Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

This Privacy Policy governs the collection, use, storage, and disclosure of personal information collected through the Bihar Kayastha Ganna 2026 census platform ("Platform", "Service", "Website"). By accessing or using this Platform, you ("User", "You") acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy.

Please read this Privacy Policy carefully. If you do not agree with any part of this policy, you must not use this Platform or submit any information.

2. Information We Collect

We collect the following categories of personal information that you provide directly:

• Personal identification: Full name, age, gender
• Contact information: Mobile number, email address (optional)
• Demographic information: Education qualification, occupation
• Financial information: Total family income (ranges)
• Location information: Commissionery, district, subdivision, block, village, PIN code
• Family member details: Names, ages, gender, education, occupation of family members

Privacy Notice: We do NOT collect IP addresses, browser information, device data, or usage tracking information. We only collect the information you explicitly provide through our forms.

3. How We Use Your Information

Your information is used solely for the following purposes:

• Conducting the Bihar Kayastha community census
• Generating statistical and demographic analysis
• Maintaining community records and databases
• Communicating census-related updates (with consent)
• Improving Platform functionality and user experience
• Complying with legal obligations

We DO NOT use your information for marketing, advertising, or selling to third parties.

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data under the following legal bases:

• Consent: You voluntarily provide information and consent to its processing
• Legitimate Interest: Community welfare and demographic research
• Legal Obligation: Compliance with applicable data protection laws

This Privacy Policy complies with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023, Information Technology Act, 2000, and applicable Indian data protection regulations.

5. Data Storage and Security

5.1 Storage Location:

Your personal information is stored using secure cloud-based database services provided by reputable third-party service providers. Data may be stored on servers located outside India, including but not limited to locations in Asia and North America.

By using this Platform, you consent to the transfer and storage of your data outside India in accordance with applicable data protection laws.

5.2 Security Measures:

We implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include, but are not limited to:

• Encryption of data during transmission and at rest
• Secure authentication and access controls
• Regular security assessments and updates
• Data validation and sanitization procedures
• Automated backup and disaster recovery systems
• Restricted access to personal information on a need-to-know basis

Security Disclaimer: While we implement industry-standard security measures, no method of electronic transmission or storage is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of your information. You acknowledge and accept this risk by using the Platform.

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

6.1 Service Providers:

We use third-party service providers to facilitate our Platform, including but not limited to:

• Cloud database hosting and management services
• Web hosting and content delivery services
• Data backup and storage services

These service providers have access to your personal information only to perform specific tasks on our behalf and are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality and security. We ensure that all service providers comply with applicable data protection standards.

6.2 Legal Requirements:

We may disclose your information if required by:

• Court orders or legal processes
• Government authorities or law enforcement
• Legal obligations under Indian law
• Protection of our legal rights or safety

6.3 We DO NOT Share With:

• Advertisers or marketing companies
• Political organizations or parties
• Data brokers or aggregators
• Any unauthorized third parties

7. Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Retention Period: Indefinitely, unless you request deletion of your data.

You may request deletion of your data at any time by contacting our grievance officer (see Section 11).

8. Your Rights (Data Principal Rights)

Under the DPDPA 2023, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of your personal data we hold
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Erasure (Right to be Forgotten): Request deletion of your personal data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw your consent at any time
• Right to Data Portability: Receive your data in a structured, machine-readable format
• Right to Grievance Redressal: File complaints regarding data privacy violations

To exercise your rights, contact us at: grievance@biharkayasthaganna.org

We will respond to your request within 30 days.

9. Cross-Border Data Transfer

Your personal information may be transferred to, stored, and processed on servers located outside India, including in countries in Asia, North America, Europe, or other regions. By using this Platform, you explicitly consent to this cross-border data transfer.

We ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023 and other applicable Indian data protection laws. Our service providers are required to implement appropriate security measures regardless of their location.

10. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

This Platform does not currently use cookies or tracking technologies. If we implement such technologies in the future, we will update this Privacy Policy and seek your consent where required.

11. Grievance Redressal

For complaints, concerns, or questions regarding your personal data or this Privacy Policy, please contact:

If you are not satisfied with our response, you may escalate your complaint to the Data Protection Board of India (when established).

12. Children's Privacy

This Platform collects information about family members, which may include minors (under 18 years). By submitting information about minors, the adult registrant confirms:

• They have parental or legal guardian authority
• They consent to the collection of minor's information
• They accept responsibility for the accuracy of such information

13. Data Breach Notification

In the event of a data breach that compromises your personal information, we will:

• Notify affected users via email and/or prominent website notice
• Notify the Data Protection Board of India within 72 hours
• Take immediate steps to mitigate the breach
• Provide guidance on protective measures you can take

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to this page with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Notification of Material Changes: We will notify users of material changes via:

• Email notification (if email address provided)
• Prominent notice on the Platform

Continued use of the Platform after such changes constitutes acceptance of the modified Privacy Policy.

15. Disclaimer of Warranties

16. Limitation of Liability

17. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless the Platform operators, administrators, employees, agents, and affiliates from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, and expenses (including legal fees) arising from:

• Your use or misuse of the Platform
• Your violation of this Privacy Policy or Terms of Service
• Your violation of any third-party rights
• Inaccurate or false information you provide
• Your violation of any applicable laws or regulations

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of India, including but not limited to:

• Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA), 2023
• Information Technology Act, 2000
• Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices) Rules, 2011
• Indian Contract Act, 1872

Exclusive Jurisdiction: Any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy or use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Patna, Bihar, India.

19. Voluntary Participation

20. No Liability for Third-Party Services

We use third-party service providers for hosting, data storage, and infrastructure services. We are not responsible for:

• Service interruptions or downtime caused by third-party providers
• Data breaches or security incidents occurring at third-party infrastructure level
• Changes to third-party terms of service, policies, or pricing
• Loss of data due to third-party technical failures or force majeure events
• Actions or omissions of third-party service providers beyond our reasonable control

You acknowledge and accept that the use of third-party services involves inherent risks beyond our control, and we have implemented reasonable measures to select reputable providers.

21. Severability

If any provision of this Privacy Policy is found to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.

22. Entire Agreement

This Privacy Policy, together with the Terms of Service, constitutes the entire agreement between you and the Platform regarding the collection and use of your personal information.

23. Contact Information

For questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy:

24. Acknowledgment and Consent