was held at the Govt. Guest House, Eranakulam by Mr. Loknath Behera to discuss about the implementation of Nirbhaya project in Kerala. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta and Committee member Mr. G P Goyal attended the meeting.
05.12.2014 Symphonic Band: President Mr.Rajkumar Gupta attended the performance by Indian Naval Symphonic Band at Naval Base, Kochi. Shri. Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala was the Chief Guest.
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 30
11.12.2014 Cochin Carnival Press Conference: President Mr.Rajkumar Gupta attended the press conference at RDO office Fort Kochi arranged by the Organising committee of the Cochin Cranival Association. Sub Collector Mr. S Suhas also attended the conference.
14.12.2014 Navy Drill: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta and Vice President Mr. K B Rajan attended the Naval operations demonstration, an annual event organized as part of the Navy week celebrations. Shri. Justice (Retd) P Sathasivam, Hon’ble Governor of Kerala was the chief Guest. Fisheries and Excise Minister Shri K Babu, Senior officers of the navy, CISF and Cochin Shipyard, MLA Shri Hibi Eden and Shri Benny Behanan and GCDA chairman Shri N Venugopal were present.
14.12.2014 Cochin Carnival Inauguration: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the Inauguration ceremony of the Cochin Carnival held at the St. Francis Church Premises on 14.12.2014. Mayor Mr. Tony Chammany, INS Dronachariya Commanding Officer Captain Satheesh Shenoy, Sub Collector Mr S Suhas and Cochin Carnival Committee General Convener Mr K B Subair also attended the function.
08.01.2015 Session with Mr.Nitin Gadkari: An interactive session with Mr. Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways and Shipping, Government of India was organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry on 8th January 2015 at the Hotel Taj Gateway, Marine Drive Kochi. The session involved various dignitaries from the Cochin Port, Indian Navy, Chambers and other Trade related organizations, sharing their view with the Hon’ble minister on how to improve the Transportation and Port facilities in Kerala. The Hon’ble Minister laid high emphasis on improving the inland waterways in Kerala. Mr. Shyam Srinivasan, Chairman, CII Kerala state Council & Managing Director & CEO, Federal Bank gave the ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 31
welcome address and the vote of thanks was given by Mr. Hari Krishnan Nair Vice- Chairman CII Kerala State Council & President Western India Cashew Company. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, IPP, Mr. A A Abdul Azeez, and Board Director Mr. Abraham Philip attended the function. They also met the Hon’ble Minister and expressed their views in person.
15.01.2015 Convention at KMA: The 34th Annual National Management Convention of the Kerala Management Association was held at Le Meridian, International Convention Centre, Kochi. The Chief Guest for the function was Mr.T N Ninan, Chairman & Editorial Director, Business Standard. Special address was given by Mr. V G Mathew, MD & CEO, South Indian Bank Ltd and Mr. Harish Bijoor, Brand Expert and CEO, Harish Bijoor Consultants Inc. President, Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the function.
19.01.2015 Meeting with Kochi Mayor: A meeting was held at the Ernakulam Guest House, by the mayor of Kochi Mr. Tony Chammany to discuss the Draft Solar City Master Plan Prepared for the Kochi City. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the meeting.
28.01.2015 Consumer Forum Meeting: A consumer Forum meeting was organized by the Cochin Steamer Agents Association at hotel Whitefort, Maradu. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, IPP Mr. A A Abdul Azeez and Secretary Mr. K Raghu attended the meeting. It was decided to form a forum consisting of 15 various associations including the Indian Chamber of Commerce &
Industry, named as “Cochin Port Users Forum”. Mr. Prakash Iyer was elected as the Chairman. Forum is founded to deal with the difficulties faced by the trade and business communities related ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 32
to Cochin Port and Customs. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta and IPP Mr. A A Abdul Azeez also spoke on the occasion.
March 3, 2015: Budget Session organised by Malayala Manorama: ICCI President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, ICCI Board Director Mr. G P Goyal attended the session on Union Budget organised by Malayala Manorama on 3rd March 2015 at Le-Meridien, Kochi. The Speaker was Dr. Shankar Acharya.
18th April 2015: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta, Board members Mr. Bharat N Khona, Mr. Alex Rocky attended the inauguration of the Assistant Police Commissioner’s office and community Police resource centre, Mattanchery. Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Minister for Home and Vigilance, Mr. K Padmakumar IPS, ADGP south zone, Shri Dominic Presentation, Hon’ble MLA, Kochi and Shri Tony Chammany, Kochi Mayer were also present.
