Terms of Service
Legal agreement governing your use of AFSC India's services and community platform
Quick Summary
By using AFSC India's services, you agree to these terms. We provide free educational and empowerment services to the SC community. You're responsible for providing accurate information and following our community guidelines.
Table of Contents
Terms of Service Agreement
Welcome to AFSC India Family!
These Terms of Service govern your access to and use of AFSC India's website, mobile applications, and all related services. By registering or using our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.
Action for Social Change (AFSC India) is a registered non-governmental organization dedicated to empowering the Scheduled Caste (SC) community through education, skill development, mentorship, and community building initiatives.
Community First
Serving 20.8 million SC community membersEducation Focus
Free educational support and scholarshipsLegal Compliance
Full adherence to Indian lawsKey Points Summary
Free Services
All core AFSC services are provided free of charge to eligible SC community members. We never charge for basic educational support, mentorship, or community access.
Data Protection
Your personal data is protected under our Privacy Policy and Indian data protection laws. We collect only necessary information and never sell your data to third parties.
Community Standards
We maintain high community standards. Users must provide accurate information, respect others, and use our platform constructively for community empowerment.
Referral Rewards
Our referral program allows you to invite up to 5 community members. Referrers gain recognition and priority access to certain programs.
Service Limitations
While we strive to provide excellent services, we cannot guarantee specific outcomes like job placements or admission to institutions. Our role is to provide support and opportunities.
By Using Our Services, You Agree To:
- Follow all terms and conditions
- Provide accurate personal information
- Respect community guidelines
- Use services lawfully and ethically
- Protect your account credentials
- Report any violations or issues
Important Definitions
AFSC India / "We" / "Us"
Action for Social Change (AFSC India), a registered NGO under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with registration number [Registration Number].
User / "You"
Any individual who registers for, accesses, or uses AFSC India's services, website, or mobile applications.
Services
All programs, platforms, websites, mobile apps, educational content, mentorship, scholarships, and community features provided by AFSC India.
SC Community
Individuals belonging to Scheduled Castes as defined under the Constitution of India and relevant government notifications.
Platform
AFSC India's website (afscindia.org.uk), mobile applications, online portal, and any related digital infrastructure.
Content
All text, images, videos, documents, software, and other materials available through our Services.
Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Use AFSC India Services
Our services are primarily designed for members of the Scheduled Caste community, though certain programs may be open to allies, volunteers, and supporters from other communities.
Eligibility Criteria
Primary Beneficiaries (SC Community)
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Age: Minimum 10 years old (with parental consent for minors)
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Community: Belonging to Scheduled Caste as per government records
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Location: Residing in India with valid address proof
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Documentation: Valid government-issued ID and community certificate
Volunteers & Mentors
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Age: Minimum 18 years old
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Background Check: Clean criminal record verification
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Commitment: Willingness to dedicate time for community service
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Values Alignment: Support for social justice and equality
Partner Organizations
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Legal Status: Registered organization with valid certificates
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Mission Alignment: Commitment to social justice and community empowerment
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Due Diligence: Financial and operational transparency
Restrictions
We reserve the right to verify eligibility and may deny or suspend access if eligibility criteria are not met or if false information is provided. Users engaging in discriminatory, illegal, or harmful activities will be permanently banned.
Our Services & Programs
AFSC India provides a comprehensive range of services designed to empower the SC community through education, skills development, and community support:
Educational Services
Scholarship Bridge Program
- Emergency financial assistance for education
- Exam fee support and textbook allowances
- Transportation and accommodation assistance
- Merit-based and need-based scholarships
Academic Support
- Free tutoring and coaching classes
- Study materials and library access
- Competitive exam preparation (UPSC, SSC, etc.)
