These Terms & Conditions govern your access to and use of all content, products, services, programmes and other features available through the Institute For Policy Research & Governance (IPRG) website and associated platforms (collectively referred to as the “Services”).

The Services are operated by Institute For Policy Research & Governance (“IPRG”, “we”, “us” or “our”).

By accessing or using any part of our Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, together with any other applicable policies, guidelines, notices or rules published by IPRG from time to time.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms & Conditions, you should not access or use our Services.

Please read these Terms & Conditions carefully before using the Services.

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1. Intellectual Property

These Terms & Conditions do not transfer to you any intellectual property rights belonging to IPRG or any third party.

All rights, titles and interests in and to the IPRG name, logo, website content, publications, designs, graphics, documents, trademarks, materials and other intellectual property shall remain with Institute For Policy Research & Governance or its respective licensors, as applicable.

You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, republish, commercially exploit or otherwise use IPRG intellectual property without prior authorisation, except where such use is expressly permitted by applicable law or authorised by IPRG.

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2. Third-Party Services

In using our Services, you may access or interact with third-party services, products, software, payment gateways, embedded content, applications or websites (“Third-Party Services”).

Where you use any Third-Party Services, you acknowledge and agree that:

• Your use of such services may be subject to the terms and policies of the relevant third party.

• Any use of a Third-Party Service is undertaken at your own discretion and risk.

• IPRG does not control and shall not be responsible for the content, availability, policies or practices of third-party websites or services.

• IPRG shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage arising from your use of or reliance upon any Third-Party Service, subject to applicable law.

We encourage you to review the applicable terms, privacy policies and other relevant policies of any third-party service that you use.

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3. Accounts and User Information

Where the use of any part of our Services requires you to create an account or provide information, you agree to provide complete, accurate and up-to-date information.

You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and security of your account credentials and for activities carried out through your account.

You must not:

• Share or improperly disclose your account credentials;

• Use another person’s account without authorisation;

• Provide false or misleading information; or

• Attempt to gain unauthorised access to any part of our Services.

You must notify us as soon as reasonably possible if you become aware of any unauthorised use of your account or any security breach.

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4. Links to Other Websites

Our Services may contain links to third-party websites or services that are not owned or controlled by IPRG.

Institute For Policy Research & Governance assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy policies or practices of third-party websites or services.

IPRG shall not be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any loss or damage caused or alleged to have been caused in connection with the use of or reliance upon content, goods or services available through third-party websites or services.

We encourage users to review the applicable terms and privacy policies of any third-party website or service they visit.

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5. IPRG Membership Programme

IPRG may offer membership opportunities designed to establish an academic, research and professional association between eligible individuals and the Institute.

The Membership Programme currently includes:

1. Annual Membership

2. Lifetime Membership

These are distinct categories and are subject to different eligibility requirements, benefits, conditions and approval processes.

IPRG reserves the right to introduce, modify, suspend or discontinue membership categories or related procedures in accordance with its institutional requirements and applicable law.

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6. Annual Membership

Annual Membership is a paid membership intended to provide eligible individuals with an opportunity to formally associate with IPRG and participate in eligible academic, research and professional activities of the Institute.

The standard Annual Membership fee is:

₹6,000 + Applicable GST

Unless otherwise specified by IPRG, Annual Membership shall ordinarily remain valid for 12 months from the date of activation.

Submission of a membership application does not create an automatic right or entitlement to membership. All applications remain subject to review and approval by IPRG.

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7. Eligibility for Annual Membership

Annual Membership may be considered for eligible individuals, including:

• Students;

• Researchers;

• Academicians;

• Professors;

• Working professionals;

• Former IPRG interns;

• Guest speakers and contributors;

• Individuals interested in public policy, governance, research and related fields; and

• Other individuals considered suitable by IPRG.

IPRG may consider factors including an applicant’s academic background, professional experience, interests, previous association with the Institute and overall suitability.

Eligibility does not guarantee approval.

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8. Application, Approval and Payment

The general Annual Membership process may include the following stages:

Application

The applicant submits the prescribed membership application through the process or platform specified by IPRG.

Review

IPRG may review the applicant’s academic, professional or other relevant background and assess their overall suitability for membership.

Approval

If the application is approved, IPRG may communicate the approval to the applicant through an appropriate communication channel.

Payment

Payment of the applicable membership fee shall ordinarily be requested after approval of the application.

The approved applicant may then be required to pay the applicable membership fee through an officially communicated payment method.

Activation

Annual Membership shall ordinarily be activated after successful receipt and confirmation of the applicable payment.

IPRG may issue a membership certificate or other confirmation of membership after activation.

IPRG reserves the right to approve or decline an application in accordance with its applicable policies and institutional requirements.