19th April 2015: CII organized an exclusive interaction with Shri Ravi Shankar at Taj Gateway, Marine Drive, Cochin. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the session.
14th May 2015, Meeting at Ernakulam Guest House: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended a meeting organized by the Kochi Municipal Corporation Mayor, Mr. Tony Chammany, to discuss on the various aspects of promoting Mattancherry and Fort Kochi as the prime tourist destination as part of the Visit Kerala Tourist year. It was decided that the area be given main priority for cleaning. A Seven member committee was formed headed by Sub Collector S Suhas to carry out the necessary implementations in and around Mattancherry and Fort Kochi, in which the Indian Chamber is also a member. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 33
25th May 2015, YWCA Fort Kochi: A meeting was conducted with regard to the Visit Kerala Tourist Year, in the YWCA hall, Fort Kochi. President Mr. Rajkuamar Gupta attended the meeting. The meeting was presided by the Sub Collector, Mr. S Suhas.
26th May 2015, Port Day Celebration: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the Port Day Celebrations on 26th May, at Samudrika Hall, Cochin Port trust. Smt. Leena Nair IAS, Chair person, MPEDA was the chief Guest. Port Trust Chairman, Mr. Paul Antony, Indian Chamber Board Director and Custom House agent association President Mr. Abraham Philip, Mr. Prakash Iyer, President, Steamer Agents Association and other officials of Port Trust also attended the function.
05.06.2015 Clean Destination Campaign: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the “Clean destination Campaign”, held at Fort Kochi on 5th June 2015. The Campaign intends to maintain high standards of Hygiene in every tourist destinations, all over Kerala. Mr. Dominic Presentation, MLA, Health Standing Committee Chairman Mr. T K Ashraf, Former Mayor of Kochi, Mr. K J Sohan, District Collector, Mr. Rajamanikam, Sub Collector, Mr. S Suhas, Kerala Travelamart society President Mr. Johny Abraham George attended the campaign.
19.06.2015 Yoga Awareness Program at Cochin College: Nehru Yuva Kendra in association with NSS, Samarth yoga Darshan and Mythri Social Group organized a yoga awareness program in Cochin College on 19th June 2015. President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta inaugurated the function.
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 34
25.06.2015 Inauguration of west Kochi Press Club: GCDA Chairman, Mr. Venugopal inaugurated the new office of the West Kochi Press Club at Thoppumpady. President Mr.Rajkumar Gupta, Board Directors Mr. G P Goyal, Mr. R Mohandas Kamath and Mr. Bharat N Khona attended the function.
06.07.2015 Session at Chinmaya Vidyapeet: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta was invited to Chinmaya Vidyapeet as the chief guest to address the students of the commerce department as part of their corporate interactive session. The students of Chinmaya Vidyapeet shared their views with the President at the occasion.
09.07.2015 Meeting organized by Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the meeting organized by the Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce at Hotel Abad Plaza, MG Road Kochi to discuss about the recent amendments in the Labor Law and their ill effects to the employers in general.
13.07.2015 Dinner at Hotel Vivanta: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the Dinner party organized by DP World, Cochin at hotel Vivanta, willingdon island, Kochi for celebrating the maiden call of Galex service to International Container Transshipment terminal.
31.07.2015, 37th AGM of Cochin Steamer Agents Association: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the 37th Annual General Meeting of the Cochin Steamer Agents Association at Casino Hotel, Willingdon Island, Kochi on 31st July 2015. The Chief Guest ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 35
was Mr. Paul Antony, IAS, Chairman of the Cochin Port Trust and the Guest of Honor was Dr. K N Raghavan, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Kochi.
14.08.2015 Awards at KMA: President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the presentation of KMA – NASSCOM IT Leadership award 2014-15 to Mr. PH Kurian IAS, Principle Secretary (Industries and IT) Govt: of Kerala at the Centre hotel, Panampilly Nagar, Kochi. Chief Guest of the function was Mr. Oommen Chandy, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala.
Press Release on Budget 28.02.2015 The president stated through the media for the Union Budget, that the expected announcements for the MSME Sector not seen.Increase in service tax rates will have an impact on the common man.Gold scheme and proposal for curbing Black money in India and Abroad are welcome measures.Visa on Arrival for 150 countries is a great boost to Tourism.
