Non-Discrimination Policy

FreePathshala is committed to providing an inclusive, safe, and respectful environment where every individual is treated with dignity and fairness. We believe every child has the right to quality education and equal opportunities, regardless of their background or circumstances.

🎯 Purpose

This policy establishes FreePathshala's commitment to equality, inclusion, and respect across all programmes, services, employment practices, volunteer engagement, partnerships, and governance activities.

⚖️ Policy Statement

FreePathshala does not discriminate on the basis of:

✔ Age

✔ Gender or Gender Identity

✔ Sex

✔ Caste

✔ Religion or Belief

✔ Ethnicity or Race

✔ Language

✔ Nationality

✔ Disability

✔ Marital Status

✔ Socio-economic Status

✔ Migration Status

✔ Political Affiliation

✔ Sexual Orientation

✔ Any other status protected under applicable laws

Our programmes primarily serve children from underserved communities, particularly children of migrant construction workers, while ensuring that every beneficiary is treated with equal dignity, fairness, and respect.

👥 Scope

This policy applies to:

Trustees & Advisory Board Members
Employees
Teachers & Facilitators
Volunteers & Interns
Consultants
Donors & Partners while engaging with FreePathshala programmes
All beneficiaries and participants

🌱 Equal Opportunity

Provide equal access to educational opportunities for all eligible children.
Recruit, hire, train, promote, and retain employees and volunteers based solely on merit, qualifications, and organisational needs.
Provide equal opportunities for participation in educational, sports, cultural, and extracurricular activities.
Provide reasonable accommodations for children and staff with disabilities wherever feasible.

🛡 Safe & Respectful Environment

FreePathshala maintains a learning and working environment free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, intimidation, victimisation, or exclusion.

Any behaviour that demeans, excludes, or discriminates against another individual is inconsistent with our values and will not be tolerated.

📢 Reporting & Resolution

Any employee, volunteer, parent, student, or stakeholder who experiences or witnesses discrimination is encouraged to report the matter to the Founder or Principal.

Every complaint will be:

Treated confidentially.
Investigated promptly and fairly.
Resolved through appropriate corrective action where necessary.
Handled without retaliation against the complainant.

🤝 Responsibility

Every member of the FreePathshala community shares responsibility for promoting inclusion, respecting diversity, and ensuring equitable treatment in all organisational activities and interactions.

📅 Review

This policy shall be reviewed periodically by the Board of Trustees to ensure continued compliance with applicable laws and alignment with FreePathshala's mission, vision, and values.

Note: This policy aligns with Indian legal principles, including Article 14 of the Constitution of India, the Right to Education Act, and workplace equality norms, while also meeting governance expectations commonly required by CSR donors, foundations, and international grant-makers.