1. Introduction

Biginius Consultancy Pvt. Ltd. (“Biginius.com,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to providing equal opportunities and promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our scholarship programs and services. This Non-Discrimination Policy reaffirms our commitment to maintaining a supportive and inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, or bias based on protected characteristics. This policy applies to all scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders associated with Biginius.com.

2. Scope of Policy

This Non-Discrimination Policy applies to all scholarship-related activities and interactions facilitated by Biginius.com, including but not limited to:

• Scholarship application and selection processes
• Scholarship appointments, meetings, and events
• Scholarship program administration and management
• Communication and engagement with scholarship recipients, applicants, and stakeholders

Biginius.com expects all individuals and entities associated with our scholarship programs to adhere to the principles and standards outlined in this policy and to contribute to creating a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.

3. Principles of Non-Discrimination

Biginius.com is committed to upholding the following principles of non-discrimination:

• Equal Opportunity: We provide equal opportunities to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic recognized by applicable laws and regulations.
• Fair Treatment: We treat all scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders fairly and impartially, without discrimination, harassment, or bias based on protected characteristics.
• Inclusion: We embrace diversity and promote inclusion by valuing and respecting the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals, contributing to a rich and vibrant scholarship community.
• Accessibility: We strive to make our scholarship programs and services accessible to individuals of all backgrounds and abilities, removing barriers to participation and ensuring equitable access to opportunities.

4. Prohibited Conduct

Biginius.com prohibits discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any other form of unfair or unequal treatment based on protected characteristics. Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Discrimination: Treating individuals differently or unfavorably based on their race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, or other protected characteristic.
• Harassment: Engaging in unwelcome conduct, comments, gestures, or actions that create a hostile, intimidating, or offensive environment based on protected characteristics, including but not limited to verbal, physical, or visual harassment.
• Retaliation: Taking adverse action or retaliating against individuals for opposing discrimination, reporting discriminatory conduct, participating in investigations or proceedings related to discrimination, or exercising their rights under this policy.
• Bias: Allowing personal biases, stereotypes, or prejudices to influence decisions, judgments, or actions related to scholarship programs and services, resulting in unfair treatment or disparate outcomes.

5. Responsibilities of Biginius.com

As the provider of scholarship programs and services, Biginius.com has the following responsibilities under this Non-Discrimination Policy:

• Compliance: Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing non-discrimination and equal opportunity in scholarship programs and services.
• Prevention: Implementing measures to prevent discrimination, harassment, or bias-based conduct and promoting awareness and understanding of non-discrimination principles among scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Response and Resolution: Responding promptly and effectively to reports or complaints of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, conducting thorough investigations, and taking appropriate remedial action to address any violations of this policy.
• Accountability: Holding individuals and entities associated with Biginius.com accountable for upholding the principles of non-discrimination and fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and equity in scholarship-related activities and interactions.

6. Reporting Procedures

Scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders who believe they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of this policy are encouraged to report their concerns promptly to Biginius.com designated reporting channels, such as:

• Human Resources Department
• Compliance Officer
• Scholarship Program Coordinator
• Ethics Hotline or Whistleblower Hotline

Reports of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation will be handled with sensitivity, confidentiality, and impartiality, and appropriate measures will be taken to address and resolve the reported concerns in accordance with Biginius.com policies and procedures.

7. Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation

Biginius.com is committed to protecting the confidentiality of individuals who report concerns of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation and prohibits retaliation against individuals for reporting such concerns in good faith. Retaliation against individuals who report violations of this policy or participate in investigations or proceedings related to discrimination is strictly prohibited and will be subject to disciplinary action.

Confidentiality and non-retaliation are fundamental principles within the Biginius consultancy Pvt. Ltd. Scholarship Non-Discrimination Policy (“Non-Discrimination Policy”). This document outlines the importance of maintaining confidentiality and prohibiting retaliation in the context of addressing discrimination, harassment, or bias-based conduct within our scholarship programs and services. By upholding these principles, Biginius.com seeks to create a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders.

7.1 Confidentiality

Confidentiality refers to the protection of sensitive information shared by individuals involved in reporting or addressing discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Confidentiality is crucial for ensuring the privacy, dignity, and trust of individuals who come forward with complaints or concerns, as well as for promoting a culture of transparency and accountability in addressing misconduct. Key aspects of confidentiality within the Non-Discrimination Policy include:

• Privacy Protection: Biginius.com respects the privacy of individuals who report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation and takes measures to safeguard their personal information from unauthorized disclosure.
• Limited Disclosure: Information related to discrimination, harassment, or retaliation is disclosed on a need-to-know basis to authorized individuals involved in investigating and addressing the reported concerns, while minimizing unnecessary dissemination of sensitive information.
• Confidentiality Agreements: Biginius.com may require employees, contractors, partners, or other individuals involved in handling discrimination complaints to sign confidentiality agreements or adhere to confidentiality obligations to protect the confidentiality of information shared during the investigation process.
• Data Protection: Biginius.com complies with applicable data protection laws and regulations governing the collection, use, storage, and disposal of personal data obtained in connection with discrimination, harassment, or retaliation complaints, ensuring compliance with privacy standards and best practices.

