Whistle-blower Policy

Whistle-blower Policy – Drishti Foundation Trust

We operate in critical fields such as Research & Development, Higher Education, River Rejuvenation, Ocean Cleaning, Water Conservation, Pond Cleaning, Tree Plantation and Maintenance, Protection of Wildlife, Disaster Management, and Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation in India. In this diverse and impactful work, it is essential to ensure that all operations remain free from corruption, fraud, harassment, and misconduct. The Whistle-blower Policy exists to protect our mission, safeguard public trust, and provide a secure channel for reporting unethical, illegal, or unsafe behavior without fear of retaliation.

Purpose of the Policy

The primary purpose of this policy is to create a structured and transparent process for raising concerns. It encourages employees, volunteers, trustees, partners, donors, beneficiaries, contractors, and any stakeholder associated with Drishti Foundation Trust to report any suspected wrongdoing under Whistle-blower policy. These may include violations of laws, breaches of internal policies, fraud, financial mismanagement, corruption, harassment, discrimination, abuse of authority, environmental negligence, or any actions that could harm the organization’s reputation, mission, or beneficiaries.

By adopting this policy, we aim to:

• Promote a culture of openness and integrity.
• Deter and detect misconduct at an early stage.
• Protect individuals who report concerns in good faith.
• Ensure that all reports are investigated fairly, confidentially, and promptly.
• Comply with national laws, international governance standards, and UN ethical frameworks.

Scope of Application

This policy applies to all individuals associated with Drishti Foundation Trust, regardless of their role or duration of association. This includes:

• Permanent and temporary employees.
• Volunteers and interns.
• Trustees and board members.
• Contractors, suppliers, and consultants.
• Donors, beneficiaries, and partner organizations.

We recognize that potential wrongdoing can occur at any level whether in administrative operations, field projects, financial transactions, or academic and research initiatives. Therefore, this policy provides a universal mechanism for ethical oversight.

What Can Be Reported

Reports under this policy may include, but are not limited to:

1. Financial Misconduct – Fraud, embezzlement, falsification of financial records, misuse of donor funds, bribery, or kickbacks.
2. Corruption and Unethical Practices – Abuse of authority, favouritism, conflict of interest, or violation of procurement rules.
3. Workplace Harassment or Discrimination – Any form of verbal, physical, or psychological harassment, including gender-based discrimination.
4. Environmental Violations – Neglect or harm to the environment in violation of our conservation commitments, improper waste disposal, or unsafe project practices.
5. Health and Safety Risks – Unsafe working conditions or negligence that endangers human life or biodiversity.
6. Violation of Laws or Policies – Any breach of local, national, or international regulations relevant to our mission.

Good Faith Reporting

We encourage all reports to be made in good faith meaning the whistle-blower has reasonable grounds to believe the information is accurate at the time of reporting. Even if an investigation does not confirm the reported concern, no action will be taken against the whistle-blower if the report was made honestly. However, deliberate false accusations will be treated as a serious offense.

Reporting Channels

To make the reporting process accessible and safe, Drishti Foundation Trust offers multiple secure channels:

• Email: Reports can be sent to info@drishtifoundation.org.
• Postal Mail: Addressed to “Ethics Committee – Confidential,” at our registered office.
• In-Person: Concerns can be discussed directly with a member of the Ethics Committee or designated whistle-blower officer.
• Anonymous Drop-boxes: Available at selected office and project sites.

Whistle-blowers are encouraged to include details such as the nature of the concern, names of individuals involved, dates, locations, and supporting evidence to facilitate a thorough investigation.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

We maintain strict confidentiality throughout the process. The identity of the whistle-blower will only be disclosed if required by law or with their explicit consent. Anonymous reports are accepted, although providing contact details may help us gather additional information for the investigation.

Protection Against Retaliation

Drishti Foundation Trust enforces a zero-tolerance policy against retaliation. No whistle-blower who reports concerns in good faith will face any form of harassment, discrimination, demotion, or termination. Acts of retaliation will be treated as serious misconduct, leading to disciplinary or legal action.

Investigation Process

Once a report is received, the following steps are taken:

1. Acknowledgement: An acknowledgment email or letter is sent to the whistle-blower within 7 working days (unless submitted anonymously).
2. Preliminary Review: The Ethics Committee assesses whether the matter falls within the policy’s scope and determines the need for a full investigation.
3. Formal Investigation: Conducted by the Ethics Committee or an independent investigator, involving evidence gathering, interviews, and documentation review.
4. Outcome & Action: Findings are shared with the Board of Trustees, and corrective actions are implemented, which may include policy changes, disciplinary measures, restitution, or legal proceedings.
5. Feedback: Where possible and legally permissible, the whistle-blower will be informed of the investigation outcome.

Role of the Ethics Committee

The Ethics Committee is entrusted with:

• Receiving and reviewing reports.
• Ensuring confidentiality and fairness.
• Preventing retaliation.
• Overseeing impartial investigations.
• Reporting serious issues to the Board.

Committee members are trained in ethics, compliance, and investigative procedures to ensure due diligence.

Training and Awareness

To strengthen ethical culture, we provide regular training sessions, orientation programs, and awareness materials on the Whistle-blower Policy. The policy is accessible on our website and displayed at offices and project locations.

Annual Review of the Policy

This policy is reviewed annually to ensure it reflects current laws, best practices, and the evolving needs of our organization. Feedback from stakeholders is considered during the review process.

Alignment with International Standards

As an organization with ECOSOC Special Consultative Status and UNEP accreditation, we align our governance principles with UN guidelines, anti-corruption frameworks, and global non-profit accountability standards. This ensures our operations remain transparent and credible in the eyes of both local and international stakeholders.

Our Commitment

At Drishti Foundation Trust, we believe that raising concerns is an act of loyalty to our mission. Every whistle-blower plays a role in safeguarding our work—from rejuvenating rivers and cleaning oceans to protecting wildlife and advancing higher education. We urge all stakeholders to speak up when they see misconduct, knowing their voice is protected and valued.

Contact for Reporting Concerns:

Ethics Committee – Drishti Foundation Trust
G-502,Merlin Sparsh, Narol-Aslali Highway,Narol,Ahmedabad-382405
Email: info@drishtifoundation.org
Website: www.drishtifoundation.org

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