- Educational guidance and counseling
Mentorship & Community
Mentorship Circles
- One-on-one mentoring with professionals
- Group mentoring sessions and workshops
- Career guidance and life skills development
- Leadership training programs
Community Network
- Referral system connecting community members
- Peer support groups and forums
- Community events and celebrations
- Alumni network and success story sharing
Skills Development
Digital Skills Labs
- Computer literacy and basic digital skills
- Programming and web development courses
- Data analysis and digital marketing training
- Industry-specific technical certifications
Professional Training
- Vocational skills training programs
- Entrepreneurship development courses
- Communication and soft skills workshops
- Industry partnerships for practical training
Employment & Support
Job Placement Support
- Resume building and interview preparation
- Job matching and placement assistance
- Corporate partnerships for recruitment
- Follow-up support and career progression
Emergency Support
- Medical emergency assistance
- Family crisis support and counseling
- Legal aid and documentation help
- Community disaster relief programs
Service Availability & Limitations
- Services are subject to availability and eligibility criteria
- We do not guarantee specific outcomes (job placements, admissions, etc.)
- Services may vary by location and local partnerships
- We reserve the right to modify or discontinue services with reasonable notice
Your Responsibilities as a User
As a member of the AFSC India community, you have certain responsibilities to ensure the platform remains safe, supportive, and effective for all users:
Account Responsibilities
Community Conduct
Legal Compliance
Prohibited Activities
Strictly Prohibited
- Fraudulent or misleading information
- Harassment, discrimination, or hate speech
- Impersonation of others
- Commercial solicitation without permission
Technical Violations
- Hacking or system interference
- Malware or virus distribution
- Automated data scraping
- Account sharing or selling
Consequences of Violations
Failure to comply with these obligations may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent termination of your account. Serious violations may be reported to relevant authorities.
Community Guidelines
Our Community Values
AFSC India fosters an inclusive, supportive, and empowering community where every member feels valued, respected, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Respectful Communication
- Be Kind: Use respectful and courteous language in all interactions
- Listen Actively: Show genuine interest in others' perspectives and experiences
- Constructive Feedback: Provide helpful criticism and suggestions positively
- Cultural Sensitivity: Respect diverse backgrounds, languages, and traditions within our community
Safe Environment
- Zero Tolerance: No harassment, bullying, discrimination, or hate speech
- Privacy Protection: Respect others' personal information and boundaries
- Report Issues: Promptly report inappropriate behavior or safety concerns
- Support Victims: Stand up for community members facing difficulties
Knowledge Sharing
- Share Wisely: Contribute valuable insights, resources, and opportunities
- Accurate Information: Verify facts before sharing and correct mistakes promptly
- Credit Sources: Acknowledge original creators and sources of information
- Encourage Learning: Support others' educational and professional growth
Community Leadership
- Be a Role Model: Exemplify the values and behavior you want to see
- Mentor Others: Guide newcomers and less experienced community members
- Positive Impact: Contribute to community growth and empowerment
- Take Initiative: Organize events, discussions, and collaborative projects
Guideline Enforcement
Warning
First violation notice
Restriction
Limited access period
Suspension
Temporary account block
Termination
Permanent removal
Referral Program Terms
Grow Our Community
Our referral program allows you to invite friends and family to join AFSC India, helping expand our community network while earning recognition and benefits.
Referral Program Rules
Referral Limits & Rewards
Maximum Referrals
Users can refer up to 5 people maximum
Referrer Benefits
- Recognition badge on profile
- Priority access to new programs
- Special community status
- Invitation to exclusive events
Eligibility Criteria
How It Works
Share Code
Share your unique referral code
Registration
Friend registers using your code
Verification
We verify the referral relationship
Rewards
Both parties receive benefits
Prohibited Practices
- No Fake Referrals: Creating fake accounts or referring non-existent people
- No Spam: Mass distribution of referral codes through spam or unsolicited messages
- No Gaming: Attempting to manipulate the system or exceed referral limits
- No Commercial Use: Using referral codes for commercial promotion without permission
- No Incentive Exchange: Offering monetary or other incentives for using your referral code
Program Modifications
AFSC India reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the referral program at any time. We may also investigate and reverse rewards for violations of these terms.