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9. Special Membership Discounts

IPRG may, at its discretion, offer special discounts on Annual Membership fees to selected individuals.

Such individuals may include:

• Professors;

• Academicians;

• Researchers;

• Guest speakers;

• Contributors;

• Former associates; or

• Individuals having a significant or meaningful association with IPRG.

Any special discount:

• Shall be discretionary;

• May be determined on a case-by-case basis;

• Does not create an automatic entitlement;

• Does not create a continuing right or precedent for future applicants; and

• May be subject to approval by the authorised leadership of IPRG.

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10. Membership Benefits and Opportunities

An active Annual Member may be eligible to participate in selected academic, research and professional opportunities offered by IPRG.

Such opportunities may include:

• Webinars;

• Lecture series;

• Workshops;

• Academic sessions;

• Panel discussions;

• Research discussions;

• Professional programmes;

• Selected institutional activities; and

• Other opportunities introduced by IPRG from time to time.

The availability of any particular programme or opportunity may depend upon factors including:

• Capacity;

• Scheduling;

• Registration requirements;

• Eligibility;

• Institutional requirements; and

• Other applicable conditions.

Membership does not guarantee access to every programme, activity or opportunity offered by IPRG.

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11. Research and Publication Opportunities

Annual Members may submit eligible research papers, articles or other academic work to IPRG for consideration under the applicable publication process.

Membership does not guarantee publication.

All submissions shall remain subject to applicable:

• Academic standards;

• Editorial standards;

• Research quality requirements;

• Originality requirements;

• Academic integrity requirements; and

• Other applicable publication policies.

IPRG reserves the right to accept, reject or request revisions to a submission in accordance with its applicable standards and procedures.

IPRG may conduct plagiarism, originality or other necessary checks before making a publication decision.

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12. Publication Discount for Annual Members

An active Annual Member may be eligible to receive a 30% discount on applicable publication charges, subject to the applicable membership and publication policies.

The discount:

• Applies only to applicable publication charges;

• Does not make publication free of charge;

• Does not guarantee acceptance or publication of a submission; and

• May be available only while the individual’s Annual Membership remains active.

Publication charges shall remain payable where applicable, even where a membership discount is applied.

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13. Annual Publication Limit

Unless otherwise revised by IPRG, an individual author may ordinarily have a maximum of three papers published through IPRG during a calendar year.

IPRG may permit additional submissions for consideration; however, submission does not guarantee publication.

IPRG reserves the right to revise publication limits and procedures where reasonably required.

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14. Internship Opportunities

An active Annual Member may be considered for an internship opportunity with IPRG during the applicable membership period.

Potential internship areas may include:

• Research;

• Human Resources;

• Public Relations;

• Communications;

• Content;

• Graphic Design;

• Administration; and

• Other departments, projects or functions available within IPRG.

Membership does not constitute the purchase, automatic allocation or guaranteed availability of an internship.

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15. Internship Selection and Duration

Selection for an internship may depend upon factors including:

• Availability of suitable positions;

• Departmental requirements;

• Operational requirements;

• The member’s interests and skills;

• The applicable selection process;

• Performance or suitability assessment; and

• Approval by the relevant authority.

The duration, responsibilities and requirements of an internship may vary depending upon the department, role, project or institutional requirements.

Accordingly, membership does not guarantee a particular internship duration or role.

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16. Internship Expectations

Members undertaking an internship are expected to:

• Perform assigned responsibilities sincerely;

• Remain reasonably active;

• Complete assigned tasks within applicable timelines;

• Maintain communication with supervisors or relevant team members;

• Attend required meetings or activities where applicable;

• Meet applicable deadlines;

• Maintain professional conduct; and

• Contribute meaningfully to assigned projects or responsibilities.

IPRG recognises that interns may have academic, professional or personal commitments.

However, where an intern remains consistently inactive, fails to perform assigned responsibilities, engages in serious misconduct or is otherwise unable to continue contributing effectively, IPRG may review, suspend or discontinue the internship.

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17. Lifetime Membership

Lifetime Membership is a special and selective institutional recognition conferred by IPRG upon individuals whose contribution, association, support or engagement with the Institute is considered particularly meaningful.

Lifetime Membership:

• Cannot be purchased;

• Does not carry a membership fee;

• Does not require annual renewal; and

• Is not granted in exchange for payment.

There is no automatic right or entitlement to Lifetime Membership.

Previous association with IPRG does not, by itself, guarantee that Lifetime Membership will be conferred.

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18. Consideration for Lifetime Membership

Lifetime Membership may be considered for individuals including:

• Distinguished professors;

• Academicians;

• Researchers;

• Guest speakers;

• Mentors;

• Advisors;

• Former interns;

• Former contributors;

• Professional collaborators;

• Individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to IPRG; and

• Other individuals whose association with the Institute is considered particularly valuable.

