Website & External Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Shyamsharanam Skills and Livelihood Foundation (“SSLF”, “we”, “us” or “our”) respects the privacy of individuals who visit or interact with our website, submit information to us, make donations, apply for opportunities, participate in our programmes, or communicate with us through digital channels.

This Website & External Privacy Policy explains how SSLF may collect, receive, use, store, protect and disclose personal information obtained through:

• www.shyamsharanam.org;
• website forms and enquiries;
• online donation facilities;
• volunteer registration;
• newsletter subscription;
• job and career applications;
• partnership enquiries;
• CSR enquiries;
• college and institutional partnership enquiries;
• user accounts;
• document upload facilities;
• beneficiary/student registration when introduced;
• training programme registration when introduced;
• government project enquiries when introduced; and
• relevant interactions with SSLF through social media and other digital platforms.

This Privacy Policy should be read together with any specific privacy notice, consent form, registration form, programme terms or other notice that may apply to a particular activity.

2. About SSLF

Shyamsharanam Skills and Livelihood Foundation (SSLF) is a Section 8 not-for-profit organisation working in areas including education, digital literacy, skill development, AI and digital skills, employability, livelihood development, women empowerment, youth development, rural development, CSR and other charitable and social-impact activities in accordance with its governing documents and applicable law.

SSLF has obtained applicable registrations and approvals relevant to its operations, including:

• Section 8 registration/incorporation;
• Permanent Account Number (PAN);
• Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN);
• registration under Section 12A;
• approval under Section 80G;
• NGO Darpan registration;
• CSR-1 registration;
• Startup/DPIIT-related registration, as applicable;
• INC-20A compliance; and
• ADT-1 compliance.

These registrations and compliances may be updated, renewed or modified from time to time in accordance with applicable law.

3. Scope of This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy primarily applies to personal information collected or processed by SSLF through its website and SSLF-controlled digital interactions.

This Privacy Policy does not replace the privacy policies, terms or conditions of third-party websites, social media platforms, payment service providers, hosting providers, email providers or other independent service providers.

Where you interact directly with Facebook, Instagram, Google, LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp or another third-party platform, that platform may independently collect and process information in accordance with its own privacy policy and terms.

4. Information We May Collect

Depending on the service, programme or interaction, SSLF may collect information including:

• name;
• age;
• gender;
• mobile number;
• email address;
• postal address;
• organisation/institution details;
• educational information;
• professional information;
• employment information;
• enquiry details;
• donation information;
• PAN, where applicable;
• photographs;
• resumes/CVs;
• uploaded documents;
• assessment information;
• training attendance;
• certification information;
• placement/employment information;
• disability/PwD information;
• caste/category information;
• income/economic information; and
• other information voluntarily submitted or reasonably required for the relevant purpose.

SSLF seeks to collect information that is reasonably relevant to the purpose for which it is collected.

5. Website Forms

The SSLF website may provide the following forms and enquiry facilities:

Currently available or planned

• Contact Us;
• General Enquiry;
• Donation;
• Volunteer Registration;
• Newsletter Subscription;
• Job/Career Application;
• Partnership Enquiry;
• CSR Enquiry; and
• College/Institution Partnership Enquiry.

The following facilities may be introduced in the future:

• Beneficiary/Student Registration;
• Training Programme Registration; and
• Government Project Enquiry.

Information submitted through these forms may be stored in the SSLF WordPress website database and used for the relevant purpose.

6. Website Form Data Storage

The SSLF website is custom-developed and does not currently use third-party form plugins or form-processing services.

Website form submissions are stored in the WordPress database using Custom Post Types (CPT).

Access to such information may be limited to authorised persons who require access for legitimate SSLF operational, administrative, programme or compliance purposes.

7. Donation Information

When making a donation through an SSLF donation facility, donors may be asked to provide:

• name;
• mobile number;
• email address;
• address;
• PAN;
• donation amount;
• transaction/reference ID;
• purpose of donation; and
• other information reasonably necessary for donation administration, accounting, reporting and applicable legal compliance.

