Notes to the financial statements for the year ended 31st March 2015

1. Significant accounting policies

A. Basis of brparation

These financial statements are brpared on accrual basis of accounting under historical cost convention in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in India, accounting standards specified under Section 133 of the Companies Act, 2013, read with Rule 7 of the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014, the Companies Act, 2013 (to the extent notified and applicable), applicable provisions of the Companies Act, 1956, and the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 to the extent applicable.

B. Use of estimates

The brparation of financial statements requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Although such estimates and assumptions are made on a reasonable and prudent basis taking into account all available information, actual results could differ from these estimates & assumptions and such differences are recognized in the period in which the results are crystallized.

C. Grants-in-aid

1. Grants-in-aid received from the Central Government or other authorities towards capital expenditure as well as consumers' contribution to capital works are treated initially as capital reserve and subsequently adjusted as income in the same proportion as the debrciation written off on the assets acquired out of the grants.

2. Where the ownership of the assets acquired out of the grants vests with the government, the grants are adjusted in the carrying cost of such assets.

3. Grants from Government and other agencies towards revenue expenditure are recognized over the period in which the related costs are incurred and are deducted from the related expenses.

D. Fly ash utilisation reserve fund

Proceeds from sale of ash/ash products along-with income on investment of such proceeds are transferred to 'Fly ash utilisation reserve fund' in terms of provisions of gazette notification dated 3rd November 2009 issued by Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government of India. The fund is utilized towards expenditure on development of infrastructure/facilities, promotion & facilitation activities for use of fly ash.

E. Fixed assets

1. Tangible assets are carried at historical cost less accumulated debrciation/amortisation.

2. Expenditure on renovation and modernisation of tangible assets resulting in increased life and/or efficiency of an existing asset is added to the cost of related assets.

3. Intangible assets are stated at their cost of acquisition less accumulated amortisation.

4. Capital expenditure on assets not owned by the Company relating to generation of electricity business is reflected as a distinct item in capital work-in-progress till the period of completion and thereafter in the tangible assets. However, similar expenditure for community development is charged off to revenue.

5. Deposits, payments/liabilities made provisionally towards compensation, rehabilitation and other expenses relatable to land in possession are treated as cost of land.

6. In the case of assets put to use, where final settlement of bills with contractors is yet to be effected, capitalisation is done on provisional basis subject to necessary adjustment in the year of final settlement.

7. Assets and systems common to more than one generating unit are capitalised on the basis of engineering estimates/assessments.

F. Capital work-in-progress

1. Administration and general overhead expenses attributable to construction of fixed assets incurred till they are ready for their intended use are identified and allocated on a systematic basis to the cost of related assets.

2. Deposit works/cost plus contracts are accounted for on the basis of statements of account received from the contractors.

3. Unsettled liabilities for price variation/exchange rate variation in case of contracts are accounted for on estimated basis as per terms of the contracts.

G. Oil and gas exploration costs

1. The Company follows 'Successful Efforts Method' for accounting of oil & gas exploration activities.

2. Cost of surveys and prospecting activities conducted in search of oil and gas is expensed off in the year in which it is incurred.

3. Acquisition and exploration costs are initially capitalized as 'Exploratory wells-in-progress' under Capital work-in-progress. Such exploratory wells in progress are capitalised in the year in which the producing property is created or written off in the year when determined to be dry/abandoned.

H. Development of coal mines

Expenditure on exploration and development of new coal deposits is capitalized as 'Development of coal mines' under capital work-in-progress till the mines project is brought to revenue account.

I. Foreign currency transactions

1. Foreign currency transactions are initially recorded at the rates of exchange ruling at the date of transaction.

2. At the balance sheet date, foreign currency monetary items are reported using the closing rate. Non-monetary items denominated in foreign currency are reported at the exchange rate ruling at the date of transaction.

3. Exchange differences arising from settlement/translation of foreign currency loans, deposits/liabilities relating to fixed assets/capital work-in-progress in respect of transactions entered prior to 01.04.2004, are adjusted in the carrying cost of related assets. Such exchange differences arising from settlement/translation of long term foreign currency monetary items in respect of transactions entered on or after 01.04.2004 are adjusted in the carrying cost of related assets.

4. Other exchange differences are recognized as income or expense in the period in which they arise.

5. Derivative contracts in the nature of forward contracts, options and swaps are entered into to hedge the currency and interest rate risk of foreign currency loans. Premium or discount arising at the inception of forward exchange contracts is amortised as expense or income over the life of the contracts. Exchange differences on such contracts, which relate to long-term foreign currency monetary items referred to in Policy I.3 are adjusted in the carrying cost of related assets. Other derivative contracts are marked-to-market at the Balance Sheet date and losses are recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss. Gains arising on such contracts are not recognised, until realised, on grounds of prudence.