7.2 Non-Retaliation

Non-retaliation is the prohibition of adverse actions or reprisals against individuals who report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in good faith or participate in investigations or proceedings related to such complaints. Non-retaliation is essential for encouraging individuals to come forward with concerns without fear of retaliation or adverse consequences. Key aspects of non-retaliation within the Non-Discrimination Policy include:

• Protection from Retaliation: Biginius.com prohibits retaliation against individuals who report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, participate in investigations or proceedings related to such complaints, or exercise their rights under the Non-Discrimination Policy.
• Examples of Retaliation: Retaliation may take various forms, including but not limited to adverse employment actions (e.g., termination, demotion, suspension ), harassment, intimidation, threats, ostracism, or other forms of adverse treatment based on the individual’s involvement in reporting or addressing discrimination complaints.
• Reporting Retaliation: Individuals who believe they have experienced retaliation in violation of the Non-Discrimination Policy are encouraged to report their concerns promptly to designated reporting channels within Biginius.com, such as the Human Resources Department, Compliance Officer, Scholarship Program Coordinator, or Ethics Hotline.
• Investigation and Remediation: Reports of retaliation are taken seriously and investigated promptly and impartially to assess the validity of the allegations, gather relevant evidence, and determine appropriate remedial action to address and prevent further retaliation.

7.3 Confidentiality and Non-Retaliation Safeguards

Biginius.com implements safeguards to ensure the effective enforcement of confidentiality and non-retaliation principles within the Non-Discrimination Policy:

• Training and Awareness: Biginius.com provides training and educational resources to employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders on the importance of confidentiality and non-retaliation, as well as their rights and responsibilities under the Non-Discrimination Policy.
• Whistleblower Protections: Biginius.com may offer whistleblower protections to individuals who report incidents of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in good faith, shielding them from retaliation and ensuring their confidentiality and anonymity to the extent permitted by law.
• Confidential Reporting Channels: Biginius.com maintains confidential reporting channels, such as hotlines, online reporting platforms, or designated contacts, to allow individuals to report concerns of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation confidentially and anonymously, if desired.
• Independent Review: Biginius.com may engage external parties or independent investigators to conduct impartial reviews of discrimination complaints or retaliation allegations, ensuring transparency, objectivity, and accountability in the investigation process.

7.4 Compliance and Oversight

Biginius.com monitors compliance with confidentiality and non-retaliation requirements under the Non-Discrimination Policy through various oversight mechanisms:

• Compliance Audits: Biginius.com conducts periodic audits or reviews of its discrimination, harassment, and retaliation prevention and response mechanisms to assess compliance with confidentiality and non-retaliation requirements and identify areas for improvement.
• Reporting and Documentation: Biginius.com maintains records of discrimination complaints, harassment reports, retaliation allegations, and investigative findings, documenting the steps taken to address and resolve reported concerns in accordance with the Non-Discrimination Policy.
• Regulatory Compliance: Biginius.com ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing confidentiality, data protection, and non-retaliation in the context of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation prevention and response efforts.

8. Compliance and Training

Biginius.com provides training and educational resources to scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders to promote awareness of non-discrimination principles and ensure compliance with this policy. Training programs cover topics such as diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, unconscious bias, and respectful workplace behavior.

9. Enforcement

Violation of this Non-Discrimination Policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of scholarship eligibility, employment, or contractual relationships with Biginius.com. Additionally, individuals or entities found to have engaged in discrimination, harassment, or retaliation may be subject to legal and regulatory consequences under applicable laws and regulations.

Enforcement of the Biginius consultancy Pvt. Ltd. Scholarship Non-Discrimination Policy (“Non-Discrimination Policy”) is essential to upholding the principles of equality, fairness, and inclusivity in all aspects of our scholarship programs and services. This document outlines the enforcement mechanisms, procedures, and consequences for violations of the Non-Discrimination Policy, ensuring accountability and promoting a respectful and supportive environment for scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders associated with Biginius consultancy Pvt. Ltd.