Donation purposes may include:

• General Donation;
• Education;
• Skill Development;
• Food Distribution;
• Blanket Distribution;
• Women Empowerment;
• Rural Development; and
• Other purposes specified by SSLF.

8. Online Donations and Payment Processing

SSLF may receive donations through:

• payment gateway facilities;
• UPI; and
• QR-code-based payment methods.

The payment gateway provider may change from time to time. Therefore, this Privacy Policy does not permanently identify one particular payment gateway provider.

Where payment is processed through a third-party payment service provider, that provider may independently process payment-related information under its own terms, privacy policy and security practices.

SSLF does not intend to collect or store full card numbers, card PINs, UPI PINs, passwords or similar confidential payment authentication credentials through its own website database.

9. 12A and 80G

SSLF is registered under Section 12A and approved under Section 80G, subject to the terms and conditions applicable to its registrations/approvals.

Donation information may be used for:

• maintaining donor records;
• issuing donation acknowledgements;
• issuing applicable donation certificates;
• statutory reporting;
• accounting;
• audit;
• tax compliance;
• donor communication; and
• programme and impact reporting.

Where applicable, SSLF will comply with the statutory reporting and certification requirements applicable to institutions approved under Section 80G.

The Income Tax Department states that institutions approved under Section 80G are required to furnish the applicable donation statement through Form 10BD, and the related donation certificate is issued through Form 10BE.

Donors should provide accurate information required for applicable donation reporting and certification.

10. Donation Receipts and Appreciation Certificates

SSLF may send donation receipts or donation-related documents to donors by email.

Where SSLF provides a physical appreciation certificate or acknowledgement, the donor's postal address may be used for courier or other delivery purposes.

11. Volunteer Information

Individuals applying to volunteer with SSLF may be asked to provide information such as:

• name;
• contact details;
• educational information;
• professional background;
• skills;
• areas of interest;
• availability;
• relevant experience; and
• other information relevant to volunteer engagement.

This information may be used to evaluate, communicate with and manage volunteer participation.

12. Career and Job Applications

Individuals applying for employment or other career opportunities with SSLF may provide:

• name;
• contact information;
• educational qualifications;
• professional experience;
• skills;
• resume/CV;
• employment information;
• uploaded documents; and
• other information relevant to recruitment.

Such information may be used for:

• recruitment;
• candidate evaluation;
• interview coordination;
• communication;
• verification where applicable; and
• employment-related processes.

13. Partnership, CSR and Institutional Enquiries

SSLF may collect information from companies, institutions, colleges, government-related entities, NGOs, organisations and other stakeholders making partnership, CSR or institutional enquiries.

Information may include:

• name;
• designation;
• organisation/institution name;
• contact information;
• project requirements;
• partnership requirements;
• CSR requirements;
• proposed activities; and
• other information voluntarily provided.

14. Future Beneficiary and Training Programme Data

SSLF may introduce beneficiary/student and training programme registration facilities in the future.

Depending on the specific programme, eligibility requirements and operational needs, SSLF may collect:

• name;
• age;
• gender;
• mobile number;
• email;
• address;
• education;
• Aadhaar information;
• PAN;
• caste/category information;
• disability/PwD information;
• employment status;
• income/economic information;
• photograph;
• resume;
• assessment results;
• training attendance;
• certification information; and
• placement information.

Not every category of information will necessarily be collected from every participant.

SSLF will seek to collect information relevant to the specific programme, eligibility, training, monitoring, certification, reporting or employability purpose.

Where a programme requires additional information, the relevant registration form or programme notice may provide additional details.

15. User Accounts

The SSLF website provides user login/account functionality.

Information associated with a user account may include information provided during registration and other information generated through use of the relevant website functionality.

Such information may be stored on a temporary or longer-term basis depending on:

• the purpose of the account;
• website functionality;
• programme requirements;
• applicable legal requirements; and
• SSLF's operational requirements.