Intellectual Property Rights
AFSC India's Rights
All content, features, and functionality of our platform are owned by AFSC India and protected by:
- Copyright laws
- Trademark protections
- Trade secret laws
- Other intellectual property rights
Your Rights
You retain ownership of content you create, but grant us license to:
- Display your content on our platform
- Share success stories and testimonials
- Use for program promotion (with consent)
- Include in research and reports (anonymized)
Permitted Use of Our Content
Allowed
- Personal educational use
- Sharing with attribution
- Community discussions
- Non-commercial research
Permission Required
- Commercial use
- Redistribution
- Modification
- Public presentations
Prohibited
- Copying entire platform
- Creating derivative works
- Reverse engineering
- Unauthorized branding
Copyright Infringement Notice
If you believe your copyrighted work has been infringed, please contact us with:
- Description of the copyrighted work
- Location of infringing material
- Your contact information
- Statement of good faith belief
- Statement of accuracy
- Electronic signature
Contact: legal@afscindia.org.uk
Service Limitations & Disclaimers
Important Notice
While AFSC India strives to provide excellent services, we want to be transparent about limitations and set realistic expectations for all users.
Educational Services Limitations
- No Guarantee of Admission: We cannot guarantee admission to educational institutions
- Scholarship Availability: Scholarships are subject to fund availability and eligibility criteria
- Academic Outcomes: Student success depends on individual effort and circumstances
- Third-party Services: We're not responsible for partner institutions' decisions or policies
Employment Services Limitations
- No Job Guarantee: We cannot guarantee employment or specific job placements
- Market Conditions: Job availability depends on economic and industry conditions
- Employer Decisions: Hiring decisions are solely at employers' discretion
- Salary Expectations: We cannot guarantee specific salary levels or benefits
Technical Service Limitations
- Service Availability: Platform may experience downtime for maintenance or technical issues
- Data Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, information may contain errors or become outdated
- Third-party Integration: External services and links may not always be functional
- Device Compatibility: Some features may not work on all devices or browsers
Support Services Limitations
- Individual Circumstances: Support effectiveness varies based on personal situations
- Resource Constraints: Services limited by available funding and volunteer capacity
- Geographic Coverage: Some services may not be available in all locations
- Emergency Response: Not a substitute for professional emergency services
What We Do Commit To
Our Promises
- Provide services with integrity and dedication
- Treat all users fairly and respectfully
- Continuously improve our offerings
- Maintain transparency in our operations
Support Standards
- Respond to queries within reasonable time
- Provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge
- Protect user privacy and data
- Address complaints and feedback constructively
Payment Terms & Financial Policies
Free Core Services
Most AFSC India services are provided free of charge to eligible SC community members. Our mission is to remove financial barriers to education and empowerment.
Free Services Include
- Platform registration and basic membership
- Access to educational resources and materials
- Mentorship program participation
- Community networking and referral system
- Basic career guidance and counseling
- Job placement assistance and support
- Emergency support coordination
- Community events and workshops
Fee-Based Services (When Applicable)
Certain specialized services may have associated fees:
| Service | Fee Structure | Payment Terms |
|---|---|---|
| Premium skill certifications | Cost price + administrative fee | Advance payment required |
| Specialized training programs | Subsidized rates | Installment options available |
| Document processing services | Actual processing costs | Payment before service |
| Premium mentoring (1-on-1) | Voluntary contribution | Optional donor support |
Voluntary Contributions
Users may make voluntary contributions to support our mission:
- Program Support: Contribute to specific programs or scholarships
- General Fund: Support overall organizational operations
- Community Development: Fund local community initiatives
- Technology Infrastructure: Support platform development and maintenance
Payment Processing & Security
Accepted Payment Methods
- Bank transfers (NEFT/RTGS)
- UPI payments
- Digital wallets (PayTM, PhonePe, etc.)
- Credit/Debit cards (via secure gateways)
Security Measures
- SSL encryption for all transactions
- PCI DSS compliant payment processors
- No storage of payment card details
- Regular security audits and monitoring
Refund Policy
- Service-based fees: Refundable before service delivery, subject to administrative costs
- Certification fees: Non-refundable once certificates are issued
- Voluntary contributions: Generally non-refundable but exceptions considered for valid reasons
- Processing time: Refunds processed within 7-14 business days
Privacy & Data Protection
Comprehensive Privacy Protection
Your privacy and data protection are governed by our detailed Privacy Policy, which complies with Indian data protection laws including the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023.
Key Privacy Principles
Data Minimization
We collect only the personal data necessary for providing our services and fulfilling our mission of community empowerment.
No Commercial Data Use
We never sell, rent, or commercialize your personal data. Your information is used solely for program delivery and community support.