The primary consideration shall be the individual’s contribution, association, professional standing, integrity and overall value to IPRG.

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19. Selection of Lifetime Members

Lifetime Membership may be conferred by the authorised leadership of IPRG.

Factors that may be considered include:

• The quality and significance of the individual’s contribution;

• Academic, research or professional contribution;

• Contribution to IPRG programmes or activities;

• Support for the objectives of IPRG;

• Professional integrity;

• Long-term association;

• Impact of the individual’s work; and

• Overall contribution to the development or objectives of IPRG.

There shall be no automatic entitlement to Lifetime Membership.

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20. Annual Limit for Lifetime Membership

To preserve the value and distinctiveness of Lifetime Membership, IPRG may ordinarily confer Lifetime Membership upon a maximum of three individuals during a calendar year.

IPRG shall not be required to confer Lifetime Membership in every calendar year.

Accordingly, the number of Lifetime Memberships conferred during a particular year may range from zero to three, subject to the applicable institutional decision.

IPRG reserves the right to review or revise this limit where reasonably required.

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21. Benefits of Lifetime Membership

A Lifetime Member may receive privileges and opportunities including:

• Permanent recognition as an IPRG Lifetime Member;

• Access to eligible academic sessions and programmes;

• Invitations to selected lectures, webinars or workshops;

• Opportunities for research collaboration;

• Opportunities to interact with IPRG researchers and interns;

• Opportunities to contribute as a speaker, mentor or academic contributor;

• Consideration for selected academic or professional collaborations; and

• Other opportunities determined by IPRG.

The availability and nature of such opportunities may depend upon the individual’s expertise, background, eligibility and the requirements of the Institute.

Lifetime Membership does not guarantee access to every activity or opportunity.

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22. Lifetime Membership and Formal Roles

Lifetime Membership does not automatically create an internship, employment relationship, advisory position, directorship or other formal role within IPRG.

Where a Lifetime Member wishes to undertake an internship or another formal role, the applicable procedures, eligibility requirements and approval processes may apply.

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23. Membership Certificates

IPRG may issue an official membership certificate or membership confirmation document to approved members.

For Annual Members, the certificate may indicate:

• The applicable membership category;

• Membership identification details;

• The applicable membership period; and

• Other relevant information.

For Lifetime Members, the certificate may confirm that Lifetime Membership has been conferred by IPRG.

A membership certificate is evidence of membership status only.

It does not constitute:

• An academic degree;

• A professional licence;

• An educational qualification;

• Employment;

• Appointment to an official position; or

• Any other status not expressly authorised by IPRG.

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24. What Membership Does Not Mean

Membership does not automatically make an individual:

• An employee of IPRG;

• A permanent staff member;

• A Director;

• An office bearer;

• An official spokesperson;

• An authorised representative;

• An advisor;

• A guaranteed intern;

• A guaranteed published author; or

• A guaranteed recipient of a Letter of Recommendation.

Members must not represent themselves as holding an official position, authority or designation within IPRG unless such status has been separately and expressly authorised.

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25. Use of the IPRG Name and Identity

Members may accurately state their approved membership status.

For example:

Annual Member, Institute For Policy Research & Governance (IPRG)
or
Lifetime Member, Institute For Policy Research & Governance (IPRG)

Membership does not provide unrestricted permission to use the IPRG:

• Name;

• Logo;

• Seal;

• Letterhead;

• Certificates;

• Official documents; or

• Other institutional identity.

Members must not use IPRG’s name or identity in a manner that:

• Suggests unauthorised representation;

• Misrepresents an official relationship or position;

• Creates confusion regarding authority;

• Suggests endorsement where none exists; or

• Causes or is reasonably likely to cause harm to the reputation or interests of IPRG.

Any use beyond accurately stating membership status may require prior authorisation from IPRG.

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26. Member Conduct and Academic Integrity

Members are expected to maintain professional, respectful and academically responsible conduct.

Members are expected to:

• Treat members, interns, researchers, professors, speakers and representatives with respect;

• Maintain professional conduct;

• Uphold academic integrity;

• Maintain honesty and integrity in academic and professional activities;

• Protect confidential information where applicable;

• Use the IPRG name and identity responsibly;

• Follow reasonable organisational guidelines; and

• Avoid presenting personal opinions as official IPRG positions.

Members must not engage in conduct involving:

• Plagiarism;

• Fabrication or falsification;

• Fraud;

• Deliberate misrepresentation;

• Serious misuse of IPRG’s name or resources;

• Unauthorised disclosure of confidential information;

• Serious harassment or misconduct;

• Criminal activity;

• Deliberate malicious activity against IPRG; or

• Other conduct materially harmful to IPRG or its community.