Users are responsible for keeping their login credentials confidential and should notify SSLF if they believe their account has been accessed without authorisation.

16. Document Uploads

Certain SSLF website functions may allow users or applicants to upload documents.

Depending on the relevant service, such documents may include:

• resume/CV;
• educational documents;
• identity-related documents;
• certificates;
• application documents;
• disability-related documents where relevant; and
• other documents required for a particular application or programme.

Uploaded documents are stored within the Hostinger/WordPress server environment.

Users should not upload documents that are unrelated to the relevant application, programme or service.

17. How SSLF Uses Personal Information

SSLF may use personal information for purposes including:

• responding to enquiries;
• processing donations;
• issuing donation receipts or certificates;
• maintaining donor records;
• accounting and audit;
• volunteer management;
• recruitment;
• partnership management;
• CSR engagement;
• programme registration;
• training administration;
• learner management;
• assessment;
• certification;
• programme monitoring;
• employability support;
• placement support;
• post-placement tracking;
• impact assessment;
• reporting to donors, partners or relevant authorities;
• organising events and activities;
• sending relevant donation or programme communications;
• preventing fraud or misuse;
• maintaining website and information security;
• complying with applicable legal and regulatory requirements; and
• other purposes reasonably connected with SSLF's charitable, programme, administrative and operational activities.

18. Placement and Employer Information Sharing

SSLF may support learners and candidates in obtaining employment and placement opportunities.

For placement purposes, SSLF may share relevant candidate information with:

• prospective employers;
• placement partners;
• industry partners; or
• other organisations involved in employment opportunities.

Information may include, where relevant:

• name;
• contact information;
• education;
• skills;
• resume/CV;
• training information;
• assessment results;
• certification information; and
• other employment-related information.

SSLF will seek to limit information shared to information reasonably relevant to the employment or placement opportunity.

Once information is shared with an employer or another independent organisation, that organisation may process the information under its own privacy practices.

19. Post-Placement Tracking

SSLF may collect information regarding employment and placement outcomes, including where relevant:

• joining status;
• employment status;
• job role;
• retention;
• employment continuation; and
• other relevant employment outcomes.

This information may be used for:

• programme monitoring;
• impact assessment;
• donor/partner reporting;
• employability programme improvement; and
• organisational reporting.

20. Photographs, Videos and Testimonials

SSLF may photograph or record:

• training programmes;
• workshops;
• events;
• activities;
• beneficiaries;
• students;
• trainers;
• volunteers;
• staff; and
• other programme participants.

SSLF may use photographs and videos for legitimate organisational, programme, awareness, reporting and communication purposes.

Where SSLF intends to publicly identify an individual through their name, photograph, video, testimonial or success story, SSLF intends to obtain appropriate consent or authorisation where required or appropriate.

Such material may be used on:

• SSLF's website;
• social media;
• brochures;
• presentations;
• annual or impact reports;
• fundraising materials; and
• other SSLF communication channels.

Individuals may contact SSLF regarding concerns about identifiable photographs, videos or testimonials published by SSLF.

21. Children and Minors

Some future SSLF programmes may potentially involve children or minors.

Where personal information relating to a child or minor is collected, SSLF intends to use appropriate parent/guardian involvement and consent mechanisms, as applicable to the programme and applicable law.

SSLF will seek to avoid collecting information from minors that is unnecessary for the relevant programme or activity.

Specific programme registration forms may contain additional safeguards and notices where minors are involved.

22. Communications

SSLF may communicate with donors, volunteers, beneficiaries, applicants, partners, institutions and other stakeholders regarding:

• donation updates;
• programme updates;
• impact reports;
• fundraising requests;
• relevant organisational activities;
• campaigns;
• events; and
• other communications relevant to the individual's relationship with SSLF.

Administrative, transactional, programme-related or legally required communications may be sent where necessary.

23. Marketing and Online Platforms

SSLF may conduct awareness, fundraising, programme promotion and social-impact communication through online platforms including:

• Facebook;
• Instagram;
• Google;
• LinkedIn; and
• YouTube.