J. Borrowing costs

Borrowing costs attributable to the qualifying fixed assets during construction/exploration, renovation and modernisation are capitalised.

Such borrowing costs are apportioned on the average balance of capital work-in-progress for the year. Other borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred.

K. Investments

1. Current investments are valued at lower of cost and fair value determined on an individual investment basis.

2. Long term investments are carried at cost. Provision is made for diminution, other than temporary, in the value of such investments.

3. Premium paid on long term investments is amortised over the period remaining to maturity.

L. Inventories

1. Inventories are valued at the lower of, cost determined on weighted average basis and net realizable value.

2. The diminution in the value of obsolete, unserviceable and surplus stores & spares is ascertained on review and provided for.

M. Income recognition

1. Sale of energy is accounted for based on tariff rates approved by the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) as modified by the orders of Appellate Tribunal for Electricity to the extent applicable. In case of power stations where the tariff rates are yet to be approved, provisional rates are adopted.

2. Advance against debrciation considered as deferred revenue in earlier years is included in sales, to the extent debrciation recovered in tariff during the year is lower than the corresponding debrciation charged.

3. Exchange differences on account of translation of foreign currency borrowings recoverable from or payable to the beneficiaries in subsequent periods as per CERC Tariff Regulations are accounted as 'Deferred foreign currency fluctuation asset/liability'. The increase or decrease in debrciation for the year due to the accounting of such exchange differences as per accounting policy no. I is adjusted in debrciation.

4. Exchange differences arising from settlement/translation of monetary items denominated in foreign currency (other than long term) to the extent recoverable from or payable to the beneficiaries in subsequent periods as per CERC Tariff Regulations are accounted as 'Deferred foreign currency fluctuation asset/liability' during construction period and adjusted from the year in which the same becomes recoverable/payable.

5. Premium, discount and exchange differences in respect of forward exchange contracts and mark to market losses in respect of other derivative contracts referred to in accounting policy no. I.5 recoverable from/payable to the beneficiaries as per CERC Tariff Regulations, are recognised in sales.

6. The surcharge on late payment/overdue sundry debtors for sale of energy is recognized when no significant uncertainty as to measurability or collectability exists.

7. Interest/surcharge recoverable on advances to suppliers as well as warranty claims/liquidated damages wherever there is uncertainty of realisation/acceptance are not treated as accrued and are therefore, accounted for on receipt/acceptance.

8. Income from consultancy services is accounted for on the basis of actual progress/technical assessment of work executed, in line with the terms of respective consultancy contracts. Claims for reimbursement of expenditure are recognized as other income, as per the terms of consultancy service contracts.

9. Scrap other than steel scrap is accounted for as and when sold.

10. Insurance claims for loss of profit are accounted for in the year of acceptance. Other insurance claims are accounted for based on certainty of realisation.

N. Expenditure

1. Debrciation/amortisation

1.1 Debrciation on the assets of the generation of electricity business is charged on straight line method following the rates and methodology notified by the CERC Tariff Regulations in accordance with Schedule II of the Companies Act, 2013.

1.2 Debrciation on the assets of the coal mining, oil & gas exploration and consultancy business, is charged on straight line method following the useful life specified in Schedule II of the Companies Act, 2013.

1.3 Debrciation on the following assets is provided on their estimated useful life ascertained on technical evaluation:

1.4 Assets costing up to Rs. 5,000/- are fully debrciated in the year of acquisition.

1.5 Cost of software recognized as intangible asset, is amortised on straight line method over a period of legal right to use or 3 years, whichever is less. Other intangible assets are amortized on straight line method over the period of legal right to use or life of the related plant, whichever is less.

1.6 Debrciation on additions to/deductions from fixed assets during the year is charged on pro-rata basis from/up to the month in which the asset is available for use/disposed.

1.7 Where the cost of debrciable assets has undergone a change during the year due to increase/decrease in long term liabilities on account of exchange fluctuation, price adjustment, change in duties or similar factors, the unamortised balance of such asset is charged off prospectively over the remaining useful life determined following the applicable accounting policies relating to debrciation/amortisation.

1.8 Where the life and/or efficiency of an asset is increased due to renovation and modernization, the expenditure thereon along-with its unamortized debrciable amount is charged off prospectively over the revised useful life determined by technical assessment.

