Purpose
Laraware Welfare Foundation is committed to the highest standards of ethical conduct, transparency, and accountability. This Whistleblower Policy encourages trustees, directors, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders ("Reporters") to report genuine concerns about misconduct, fraud, or violations of law or Foundation policies, without fear of retaliation.
This policy is framed in accordance with the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 177 – Vigil Mechanism) and applicable governance guidelines for non-profit organisations in India.
Scope
This policy covers concerns about:
- Fraud, misappropriation, or misuse of Foundation funds or assets
- Corruption, bribery, or illegal gratification
- Serious breach of the Foundation's Code of Conduct or policies
- Actions that pose a risk to beneficiaries, staff, or the public
- Violation of applicable laws including the Companies Act, 2013; FCRA; Income-tax Act; or PMLA, 2002
- Suppression of financial irregularities or misreporting to donors or regulators
Who Can Report
Any trustee, director, employee, volunteer, contractor, donor, beneficiary, or member of the public who has a genuine concern may raise a complaint under this policy.
How to Report
Reports can be made through any of the following channels:
- Email (confidential): whistleblower@larawarefoundation.com
- Written letter: Addressed to the Grievance Officer, Laraware Welfare Foundation, B2/64, Vibhutikhand, Gomtinagar, Lucknow – 226010, UP (marked "Confidential")
- Anonymous report: You may report anonymously. However, providing your contact details helps us investigate more effectively and respond to you.
Reports should include as much detail as possible: the nature of the concern, dates, persons involved, and any supporting evidence.
Handling of Reports
- All reports will be acknowledged within 7 working days.
- Reports will be investigated by the Grievance Officer or, if the concern involves the Grievance Officer, by the Board of Directors.
- Investigations will be conducted fairly, objectively, and confidentially.
- The Reporter will be informed of the outcome, to the extent permitted by law and confidentiality obligations, within 60 days.
Confidentiality
The identity of the Reporter will be kept confidential to the extent possible. Information shared during an investigation will be disclosed only on a need-to-know basis. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where disclosure is required by law or for a fair investigation.
Protection Against Retaliation
No Reporter who raises a concern in good faith will suffer any adverse consequence — including dismissal, demotion, harassment, or discrimination — as a result. Any person found to have retaliated against a Reporter will be subject to disciplinary action, including termination.
Malicious or knowingly false reports are not protected under this policy and may themselves result in disciplinary action.
Oversight
Grievance Officer: Vineet Kumar
Email: grievance@larawarefoundation.com
Phone: +91-9936622020
Address: B2/64, Vibhutikhand, Gomtinagar, Lucknow – 226010, UP
The Grievance Officer reports serious matters to the Board of Directors. The Board reviews the vigil mechanism annually.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Board of Directors and updated as required to reflect changes in law or governance best practices.