9.1 Scope of Enforcement

The enforcement of the Non-Discrimination Policy applies to all individuals and entities associated with Biginius.com scholarship programs and services, including but not limited to:

• Scholarship recipients
• Scholarship applicants
• Employees
• Contractors
• Partners
• Volunteers
• Visitors

All individuals and entities are expected to comply with the principles of non-discrimination outlined in the policy and to refrain from engaging in discriminatory conduct, harassment, or retaliation based on protected characteristics.

9.2 Enforcement Mechanisms

Enforcement of the Non-Discrimination Policy involves the following mechanisms:

• Reporting Procedures: Individuals who believe they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of the Non-Discrimination Policy are encouraged to report their concerns promptly to designated reporting channels within Biginius.com, such as the Human Resources Department, Compliance Officer, Scholarship Program Coordinator, or Ethics Hotline.
• Investigation Process: Upon receiving a report of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, Biginius.com will conduct a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation to assess the validity of the allegations, gather relevant evidence, and determine appropriate remedial action.
• Remedial Action: If an investigation confirms that a violation of the Non-Discrimination Policy has occurred, Biginius.com will take appropriate remedial action to address the situation, which may include disciplinary measures, corrective actions, training, counseling, or other interventions aimed at preventing recurrence and promoting compliance with the policy.

9.3 Consequences for Violations

Violations of the Non-Discrimination Policy may result in a range of consequences, depending on the severity and nature of the violation, as well as any mitigating or aggravating factors. Consequences for violations may include:

• Verbal Warning: In cases of minor or isolated incidents of misconduct, individuals may receive a verbal warning from their supervisor, manager, or designated authority, highlighting the importance of compliance with the Non-Discrimination Policy and addressing any concerns or expectations for improvement.
• Written Warning: If misconduct persists or escalates, individuals may receive a written warning documenting the violation of the Non-Discrimination Policy, outlining the consequences of continued non-compliance, and establishing expectations for future conduct.
• Suspension: In more serious cases of misconduct, individuals may be suspended from participating in scholarship programs or accessing scholarship-related services pending further investigation or resolution of the matter. Suspension may be temporary or indefinite, depending on the circumstances.
• Termination: Individuals found to have engaged in severe or repeated violations of the Non-Discrimination Policy may be subject to termination of their scholarship eligibility, employment, or contractual relationships with Biginius.com. Termination may be immediate or preceded by disciplinary procedures, depending on the severity of the misconduct.
• Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Violations of the Non-Discrimination Policy may also result in legal and regulatory consequences under applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards governing non-discrimination, equal opportunity, and workplace rights. Individuals or entities found to have violated the law may face civil liability, fines, or other penalties imposed by regulatory authorities or judicial proceedings.

9.4 Due Process and Fair Treatment

Throughout the enforcement process, Biginius.com is committed to upholding principles of due process, procedural fairness, and respect for individual rights. This includes:

• Notice: Providing individuals accused of violating the Non-Discrimination Policy with clear and specific notice of the allegations against them, as well as an opportunity to respond, present evidence, and defend themselves against the charges.
• Impartiality: Conducting investigations and making enforcement decisions in an impartial, objective, and unbiased manner, free from conflicts of interest, personal bias, or undue influence.
• Confidentiality: Respecting the confidentiality of individuals involved in enforcement proceedings and protecting their privacy to the fullest extent permitted by law, while also ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation complaints.
• Right to Appeal: Affording individuals subject to disciplinary action or adverse consequences the right to appeal the decision through established grievance procedures or appeal mechanisms, providing an opportunity for review by an impartial decision-maker.

9.5 Prevention and Education

In addition to enforcement measures, Biginius.com invests in prevention and education initiatives to promote awareness, understanding, and compliance with the Non-Discrimination Policy. These initiatives include:

• Training Programs: Providing training and educational resources to scholarship recipients, applicants, employees, contractors, partners, and stakeholders on topics such as diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, unconscious bias, respectful workplace behavior, and the importance of non-discrimination.
• Awareness Campaigns: Launching awareness campaigns, workshops, seminars, and events to raise awareness of non-discrimination principles, foster dialogue, and promote a culture of respect, inclusivity, and equity within the scholarship community.
• Policy Communication: Communicating the Non-Discrimination Policy and related policies, procedures, and expectations to all individuals and entities associated with Biginius.com scholarship programs and services through various channels, such as employee handbooks, training materials, website resources, and orientation sessions.

10. Conclusion

Biginius.com is committed to fostering a culture of respect, inclusivity, and equity in all aspects of our scholarship programs and services. By upholding the principles of non-discrimination and promoting equal opportunity for all individuals, we strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.

Sincerely,
Name: Mr. S Mahakul
Position: Website manager
BIGINIUS CONSULTANCY PRIVATE LIMITED