For the state budget the President opined that the The Kerala Budget 2015-16 has laid more emphasis on Agriculture sector, with special focus on Rubber and Spices. Rs.2000 Crores has been allotted for infrastructure development, such as roads, waterways and ports. Added to this Rs.940Croes for Kochi Metro and Rs.600 Crores for Vizhinjam Project is also in line.The Digital Kerala proposal which aims at making all Government related documents available online is a welcome measure. Rs475 Crores has been allotted for the IT industry.
On the other hand the petrol and diesel rates will go up at a rate of one Rupee/liter, the excess income form which is proposed to be utilized for building homes for the homeless.
15.08.2015 Independence Day Celebrations: ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 36
President Mr. Rajkumar Gupta hoisted the National Flag of India at the Chamber park and at the Chamber, as part of the Independence Day celebration. Past Presidents, Mr. Viswanath Agarwal, Mr. Anwar Hashim, Mr. Anil Kumar Prabhu, Mr. G P Goyal, Mr. R Mohandas, Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi, Mr. Abraham Philip, Mr. Nishesh Shah, Mr. Bharat N Khona and Board directors Mr. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal and Mr. Ramalingam Iyyer attended the function. The function was followed by a personality development session for Students from different colleges, hosted by Mrs. Sujatha Manoj (Soft Skill Trainer). Around 80 Students from 10 different Schools attended the session. The Students were all awarded certificates for attending the session.
Various Meetings attended
The President attended various meetings of the following: 1. Cochin Steamer Agents Association 2. Willingdon Island Parking Yard 3. The Cochin Port Lease Holders Association 4. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd 5. The Cochin Port Trust Dock Safety Committee 6. The Cochin Carnival Committee
Mr. Rajkumar Gupta and Mr. Abraham Philip attended the meeting of Safety Committee, Regional Advisory Committee, Permanent Trade Facilitation Committee, Public Grievance ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 37
Committee held from time to time. Mr. Nishesh Shah attended the meetings of Willingdon Island Parking Yard, Mr. A A Abdul Azeez attended various meetings at Cochin Port Trust and Customs, Mr. P M Muraleedharan attended the meeting of Merchants navy and Seamen’s Association. Mr. Rajkumar Gupta attended the meetings of the Cochin Education Society, Mr. Mohandas and Mr. G P Goyal attended the dealer friendly meeting from time to time. Mr. G P Goyal attended the DRUCC meeting.
Affiliated Association
The President attended the Annual functions of the Affiliated associations namely,
1. The Tea Buyers Association 2. Cochin Rubber Merchants Association
ICCI Trivandrum Activities
04.11.2014: Dr. Baiju Ramachandran attended an interactive meeting called by Director, Industries and Commerce, Govt. of Kerala for formulation of Export Policy for Kerala State. Shri. Satyajith Rajan IAS, Principle Secretary to the Govt. of Kerala, Chaired the meeting.
18.11.2014: Dr. Baiju Ramachandran attended the DRUCC meeting at Rail Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.
10.12.2014 Pre Employers Meet at Trivandrum: Dr. Baiju Ramachandran attended a pre Employer’s meet organized in the Chamber of the Director of Employment at Trivandrum on 10.12.2014. The meet was organized as a curtain raiser for the Job fair named “Niyukthi 2015”.
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 38
28th April 2015: Board member Dr. Baiju Ramachandran attended DRUCC meeting at Southern Railways office Trivandrum.
Skills Day Observance on the Occasion of World Youth Skill Day Govt of Kerala in association with FICCI organised the Skills Day Observance on 15th July 2015 at IMG Hall, Trivandrum. Hon’ble Minister for Labour, Shri.Shibu Baby John was the Chief Guest of the Programme. Chamber Board Director Dr.Baiju Ramachandran participated the programme.
Interactive Panel Discussion on Copyright in the Entertainment Industry On 22nd July 2015 ICCI-Tvm in association with the U.S.Commercial Service, American Consulate General, Chennai, organised an Interactive Panel Discussion on “Copyright in the Entertainment Industry” at Kesari Hall, Trivandrum. Ambassador Robert W.Holleyman, Dy. U.S. Trade Representative was the Chief Guest. Chamber Director Dr.Baiju Ramachandran presided over the meeting. Shri.Rajeev Nath, Chairman, Kerala Chalachithra Academy, Shri.Suresh Kumar.G, Chairman, Kerala State Cultural Development Board & President of Film Producers Association, Smt.Deepa D.Nair, Managing Director of Kerala State Film Development Corporation Ltd & Adv.Venugopalan Nair.S, Senior IPR Attorney& Copyright Expert were the panalist.