SSLF may conduct paid advertising campaigns on these platforms in the future.

These activities may include platform-based advertising, audience targeting and remarketing/retargeting conducted directly through the relevant online platforms.

Current website position

The current SSLF website does not have the following technologies installed:

• Google Analytics;
• Google Tag Manager;
• Meta Pixel;
• LinkedIn Insight Tag;
• website advertising pixels;
• website remarketing tags; or
• other advertising tracking technologies specifically confirmed by the website developer.

Accordingly, SSLF's use of advertising or social-media platforms should not be interpreted to mean that those tracking technologies are installed on the SSLF website.

If SSLF later introduces tracking or advertising technologies directly on its website, this Privacy Policy and relevant website notices will be reviewed and updated as appropriate.

24. Social Media Lead Forms

SSLF may use lead/enquiry forms available directly through social media platforms.

Information submitted through a third-party platform may be received by SSLF for purposes such as:

• responding to enquiries;
• providing programme information;
• volunteer engagement;
• partnership discussions;
• fundraising communication; and
• campaign management.

The relevant social media platform may independently process information under its own privacy policy and terms.

25. Website Technology and Hosting

The SSLF website:

• uses WordPress;
• is hosted through Hostinger;
• uses custom-developed forms;
• does not currently use third-party form plugins;
• stores form information in the WordPress database using Custom Post Types (CPT);
• uses Hostinger Email for website-related email services; and
• stores uploaded documents within the Hostinger/WordPress server environment.

26. HTTPS and Website Security

The SSLF website currently uses HTTPS/SSL.

SSLF may implement reasonable technical and organisational measures designed to protect personal information against unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, disclosure, loss or destruction.

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system can be guaranteed to be completely secure.

Users should therefore exercise reasonable care when submitting information online.

27. Cookies and Similar Technologies

Based on the current website implementation confirmed by the website developer, SSLF does not currently use a separate analytics, advertising-pixel or remarketing system on its website.

The current website does not use:

• Google Analytics;
• Google Tag Manager;
• Meta Pixel;
• LinkedIn Insight Tag;
• third-party advertising/remarketing tracking;
• third-party CAPTCHA/reCAPTCHA; or
• third-party form plugins.

If future website functionality introduces cookies, tracking technologies or similar mechanisms, SSLF may update this Privacy Policy and provide appropriate notices or controls as applicable.

28. Third-Party Service Providers

SSLF may use third-party service providers for necessary operational purposes.

Current confirmed website infrastructure includes:

Website Hosting: Hostinger

Website Email: Hostinger Email

The payment gateway is not permanently fixed and may change from time to time.

Where a third-party service provider processes information for a relevant service, it may receive information reasonably necessary to provide that service.

Third-party service providers may have their own privacy policies and terms.

29. WhatsApp

The SSLF website provides a WhatsApp button/icon through which visitors may contact SSLF.

When a visitor uses WhatsApp, the visitor interacts with WhatsApp's platform and technology environment.

WhatsApp may independently collect and process information under its own privacy policy and terms.

SSLF does not control WhatsApp's independent privacy practices.

30. Information Sharing and Disclosure

SSLF may share or disclose personal information where reasonably necessary:

• to provide requested services or programme support;
• to process donations or payments;
• to respond to enquiries;
• to provide placement assistance;
• to work with employers or placement partners;
• with service providers working on behalf of SSLF;
• with auditors, accountants, lawyers or professional advisers;
• with donors or CSR partners where appropriate for programme reporting;
• with government authorities or regulators where required;
• for tax, accounting, audit and statutory reporting;
• to prevent fraud, misuse or security incidents;
• to protect the rights and interests of SSLF or other stakeholders; or
• where otherwise permitted or required by applicable law.

SSLF does not intend to sell personal information as a commercial commodity.

31. Data Retention

SSLF does not currently prescribe one universal retention period for all categories of personal information.