User Control
You have full rights to access, correct, delete, and control how your personal data is used within our platform.
Secure Processing
All data processing follows industry-standard security practices with encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
Types of Data We Process
Identity Data
Name, contact details, age, education status
Educational Data
Academic records, program participation, progress tracking
Community Data
Referral connections, mentorship relationships, community participation
Your Privacy Rights (Under DPDP Act 2023)
- Right to Access: Request copies of your personal data
- Right to Correction: Update or correct inaccurate information
- Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data
- Right to Portability: Receive your data in structured format
- Right to Withdraw Consent: Revoke consent for data processing
- Right to Complaint: File grievances about data handling
Account Termination & Suspension
Account termination can occur through user request (voluntary) or administrative action (involuntary) due to violations of these terms.
Voluntary Termination
How to Delete Your Account
- Log into your AFSC India account
- Go to Account Settings → Privacy & Security
- Click "Delete Account" and follow the prompts
- Confirm deletion via email verification
What Happens
- Account deactivated immediately
- Personal data deleted per policy
- Service access terminated
- Referral connections severed
Temporary Suspension
Reasons for Suspension
- Minor violations of community guidelines
- Suspected account compromise
- Pending investigation of reported issues
- Failure to verify required documentation
Suspension Process
- Email notification with reason
- Suspension duration specified
- Appeal process information provided
- Opportunity to rectify issues
Permanent Termination
Grounds for Immediate Termination
- Fraudulent information or identity theft
- Harassment or discrimination of users
- Violation of Indian laws
- Repeated community guideline violations
- Malicious system interference
- Commercial exploitation without authorization
- Abuse of referral system
- Threats or violence against community members
Post-Termination Effects
Immediate Effects
- Loss of access to all AFSC services
- Termination of ongoing program benefits
- Removal from community networks
- Cancellation of pending applications
Data Handling
- Personal data deleted per privacy policy
- Legal/compliance records retained as required
- Anonymized data may be kept for research
- Program completion records preserved
Appeal Process
If you believe your account was terminated unfairly, you can appeal:
- Send appeal to appeals@afscindia.org.uk within 30 days
- Include detailed explanation and supporting evidence
- Appeal reviewed by independent committee
- Decision communicated within 15 business days
Note: Appeals for voluntary deletions cannot be processed. Account restoration is not guaranteed.
Dispute Resolution & Grievances
Our Commitment to Fair Resolution
AFSC India is committed to resolving disputes fairly and efficiently through multiple channels, from informal discussion to formal legal proceedings if necessary.
Three-Tier Dispute Resolution Process
1 Internal Resolution (Recommended First Step)
Direct Communication
Contact our support team directly for most issues:
- General Support: support@afscindia.org.uk
- Program Issues: programs@afscindia.org.uk
- Technical Problems: tech@afscindia.org.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 1234 5678 (Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 6 PM IST)
Response Timeline
- Email: 24-48 hours
- Phone: Immediate
- Complex issues: 3-5 days
- Escalated matters: 7-10 days
2 Formal Grievance Process
If internal resolution doesn't resolve your issue, file a formal grievance:
Grievance Committee
- Independent panel of 3 members
- Includes community representative
- External legal advisor when needed
- All decisions recorded and documented
Filing Process
- Written complaint to grievances@afscindia.org.uk
- Include all relevant documentation
- Acknowledgment within 48 hours
- Resolution within 21 business days
3 Legal Resolution & Arbitration
Arbitration Process
- Binding arbitration under Arbitration Act 2015
- Single arbitrator mutually agreed upon
- Proceedings in English language
- Decision final and legally binding
Court Jurisdiction
- Courts of New Delhi, India have exclusive jurisdiction
- Governed by Indian law
- Class action lawsuits excluded
- Legal fees as per court decision
Consumer Rights Protection
Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, you have additional rights:
- Right to file complaints with Consumer Forums
- Protection against deficient services
- Right to compensation for losses
- Access to Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000
- Online complaints via consumerhelpline.gov.in
- Free legal aid for eligible consumers
Liability Disclaimers & Limitations
Important Legal Notice
Please read these liability limitations carefully as they affect your legal rights and remedies available to you in case of disputes or damages.
Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by Indian law, AFSC India's liability is limited as follows:
- No Consequential Damages: We are not liable for indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages
- Maximum Liability Cap: Our total liability shall not exceed ₹10,000 or the amount paid by you (if any) for services
- Time Limitation: Claims must be brought within 1 year of the incident giving rise to the claim
- Force Majeure: No liability for delays or failures due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control
Service Disclaimers
Our services are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind:
- No Guarantee of Outcomes: We do not guarantee educational admissions, job placements, or specific results
- Information Accuracy: While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee all information is current or error-free
- Third-party Services: We are not responsible for services provided by partner organizations or external providers
- User Content: We are not liable for content created or shared by users on our platform
Technical Disclaimers
- Platform Availability: We do not guarantee uninterrupted access to our services
- Data Security: While we implement security measures, we cannot guarantee absolute security
- System Errors: We are not liable for technical errors, bugs, or system malfunctions
- Data Loss: Users should maintain backups of important data; we are not liable for data loss
What We Do Take Responsibility For
Despite the above limitations, we remain committed to:
- Good Faith Service: Providing services with honesty and integrity
- Data Protection: Safeguarding personal data as per our Privacy Policy
- Legal Compliance: Operating in accordance with applicable Indian laws
- Fair Treatment: Treating all users equitably and without discrimination
User Indemnification
You agree to indemnify and hold AFSC India harmless from any claims, losses, or damages arising from your violation of these terms, misuse of our services, or infringement of third-party rights.
Governing Law & Legal Framework
Applicable Laws
These Terms of Service and your use of AFSC India services are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, including but not limited to:
- The Constitution of India
- Information Technology Act, 2000
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Indian Contract Act, 1872
- Societies Registration Act, 1860
- Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, 2010
- Income Tax Act, 1961
- Right to Information Act, 2005
- Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002
Legal Jurisdiction
Courts of New Delhi, India
Disputes: Civil & Criminal
Regulatory Compliance
NGO Registration
Registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860
12A & 80G: Valid
Data Protection
DPDP Act 2023 Compliant
Audits: Regular
FCRA Compliance
Foreign funding regulations
Validity: Current
Legal Interpretation & Severability
- Language: English version governs in case of translation conflicts
- Severability: Invalid clauses don't affect remaining terms
- Entire Agreement: These terms constitute the complete agreement
- Waiver: No waiver of rights unless in writing
- Assignment: Users cannot transfer rights without consent
- Headings: Section headings are for convenience only
Legal Contact Information
Registered Office
Action for Social Change (AFSC India)
[Registered Address]New Delhi - 110001
India
+91 11 1234 5678
info@afscindia.org.uk
www.afscindia.org.uk
Legal Department
Response Times & Office Hours
General Queries
24-48 hours
Legal Matters
3-5 business days
Urgent Issues
Same business day
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM IST
Terms Updates & Modifications
Keeping Terms Current
We may update these Terms of Service periodically to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or industry best practices. We are committed to transparency in all modifications.
How We Handle Updates
Minor Updates
What Qualifies
- Grammatical corrections and clarifications
- Contact information updates
- Administrative changes
- Non-material modifications
Notification Process
- Website posting with change log
- No additional user notification required
- Effective immediately upon posting
- Regular review recommended
Material Changes
What Qualifies
- Changes to core service terms
- New fees or payment requirements
- Significant policy modifications
- Changes affecting user rights
Notification Process
- Email notification to all users
- 30-day advance notice minimum
- Prominent website notice
- Option to object or terminate account
Legal Requirement Changes
Immediate Implementation
- Changes required by law
- Regulatory compliance updates
- Court order compliance
- Emergency security measures
User Communication
- Notice as soon as legally permissible
- Explanation of legal requirement
- Summary of changes made
- User options and rights
Version Control & History
Current Version
Recent Updates
- v2.1.0 (Current): Added DPDP Act 2023 compliance provisions
- v2.0.5: Updated referral program terms and community guidelines
- v2.0.0: Major revision for Consumer Protection Act 2019 compliance
- v1.8.2: Enhanced dispute resolution process
Thank You for Being Part of AFSC India
By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy.
Last Updated: August 10, 2026
Effective Date: August 10, 2026