05.08.2015 Chamber director Dr.Baiju Ramachandran attended 63rd DRUCC Meeting held at Divisional Railway Office, Trivandrum.
07.08.2015 In SSV College, Perumbavoor, Chamber Director Dr.Baiju Ramachandran addressed the 2 Day UGC National Seminar on ‘Social Responsibility in Modern Era’. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 39
10.08.2015 Chamber Director Dr.Baiju Ramachandran inaugurated ED Club (Entrepreneurship Development) in S.N.College, Chempazhanthi, Trivandrum.
11.08.2015 Chamber Director Dr.Baiju Ramachandran addressed students of Ivan Business School, Trivandrum in Industry-Academic Interface. He explained role of ICCI and other Chambers for the development of commerce and business in Kerala.
13 & 14.08.2015 Chamber Director Dr.Baiju Ramachandran attended 2 Day National Conference of Company Secretaries held at Kochi on 13th & 14th August at Bolgati Palace. Hon’ble Governor of Kerala and Chief Minister of Kerala were chief guests.
18.08.2015 Dr.Baiju Ramachandran, Chamber Director inaugurated UGC National Seminar on “Corporate Governance & Inclusive Growth” in St.Dominc’s College, Kanjirappalli, Kottayam. The inaugural function was widely covered by the media.
Secretarial Assistance
The Chamber continued to attend to the secretarial work of the Cochin Rubber Merchants' Association, the Grain Merchants' Association and the Tea Buyers Association during the year under report.
Membership in other Organisations
The Chamber continued to be a subscribing member of the following organisations:
1. Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, New Delhi 2. All India Organisations of Employers, New Delhi 3. Kerala State Productivity Council, Kalamassery ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 40
4. Cochin Port Lease Holders' Association, Cochin. 5. Indian Council of Arbitration
Winners of ICCI Export Awards for 2013-2014 :
Messrs. St. Mary’s Cashew Factory - Cashew Kernels Messrs. Mangala Marine Exim India Private Limited - Marine Products Messrs. Season Trading Company - Natural Rubber Exports Messrs. Synthite Industires Ltd, Kolenchery - Spices Products Messrs. Kishor Spices Company - Spice Exports Messrs. JFK International Cochin - Tea Exports Messrs D C Mills Private Limited-Coir & Coir Products Messrs. Marine Chemicals-General Category
Winners of K R Mehta Memorial Inter-Collegiate Essay Competition
FIRST - Ms. Harshita S (St.Theresa’s College, Ernakulam)
SECOND - Ms. Bhanusree S Kumar (Sacred heart College, Cochin)
THIRD - Ms. Smrithi M Kini (The Cochin College, Cochin)
Past Presidents of the Chamber
Haji Abdul Sakoor Haji Essa Sait 1897-1904 Haji Abdulla Haji Adam Sait 1905-1917 Mr. Abdul Sathar Haji Moosa Sait 1917-1922 Mr. Ramjee Cooverjee Pathak 1922-1924 Haji Essa Haji Moosa Sait 1924-1927 Mr. Abdul Latiff Oomer Sait 1927-1930 ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 41
Mr. Hirjee Khiraj Sait 1930-1934 Mr. Adam Hasham Sait 1934-1937 Mr. Popatlal Goverdhan Lalan 1937-1938 Haji Abdul Karim Haji Abdul Latiff 1938-1939 Mr. N Govinda Pai 1939-1940 Mr. Adam Hasham Sait 1940-1941 Mr. Popatlal Goverdhan Lalan 1941-1945 Mr. Abdul Rehman Haji Ebrahim Cassam 1945-1947 Mr. Kerala Varma Thampuran 1947-1949 Mr. A R Abdul Hameed 1949-1950 Mr. Amritlal Goverdhan Lalan 1950-1951 Mr. N Govinda Pai 1951-1954 Mr. Girdhardas Jairam Asher 1954-1956 Mr. L D Kilikar 1956-1960 Mr. Kantilal Raychand Mehta 1960-1961 Mr. O J Khona 1961-1962 Mr. Jos T Mookken 1962-1963 Dr S B Rao 1963-1964 Mr. P Achuthan Pillai 1964-1965 Mr. T C Varkey 1965-1966 Mr. D B Khona 1966-1967 Mr. S S Koder 1967-1968 Mr. S J Asher 1968-1969 Mr. D A Kamath 1969-1970 Mr. K Narayana Menon 1970-1971 Mr. A C Raghava Menon 1971-1972 Mr. Ahmed Usman Sait 1972-1973 Mr. T Tharanath Shet 1973-1974 Mr. T Koshy 1974-1975 Mr. Abhaykumar A Lalan 1975-1976 Mr. Kailash Gupta 1976-1977 Mr. A V Saraf 1977-1978 Mr. K M K Abdulla 1978-1979 Mr. A Madhavan 1979-1980 ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 42