Information may be retained for as long as reasonably necessary for:

• the purpose for which it was collected;
• programme administration;
• donor and financial records;
• accounting;
• audit;
• tax and regulatory compliance;
• reporting;
• monitoring and evaluation;
• legal claims or dispute resolution;
• organisational records; or
• other legitimate operational requirements.

When information is no longer required and there is no legal, accounting, audit, reporting or other valid reason to retain it, SSLF may delete, anonymise or otherwise dispose of it in accordance with applicable procedures.

32. Data Accuracy

Individuals should provide accurate and current information when submitting information to SSLF.

If information becomes inaccurate or incomplete, individuals may request correction or updating by contacting SSLF.

33. Privacy Rights and Requests

Subject to applicable law, individuals may contact SSLF regarding:

• access to their personal information;
• correction or updating of inaccurate information;
• withdrawal of consent where processing is based on consent;
• deletion where applicable;
• questions regarding use of personal information;
• privacy-related complaints;
• concerns regarding information sharing; and
• marketing or communication preferences.

The scope and availability of particular rights may depend on applicable law, the purpose of processing and SSLF's legal obligations.

SSLF may request reasonable information to verify the identity of the person making a privacy request.

34. Withdrawal of Consent

Where processing is based on consent, an individual may request withdrawal of that consent, subject to applicable law.

Withdrawal of consent may not affect processing that SSLF is required or permitted to undertake on another applicable legal basis, including maintaining legally required records, accounting records, audit records or completing obligations arising from a transaction.

35. Marketing Opt-Out

SSLF intends to provide reasonable mechanisms for managing optional promotional communications.

Where an unsubscribe or opt-out mechanism is provided, individuals may use it to manage promotional communications.

Privacy or communication preference requests may also be sent to:

info@shyamsharanam.org

Administrative, transactional, donation-related, programme-related or legally required communications may continue where necessary.

36. Indian and Future Foreign Donations

SSLF currently intends to receive donations from Indian donors.

SSLF may consider accepting foreign contributions in the future, subject to obtaining and maintaining all registrations, approvals and compliances required under applicable law.

Nothing on this website should be interpreted as a representation that SSLF is currently authorised to receive foreign contributions unless SSLF separately confirms such authorisation.

37. Applicable Privacy and Data Protection Requirements

SSLF intends to handle personal information in accordance with applicable Indian laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, information technology and other relevant legal requirements.

India's data protection framework includes the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025. The Government has provided a phased commencement framework for the Act and Rules, with different provisions becoming effective at different times.

SSLF may update its privacy practices, notices, consent mechanisms and internal procedures as applicable legal requirements become effective or change.

38. Third-Party Websites and Platforms

The SSLF website may contain links, icons, references or connections to third-party websites and platforms, including:

• social media platforms;
• WhatsApp;
• payment providers;
• YouTube;
• government websites;
• partner websites; and
• other external services.

Once a visitor leaves the SSLF website or directly interacts with a third-party platform, that third party's terms and privacy practices may apply.

SSLF is not responsible for the privacy practices or security of third-party websites that it does not control.

39. Changes to This Privacy Policy

SSLF may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect:

• changes in website functionality;
• new programmes;
• changes in technology;
• introduction of new service providers;
• changes in data-processing practices;
• legal or regulatory developments; or
• organisational requirements.

The updated Policy will be published on the SSLF website with a revised Last Updated date.

Where required, SSLF may provide additional notice or seek appropriate consent for material changes.

40. Privacy Grievance and Contact

For questions, privacy requests, correction requests, complaints or concerns regarding personal information collected through the SSLF website, please contact:

SSLF may request reasonable information to verify the identity of an individual making a privacy-related request.

41. Website Use and Privacy Notice

By using the SSLF website, submitting information through its forms, creating an account, making a donation, applying for an opportunity or otherwise interacting with SSLF through the website, individuals acknowledge that they have had an opportunity to review this Privacy Policy.

Where applicable law requires a specific consent, authorisation or notice for a particular activity, SSLF may provide a separate consent mechanism or privacy notice.

42. Document Control