Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

We collect personal information only when it is necessary for us to fulfil our charitable mission and serve our community effectively. The types of information we may collect include:

Personal Identification Information

• Full name, date of birth, and gender
• Residential address, city, and PIN code
• Mobile phone number and email address
• Family details (for membership records and community directory)
• Photograph (for membership cards and event records)

Program-Specific Information

• Academic records (for scholarship applications)
• Income certificates (for welfare assistance programs)
• Health-related information shared voluntarily at health camps
• Skill and occupation details (for skill development programs)

Donation & Financial Information

• Donation amount and frequency
• Payment mode (we do not store full card or bank account details)
• PAN card number (for tax exemption certificates under Section 80G)

2. How We Use Your Information

The personal information you provide is used solely for the charitable and administrative purposes of the Trust. Specifically, we use your information to:

• Maintain our community membership register and directory
• Process scholarship applications and disburse awards to eligible students
• Provide welfare assistance, marriage support, and health services
• Send updates about community programs, events, and trust activities
• Issue donation receipts and tax exemption certificates
• Organise and coordinate community events and festivals
• Fulfil legal and regulatory obligations under Indian law
• Improve our services and programs based on community feedback

3. Data Storage & Security

We take reasonable and appropriate measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.

• Physical records are stored in secured office premises with restricted access
• Digital records are stored on password-protected systems
• Access to personal data is restricted to authorised Trust officials only
• We retain your data only for as long as necessary for the purpose it was collected
• Financial records are retained for the period required under Indian accounting laws

While we take all reasonable precautions, no data storage system is completely secure. We encourage you to contact us immediately if you believe your information may have been compromised.

4. Sharing of Information

We respect your privacy and do not share, sell, rent, or trade your personal information with third parties for their commercial purposes. We may share your information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Government Authorities: When required by law, court order, or government regulation (e.g., filing trust returns, audit reports)
• Partner Organisations: With partner NGOs or community organisations working on joint programs, only with your knowledge and consent
• Service Providers: With vendors who help us operate (e.g., printing, event management) under strict confidentiality agreements
• Community Directory: Basic contact information may appear in our internal community directory, which is accessible only to verified members

5. Cookies & Website Usage

Our website may use basic cookies to improve your browsing experience. These cookies do not collect personally identifiable information. We may collect anonymous data such as:

• Pages visited and time spent on the site
• Browser type and device used
• Geographic region (city/state level, not precise location)

You may disable cookies through your browser settings. This will not affect your ability to access information on our website.

6. Your Rights

As a member of our community or a user of our services, you have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Right to Correction: You may request correction of any inaccurate or incomplete information
• Right to Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal data, subject to legal retention requirements
• Right to Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw consent for communications at any time
• Right to Grievance: You may raise a privacy concern with our designated officer

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 11.

7. Children's Privacy

Many of our programs — including scholarships and youth cultural activities — involve children. We handle information about minors with the utmost care:

• Information about children is collected only with the explicit consent of a parent or guardian
• We do not publish photographs of minors on our website or social media without parental consent
• Children's academic and personal records are kept strictly confidential
• Access to records involving minors is restricted to essential Trust officials only

8. Donations & Financial Information

When you make a donation to the Trust, we collect the minimum financial information necessary to process your contribution and issue required documentation:

• We do not store your full payment card or bank account numbers
• Payment processing is handled through secure, regulated channels
• Donation receipts and 80G certificates will be issued as required
• All donations are recorded in our books of account and reported in our annual trust return

9. Communication Preferences

We may contact you via SMS, WhatsApp, or email to share:

• Updates on community programs and events
• Status updates on your application or request
• Important announcements from the Trust

You may opt out of non-essential communications at any time by contacting us. Transactional communications (e.g., donation receipts) will continue regardless of opt-out preference.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time as our programs evolve or as required by law. When we make material changes, we will:

• Update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page
• Notify registered members via SMS or WhatsApp
• Post a notice on our website

We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our services after changes indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

For any privacy-related questions, concerns, or to exercise your rights, please contact us:

We are committed to resolving any privacy concerns promptly and transparently. Your trust in us is our most valued asset.