Mr. David T Mookken 1980-1981 Mr. C C Joseph 1981-1982 Mr. N P Ouseph 1982-1983 Mr. V P Vijayan Menon 1983-1984 Mr. A Gopakumar 1984-1985 Mr. Dilip K Mehta 1985-1986 Mr. A Ravindranath 1986-1987 Mr. M Bhasker Kini 1987-1988 Mr. V V Job 1988-1989 Mr. Riaz Ahmed 1989-1990 Mr. Viresh D Khona 1990-1991 Mr. V T Alexander 1991-1992 Mr. T Vidyasagar 1992-1993 Mr. Viswanath Agarwal 1993-1994 Mr. Jai Prakash Goyal 1994-1995 Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi 1995-1996 Mr. T Vidyasagar (Centenary Year) 1996-1997 Mr. G P Goyal 1997-1998 Mr. Shivkumar Agarwal 1998-1999 Mr. Abraham Philip 1999-2000 Mr. Anwar hashim 2000-2001 Mr. N Radhakrishnan 2001-2002 Mr. Bharat N Khona 2002-2003 Mr. P M Muraleedharan 2003-2004 Mr. K S Sebastian 2004-2005 Mr. Balagopala B Pai 2005-2006 Mr. K Retnan 2006-2007 Mr. R Mohandas 2007-2008 Mr. Anilkumar N Prabhu 2008-2009 Mr. Jasbir Singh Chawla 2009-2010 Mr. P Prathapachandran 2010-2011 Mr. P L Prakash James 2011-2012 Mr. Nishesh Shah 2012-2013 Mr. A A Abdul Azeez 2013-2014 ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 43
Directors’ responsibility statement
The Directors hereby confirm that:
• In the preparation of the annual accounts for financial year ended March 31, 2015, the applicable accounting standards have been followed.
• The Directors have selected such accounting policies and applied them consistently and made judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company for the Financial Year 2014–2015 and of the profit and loss of the Company for that period.
• The Directors have taken proper and sufficient care for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of this Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities.
• The Directors have prepared the annual accounts for financial year ended March 31, 2015 on a going concern basis.
• The directors had devised proper systems to ensure compliance with the provisions of all applicable laws and that such systems were adequate and operating effectively.
Details in respect of frauds reported by Auditors under sub section (12) of Section 143 other than those which are reportable to the Central Government. Auditors have not reported any fraud during the year under review.
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 44
Explanations or comments by the Board on every qualifications, reservation or adverse remark or disclaimer made by (a) the auditor in his report, (b) the secretarial auditor in his report. Auditor’s Observation: No provision has been made in the accounts towards income tax liability, if any, including in respect of earlier years.
Comments: Consequent to the amendment to the provisions of section 2 (15) of the Income Tax Act by the finance act 2008, a view is represented that associations like Chamber may not be entitled to exemption as a charitable orgsnisation . However, as the issue has not reached finality, no provision has been made in the account towards Income Tax liability, if any. In view of the above, no adjustments have been made for the deferred Tax as required under accounting standard (AS-22) taxes on income.
Provisions regarding secretarial audit report are not applicable to the company.
The state of the company’s affairs. For the Financial Year 2014-15, your company has earned total income of Rs.78.36 lacs and Net Profit of Rs.10.26 lacs. The Board will take all efforts to increase the Net Profit in the coming years. Amounts, if any, which it proposed to carry to any reserves No amount was carried forward as reserves and surplus for the FY 2014-15.