1.9 Machinery spares which can be used only in connection with an item of plant and machinery and their use is expected to be irregular, are capitalised and fully debrciated over the residual useful life of the related plant and machinery.

1.10 Capital expenditure on assets not owned by the company referred in policy E.4 is amortised over a period of 4 years from the month in which the first unit of project concerned comes into commercial operation and thereafter from the month in which the relevant asset becomes available for use.

1.11 Leasehold land and buildings relating to generation of electricity business are fully amortised over lease period or life of the related plant whichever is lower following the rates and methodology notified by CERC Tariff Regulations. Leasehold land acquired on perpetual lease is not amortised.

1.12 Land acquired for mining business under Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957 is amortised on the basis of balance useful life of the project. Other leasehold land acquired for mining business is amortised over the lease period or balance life of the project whichever is less.

2. Other expenditure

2.1 Expenses on ex-gratia payments under voluntary retirement scheme, training & recruitment and research & development are charged to revenue in the year incurred.

2.2 Preliminary expenses on account of new projects incurred prior to approval of feasibility report/techno economic clearance are charged to revenue.

2.3 Net br-commissioning income/expenditure is adjusted directly in the cost of related assets and systems.

2.4 Prepaid expenses and prior period expenses/income of items of Rs. 100,000/- and below are charged to natural heads of accounts.

2.5 Transit and handling losses of coal as per Company's norms are included in cost of coal.

O. Employee benefits

Employee benefits, inter-alia include provident fund, pension, gratuity, post retirement medical facilities, compensated absences, long service award, economic rehabilitation scheme and other terminal benefits.

1. Company's contributions paid/payable during the year to provident fund and pension fund is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss. The same is paid to funds administered through separate trusts.

2. Company's liability towards gratuity, leave benefits (including compensated absences), post retirement medical facility and other terminal benefits is determined by independent actuary, at year end using the projected unit credit method. Past service costs are recognised on a straight line basis over the average period until the benefits become vested. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised immediately in the Statement of Profit and Loss. Liability for gratuity as per actuarial valuation is paid to a fund administered through a separate trust.

3. Short term employee benefits are recognised as an expense at the undiscounted amount in the Statement of Profit and Loss for the year in which the related services are rendered.

P. Leases

1. Finance lease

1.1 Assets taken on finance lease are capitalized at fair value or net brsent value of the minimum lease payments, whichever is less.

1.2 Debrciation on the assets taken on finance lease is charged at the rate applicable to similar type of fixed assets as per accounting policy no. N.1.1 or N.1.2. If the leased assets are returnable to the lessor on the expiry of the lease period, debrciation is charged over its useful life or lease period, whichever is less.

1.3 Lease payments are apportioned between the finance charges and outstanding liability in respect of assets taken on lease.

2. Operating lease

Assets acquired on lease where a significant portion of the risk and rewards of the ownership is retained by the lessor are classified as operating leases. Lease rentals are charged to revenue.

Q. Impairment

The carrying amount of cash generating units is reviewed at each Balance Sheet date where there is any indication of impairment based on internal/external indicators. An impairment loss is recognised in the Statement of Profit and Loss where the carrying amount exceeds the recoverable amount of the cash generating units. The impairment loss is reversed if there is change in the recoverable amount and such loss either no longer exists or has decreased.

R. Provisions and contingent liabilities

A provision is recognised when the company has a brsent obligation as a result of a past event and it is probable that an outflow of resources will be required to settle the obligation and in respect of which a reliable estimate can be made. Provisions are determined based on management estimate required to settle the obligation at the balance sheet date and are not discounted to brsent value. Contingent liabilities are disclosed on the basis of judgment of the management/independent experts. These are reviewed at each balance sheet date and are adjusted to reflect the current management estimate.

S. Segment reporting

The accounting policies adopted for segment reporting are in line with the accounting policies of the Company. Segment revenue, segment expenses, segment assets and segment liabilities are identified to segments on the basis of their relationship to the operating activities of the segment. Revenue, expenses, assets and liabilities which relate to the Company as a whole and not allocable to segments on reasonable basis are included under unallocated revenue/expenses/assets/liabilities.

T. Cash flow statement

Cash flow statement is brpared in accordance with the indirect method brscribed in Accounting Standard (AS) 3 on 'Cash Flow Statements'.