Nothing in these provisions is intended to restrict reasonable disagreement, independent opinions or constructive criticism.

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27. Suspension or Cancellation of Membership

IPRG may review, suspend or cancel a membership where there are reasonable grounds to believe that a member has engaged in:

• Serious misconduct;

• Fraudulent conduct;

• Deliberate malicious activity;

• Material misrepresentation;

• Serious misuse of the IPRG name or identity;

• Criminal activity;

• Deliberate damage to IPRG’s property or reputation; or

• Other conduct seriously inconsistent with the integrity, safety, reputation or legitimate interests of the Institute.

Where reasonably appropriate and practicable, IPRG may provide the concerned member with an opportunity to explain or respond before a final decision is made.

Membership decisions shall remain subject to the circumstances of the individual case and applicable law.

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28. Membership Fees and Refunds

Annual Membership fees are ordinarily collected after approval of the relevant membership application.

Except where otherwise required by applicable law or expressly communicated by IPRG, membership fees may be non-refundable after membership has been activated.

Where an active membership is cancelled, suspended or discontinued due to circumstances attributable to the member, including serious misconduct or material violation of applicable terms, any refund, if applicable, may be determined based upon:

• The circumstances of the case;

• The membership period already utilised;

• Administrative or operational costs;

• Services or opportunities already provided; and

• Applicable legal and tax requirements.

Any applicable refund shall be processed through an appropriate payment method.

Applicable taxes, payment gateway charges or other non-refundable charges may be treated in accordance with applicable law and the relevant payment terms.

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29. Membership Records

IPRG may maintain membership records for administrative, verification, operational and institutional purposes.

Such records may include:

• Member’s full name;

• Membership ID;

• Membership category;

• Membership status;

• Certificate details;

• Application and approval information;

• Membership activation date;

• Membership expiry date, where applicable;

• Payment details, where applicable;

• Approved membership discounts, where applicable; and

• Other information reasonably required for administration of the Membership Programme.

The handling of personal information shall be subject to IPRG’s applicable privacy practices and relevant laws.

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30. Changes to the Membership Programme

IPRG reserves the right to amend, revise, suspend or modify the Membership Programme where reasonably required.

This may include changes relating to:

• Membership fees;

• Benefits;

• Eligibility requirements;

• Application procedures;

• Publication opportunities;

• Internship opportunities;

• Membership limits;

• Administrative requirements; and

• Other applicable terms.

Any revised terms may apply from the effective date communicated or published by IPRG, subject to applicable law.

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31. Termination or Suspension of Access to Services

IPRG may terminate, suspend or restrict access to all or any part of its Services where reasonably necessary, including in cases involving violation of these Terms & Conditions, misuse of the Services, security concerns or other legitimate institutional reasons.

Where you wish to discontinue using our Services, you may stop accessing or using the relevant Services, subject to any applicable contractual, payment or programme-related obligations.

Provisions which by their nature should survive termination or discontinuation shall continue to apply, including provisions relating to:

• Intellectual property;

• Ownership;

• Confidentiality;

• Disclaimers;

• Limitations of liability;

• Indemnity, where applicable; and

• Other provisions intended to survive termination.

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32. Disclaimer

Our Services are provided on an “AS IS” and “AS AVAILABLE” basis, subject to applicable law.

IPRG and its suppliers, licensors or service providers disclaim warranties to the extent permitted by applicable law, including implied warranties relating to merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement.

IPRG does not guarantee that:

• The Services will always be error-free;

• Access will be continuous or uninterrupted;

• Every feature or programme will remain permanently available; or

• Information or content will always be free from technical errors.

Users access and use the Services at their own discretion and risk, subject to applicable law.

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33. Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

These Terms & Conditions and the use of our Services shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the applicable laws of India, unless otherwise required by applicable law.

Subject to applicable law and the relevant jurisdictional requirements, disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms & Conditions or the use of our Services shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the competent courts in India.

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34. Changes to These Terms & Conditions

Institute For Policy Research & Governance reserves the right to modify, update or replace these Terms & Conditions from time to time.

Where material changes are made, IPRG may communicate such changes by:

• Publishing the revised Terms & Conditions on the website;

• Sending an email or other communication, where appropriate; or

• Using another reasonable communication method.

Where reasonably practicable, material changes may be communicated before they take effect.

Your continued use of the Services after the revised Terms & Conditions become effective may constitute acceptance of the updated Terms, subject to applicable law.

35. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns or queries regarding these Terms & Conditions, our Services or the IPRG Membership Programme, you may contact us at:

Institute For Policy Research & Governance

Email: admin@iprg.site