Material changes and commitments, if any, affecting the financial position of the company which have occurred between the end of the financial year of the company to which the financial statements relate and the date of the report ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 45
No material changes and commitments affecting the financial position of the company occurred between the end of the financial year to which these financial statements relate and the date of this report.
Conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo. Since the Company is not engaged in energy intensive unit, the energy consumption is very marginal and hence the information as per Section 134(3)(m) of the Companies Act, 2013 in respect of conservation of energy and technology absorption during the period under report may be treated as nil.
Earnings in foreign currency: Nil Expenditure in foreign currency: Nil
Statutory Auditors M/s. Kaimal & Co., Chartered Accountants, were appointed as Statutory Auditors of the Company, for a period of five years at the annual general meeting held on 30th September 2014. Necessary resolution for ratification of their appointment for the financial year 2015-16, pursuant to Section 139 of the Act, is placed before the members for approval
Details of significant and material orders passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status and company’s operations in future
No major and material orders have been passed by the regulators or courts or tribunals impacting the going concern status and company’s operation in future.
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 46
Disclosure under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Provision, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.
The Chamber has an Anti Sexual Harassment Policy in line with the requirements of The Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition & Redressal) Act, 2013. An Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) has been set up to redress complaints received regarding sexual harassment. The following is a summary of sexual harassment complaints received and disposed off during the calendar year:
No of complaints received: Nil
No of complaints disposed off: NA
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 47
Attendance of Members of the Managing Committee at the Managing Committee Meetings held during the year 2014-2015 (From 30.10.2014 to 30.08.2015). No. of Meetings Held: 11 1 Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta President 11
2 Mr. K B Rajan Vice-President 3 Mr. A A Abdul Azeez Immediate Past 3 6 President 4 Mr. Abraham Philip 5
5 Mr. Alex Rockey 9
6 Mr. Anwar Hashim 6
7 Dr. Baiju Ramachandran 4 8 Mr. Balagopala B Pai 4 9 Mr. Bharat N Khona 9 10 Mr. Divij R Agarwal 3 11 Mr. G P Goyal 11 12 Mr. Mahesh N Joshi 5 13 Mr. R Mohandas 7 14 Mr. P M Muraleedharan 8 15 Mr. Nishesh Shah 9 16 Mr. Rajesh Agarwal 7
17 Mr. Rajesh Kumar Agarwal 8
18 Mr. Ramalingam Iyyer 6 19 Mr. Sadiq H Kapasi 7 20 Mr. Vikash Kumar Singhal 7 ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 48
CON C L U S I O N
In conclusion, the Committee place on record the valuable help, assistance, co-operation and guidance received by them from the Members of the Chamber during their term of office. The Committee also places on record with appreciation the work done by the Secretariat for the successful conduct of the affairs of the Chamber.
Note: Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a Section 8 company having no share capital. The details required to be furnished pursuant to sub sections (a), (d), (e), (g), (h), (k), (n), (o) and (p) of Section 134(3) and Sections 67(3)(c), 129(3), 177(1), 177(9), 197(14) and 204 of the Companies Act, 2013 and the matters to be disclosed pursuant to Rule 8 and 9 of the Companies (Accounts ) Rules, 2014 may be treated as nil or not applicable.
For and on behalf of the Managing Committee of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Kochi September 10, 2015
SD/- PRESIDENT
ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 49
ACCOUNTS The Balance Sheet and Income & Expenditure Account of the Chamber for the year ended March 31, 2015 duly audited by Messrs. Kaimal and Co., Chartered Accountants, Cochin-682002, are attached. The total revenue receipts amounted to Rs. 78.36 lacs as against Rs.79.77 lacs for the year 2013-2014. There is an excess of income over expenditure of Rs. 10.25 lacs for the year as against Rs. 7.88 Lacs during the previous year.
INTERNAL AUDITORS
Messrs. ASA & Associates LLP, Cochin 682031 are the Internal Auditors of the Chamber.