U. Taxes on income

Current tax is determined on the basis of taxable income in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Deferred tax liability/asset resulting from 'timing difference' between accounting income and taxable income is accounted for considering the tax rate & tax laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted as on the reporting date. Deferred tax asset is recognized and carried forward only to the extent that there is reasonable certainty that the asset will be realized in future. Deferred tax assets are reviewed at each reporting date for their realisability.

2. Previous year figures have been regrouped /rearranged wherever considered necessary.

3. Amount in the financial statements are brsented in t crore (upto two decimals) except for per share data and as other-wise stated. Certain amounts, which do not appear due to rounding off, are disclosed separately.

4. a) Some of the balances of trade/other payables and loans and advances are subject to confirmation/reconciliation. Adjustments, if any will be accounted for on confirmation/reconciliation of the same, which in the opinion of the management will not have a material impact. b) In the opinion of the management, the value of assets, other than fixed assets and non-current investments, on realisation in the ordinary course of business, will not be less than the value at which these are stated in the Balance Sheet.

5. In accordance with the principles approved by the Board of Directors of the Company, the dispute with coal suppliers on account of GCV has been settled. Accordingly, against the total disputed billed amount of Rs. 2,578.74 crore (brvious year Rs.  4,102.87 crore) as at 31st March 2014, during the year the Company has paid Rs.  1,773.51 crore and provided Rs.  25.48 crore and the remaining amount of Rs.  779.75 crore is settled. Sales corresponding to energy charges recoverable for the amounts paid/provided as above have been recognized on settlement.

6. The levy of transit fee/entry tax on supplies of fuel to some of the power stations has been paid under protest as the matters are subjudice at various courts. In case the Company gets refund/demand from fuel suppliers/tax authorities on settlement of these cases, the same will be passed on to respective beneficiaries.

7. The environmental clearance ("clearance") granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of India (MoEF) for one of the Company's project was challenged before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT disposed the appeal, inter alia, directing that the order of clearance be remanded to the MoEF to pass an order granting or declining clearance to the project proponent afresh in accordance with the law and the judgment of the NGT and for referring the matter to the Expert Appraisal Committee ("Committee") for its re-scrutiny, which shall complete the process within six months from the date of NGT order. NGT also directed that the environmental clearance shall be kept in abeyance and the Company shall maintain status quo in relation to the project during the period of review by the Committee or till fresh order is passed by the MoEF, whichever is earlier. The Company filed an appeal challenging the NGT order before the Hon'ble Subrme Court of India which stayed the order of the NgT and the matter is sub-judice. Aggregate cost incurred on the project upto 31st March 2015 is Rs.  8,732.44 crore (brvious year Rs.  4,455.73 crore). Management is confident that the approval for proceeding with the project shall be granted, hence no provision is considered necessary.

8. The Company is executing a hydro power project in the state of Uttrakhand, where all the clearances were accorded. A case was filed in Hon'ble Subrme Court of India after the natural disaster in Uttrakhand in June 2013 to review whether the various existing and ongoing hydro projects have contributed to environmental degradation. Hon'ble Subrme Court of India on 7th May 2014, ordered that no further construction shall be undertaken in the projects under consideration until further orders, which included the hydro project of the Company. In the proceedings, Hon'ble Subrme Court is examining to allow few projects which have all clearances which includes the project of the Company where the work has been stopped. Aggregate cost incurred on the project up to 31st March 2015 is Rs.  154.57 crore (brvious year Rs.  145.46 crore). Management is confident that the approval for proceeding with the project shall be granted, hence no provision is considered necessary.

9. Disclosure as per Accounting Standard - 1 on 'Disclosure of Accounting Policies' During the year, following changes in accounting policies have been made:

a) Policy A 'Basis of brparation' has been modified considering the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013.

b) The Company has revised the accounting policy nos. N.1.1, N.1.2 & N.1.3 regarding debrciation in alignment with Schedule-II to the Companies Act, 2013 which has become applicable from 1st April 2014. Consequently, profit for the year ended 31st March 2015 is lower by Rs. 14.97 crore and fixed assets as at 31st March 2015 are lower by Rs.  20.44 crore. Further, an amount of Rs.  3.58 crore (net of deferred tax of Rs.  1.89 crore) has been recognized in the opening balance of the retained earnings where the remaining useful life of such assets is Nil as at 1st April 2014 in line with the provisions of Schedule-II to the Companies Act, 2013.

c) Policy N.1.11 regarding debrciation on leasehold land and buildings has been modified to cover all the tariff regulations of CERC viz. for thermal, hydro and renewable energy sources.

d) Policy S 'Segment reporting' has been added for improved disclosures.

There is no impact on the accounts due to the changes at sl.no. (a) (c), & (d) above.

10. Disclosure as per Accounting Standard - 11 on 'Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates' The effect of foreign exchange fluctuation during the year is as under:

i) The amount of exchange differences (net) credited to the Statement of Profit & Loss is Rs.  15.32 crore (brvious year debit of Rs.  14.52 crore).

ii) The amount of exchange differences (net) debited to the carrying amount of fixed assets is Rs.  345.96 crore (brvious year Rs. 1,850.39 crore).

11. Disclosure as per Accounting Standard - 12 on 'Accounting for Government Grants'

Revenue grants recognised during the year is t Nil (brvious year Rs. 0.93 crore).

12. Disclosure as per Accounting Standard - 16 on 'Borrowing Costs'

Borrowing costs capitalised during the year are Rs. 2,969.11 crore (brvious year Rs. 2,543.96 crore).

13. Disclosure as per Accounting Standard - 26 on ‘Intangible Assets’

Research expenditure charged to revenue during the year is Rs.97.56 crore (brvious year Rs. 98.52 crore).

14. Disclosure as per Accounting Standard - 28 on ‘Impairment of Assets’

As required by Accounting Standard (AS) 28 ‘Impairment of Assets’, an assessment of impairment of assets was carried out and based on such assessment, there has been no impairment loss during the year.

15. Contingent Liabilities:

a) Claims against the company not acknowledged as debts in respect of :

(i) Capital Works

Some of the contractors for supply and installation of equipments and execution of works at our projects have lodged claims on the Company for Rs. 7,660.88 crore (brvious year Rs. 4,134.85 crore) seeking enhancement of the contract price, revision of work schedule with price escalation, compensation for the extended period of work, idle charges etc. These claims are being contested by the Company as being not admissible in terms of the provisions of the respective contracts.

The Company is pursuing various options under the dispute resolution mechanism available in the contracts for settlement of these claims. It is not practicable to make a realistic estimate of the outflow of resources if any, for settlement of such claims pending resolution.

(ii) Land compensation cases

In respect of land acquired for the projects, the erstwhile land owners have claimed higher compensation before various authorities/courts which are yet to be settled. Against such cases, contingent liability of Rs. 312.37 crore (brvious year Rs. 393.40 crore) has been estimated.

(iii) Fuel Suppliers

Pending resolution of the issues with fuel companies, an amount of Rs. 567.22 crore (brvious year Rs. 647.33 crore) towards surface transportation charges, customs duty on service margin on imported coal, etc. has been estimated by the Company as contingent liability.

(iv) Others

In respect of claims made by various State/Central Government departments/Authorities towards building permission fee, penalty on diversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural use, non agricultural land assessment tax, water royalty etc. and by others, contingent liability of Rs. 896.34 crore (brvious year Rs. 1,088.23 crore) has been estimated.

(v) Possible Reimbursement

The contingent liabilities referred to in (i) above, include an amount of Rs. 1,172.56 crore (brvious year Rs. 994.83 crore) relating to the hydro power project stated in Note 15 A (b) - Other non current assets, for which Company envisages possible reimbursement from GOI in full. In respect of balance claims included in (i) and in respect of the claims mentioned at (ii) above, payments, if any, by the company on settlement of the claims would be eligible for inclusion in the capital cost for the purpose of determination of tariff as per CERC Regulations subject to prudence check by the CERC. In case of (iii), the estimated possible reimbursement by way of recovery through tariff as per Regulations is Rs. 423.36 crore (brvious year Rs. 637.82 crore).

b) Disputed Tax Matters

Disputed income tax/Sales tax/Excise and other tax matters pending before various Appellate Authorities amount to Rs. 4,161.87 crore (brvious year Rs. 1,907.49 crore). Many of these matters were disposed off in favour of the Company but are disputed before higher authorities by the concerned departments. In respect of disputed cases, the company estimate possible reimbursement of Rs. 1,508.46 crore (brvious year Rs. 390.37 crore).

c) Others

Other contingent liabilities amount to Rs. 309.36 crore (brvious year Rs. 363.49 crore).

Some of the beneficiaries have filed appeals against the tariff orders of the CERC. The amount of contingent liability in this regard is not ascertainable.

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors

(K.Biswal) Director (Finance)

(A.K.Rastogi) Company Secretary

(Dr. Arup Roy Choudhury) Chairman & Managing Director

These are the notes referred to in Balance Sheet and Statement of Profit and Loss

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Dated : 29th May 2015