Directors Responsibility Statement Under Section 217 (2AA) of the Companies Act 1956:
The Board of Directors of the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry confirms;
that in the preparation of the annual accounts, the applicable accounting standards have been followed and there has been no material departures;
that the selected accounting policies were applied consistently and the Directors made judgment and estimates that are reasonable and prudent so as to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association as on March 31, 2015 and the excess of income over expenditure of the Association for the year ended on that date;
that proper and sufficient care has been taken for the maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act, 1956 for safeguarding the assets of the Chamber and for preventing and detecting fraud and other irregularities;
that the annual accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis. ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 50
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.03.2015 To the Members of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin - 2 Report on the Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Cochin – 2, (“the Chamber”), which comprise the Balance Sheet as at 31st March, 2015 and the Statement of Income & Expenditure for the year ended on that date, and a summary of the significant accounting policies and other explanatory information. Management’s Responsibility for the Financial Statements The Chamber’s Management is responsible for the matters stated in 134(5) of the Companies Act, 2013 (“the Act”) with respect to the preparation and presentation of these financial statements that give a true and fair view of the financial position and financial performance of the Chamber in accordance with the accounting principles generally accepted in India, including the Accounting Standards specified under Section 133 of the Act, read with rule 7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules 2014. This responsibility also includes maintenance of adequate accounting records in accordance with the provisions of the Act for safeguarding the assets of the Company and for preventing and detecting frauds and other irregularities; selection and application of appropriate accounting policies; making judgments and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and design, implementation and maintenance of adequate internal financial controls, that were operating effectively for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the accounting records, relevant to the preparation and presentation of the financial statements that give a true and fair view and are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s Responsibility Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We have taken into account the provisions of the Act, the accounting and auditing standards and matters which are required to be included in the audit report under the provisions of the Act and the Rules made there under. We conducted our audit in accordance with the Standards of Auditing specified under section 143(10) of the Act. Those standards require that we comply with the ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free from material misstatements. (Contd….2) ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 51
2 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY, COCHIN - 2 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.03.2015 An audit involves performing the procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and the disclosures in the financial statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the Chamber’s preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Chamber’s internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of the accounting policies used and the reasonableness of the accounting estimates made by the Chamber’s Managing Committee members, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion on the financial statements.
Basis of Qualified Opinion No provision has been made in the accounts towards Income Tax Liability, if any, including in respect of earlier years. Opinion In our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us, except for the effects of the matter described in the Basis for Qualified Opinion paragraph, the financial statement read with the notes thereon, give the information required by the Companies Act, 2013 in the manner so required and give a true and fair view in conformity with the accounting principles generally accepted in India, of the state of affairs of the Chamber as at 31st March, 2015 and its Excess of Income over Expenditure for the year ended on that date. 1. As the Chamber is licensed to operate Under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956 corresponding to section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, the provisions of the Companies (Auditors Report) Order, 2015 issued by the Central Government of India in terms of Section 143(11) of the Companies Act, 2013, are not applicable to the Chamber.
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3 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF INDIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY, COCHIN-2 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31.03.2015 Report on Other Legal and Regulatory Requirements 2. As required by Section 143(3) of the Act, we report that: a) We have sought and obtained all the information and explanations, which to the best of our knowledge and belief were necessary for the purpose of our audit. b) In our opinion, proper books of account as required by law have been kept by the Chamber so far as appears from our examination of the books. c) The Balance Sheet and the Statement of Income & Expenditure dealt with by this report are in agreement with the books of account. d) Except for the effects of the matters described in the paragraph “Basis for Qualified Opinion”, in our opinion, the Balance Sheet and Statement of Income & Expenditure comply with the accounting standards specified under section 133 of the Act, read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014. e) On the basis of written representations received from the Managing Committee members as on 31st March 2015, taken on record by the Managing Committee, none of the Members is disqualified as on 31st March, 2015 from being appointed as a member of the Managing Committee in terms of Section 164 (2) of the Act. f) With respect to the other matters to be included in the Auditor’s Report in accordance with Rule 11 of the Companies (Audit and Auditors) Rules, 2014, in our opinion and to the best of our information and according to the explanations given to us: i. the Chamber has disclosed the impact of pending litigations on its financial position in its financial statements – Refer Note 2.2 to the financial statements; ii. the Chamber did not have any long-term contracts including derivative contracts for which there were any material foreseeable losses ; and iii. there were no amounts during the year, required to be transferred, to the investor Education and Protection Fund. For KAIMAL & CO. Chartered Accountants Sd/- C.A. P.K. SASIDHARAN, FCA Seal Proprietor (M.No. : 014994) Kaimal & Co Registration No.: 001746 S Chartered Accountants Date: 31/08/2015 ICCI Annual Report 2014-2015 53
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