Whistle-blower Policy

Whistle-Blower Policy – Drishti Foundation

At Drishti Foundation, we believe that integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct are the foundation of all our actions. For over 27 successful years, we have been actively working at the grassroots level in public policy, research and development, environmental conservation, and higher education. We understand that trust is essential to fulfilling our mission and that the public, our donors, partners, volunteers, and the communities we serve rely on our unwavering commitment to accountability. Our Whistle-Blower Policy reflects our dedication to creating a safe environment where individuals can raise concerns without fear of retaliation, ensuring that any misconduct, wrongdoing, or unethical behavior is promptly addressed.

Purpose of the Whistle-Blower Policy

The purpose of this policy is to provide a clear and confidential process for reporting unethical conduct, violations of laws, breaches of Drishti Foundation’s policies, or any activity that may harm the reputation or operations of the organization. This policy is not only a safeguard for individuals who report concerns in good faith, but also an essential mechanism for maintaining the highest standards of governance and ethical behavior.

Scope of the Policy

The Whistle-Blower Policy applies to all employees, board members, volunteers, interns, contractors, and partners of Drishti Foundation. It covers all forms of misconduct including fraud, corruption, bribery, harassment, discrimination, abuse of resources, conflicts of interest, violations of environmental or public policy laws, and any action that undermines the mission of the organization.

Our Commitment to Whistle-Blowers

Drishti Foundation assures that anyone who reports a concern in good faith will be protected from retaliation, harassment, or adverse consequences. We are committed to ensuring that all allegations are taken seriously, investigated impartially, and resolved fairly. The identity of whistle-blowers will be kept confidential to the fullest extent possible.

Types of Misconduct That Should Be Reported

We encourage whistle-blowers to report any of the following:

  1. Fraud and Financial Misconduct – Misuse of funds, accounting irregularities, false reporting, or unauthorized transactions.
  2. Corruption and Bribery – Offering, soliciting, or accepting bribes in exchange for favors.
  3. Abuse of Power or Position – Misuse of authority for personal gain or to harm others.
  4. Harassment and Discrimination – Any form of workplace harassment, including sexual harassment, bullying, or discriminatory practices.
  5. Conflict of Interest – Situations where personal interests interfere with organizational responsibilities.
  6. Breach of Legal or Regulatory Requirements – Any activity that violates local, national, or international laws.
  7. Environmental Violations – Actions that harm the environment or violate environmental protection regulations.
  8. Other Unethical Conduct – Any behavior that contradicts Drishti Foundation’s values and ethical standards.

Reporting Mechanism

Drishti Foundation has established multiple secure channels for reporting concerns to ensure accessibility and confidentiality. Whistle-blowers may:

  • Submit a written complaint to the designated Whistle-Blower Officer.
  • Use a confidential email address: whistleblower@drishtifoundation.com.
  • Call the dedicated hotline (details provided in the internal policy manual).
  • Report directly to the Chairperson of the Board in case the concern involves senior management.

Anonymous reports are also accepted; however, whistle-blowers are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible to facilitate a thorough investigation.

Investigation Process

Upon receiving a report, the designated officer will acknowledge receipt and begin a preliminary assessment within seven working days. If the concern is deemed valid, an independent investigation team will be formed. This team will:

  1. Gather all relevant facts and evidence.
  2. Interview involved parties and witnesses.
  3. Maintain confidentiality at all stages.
  4. Prepare a written report with findings and recommendations.

The final report will be submitted to the Board of Directors for review and necessary action.

Protection Against Retaliation

Retaliation against a whistle-blower is strictly prohibited and will result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment or partnership. Protection extends to those who participate in investigations or provide information related to a whistle-blower’s report.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Whistle-Blower Officer – Manages the reporting process, maintains records, and ensures timely investigation.
  • Investigators – Conduct fair, impartial, and evidence-based inquiries.
  • Board of Directors – Provides oversight, ensures policy compliance, and takes corrective action.
  • Employees and Volunteers – Must adhere to the policy, cooperate during investigations, and refrain from retaliation.

Confidentiality

All reports and investigations will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Information will only be shared on a need-to-know basis with individuals directly involved in the investigation and resolution of the matter.

Good Faith and False Allegations

Drishti Foundation expects that all reports are made in good faith, based on reasonable belief that wrongdoing has occurred. False, malicious, or frivolous allegations may result in disciplinary action.

Awareness and Training

We conduct regular training sessions to ensure all staff, volunteers, and partners understand the Whistle-Blower Policy, reporting channels, and their rights and responsibilities. Awareness campaigns are also carried out to encourage an open and transparent culture.

Integration with Organizational Values

Our Whistle-Blower Policy aligns with Drishti Foundation’s core values of honesty, integrity, respect, and social responsibility. It is an essential part of our governance framework and our mission to foster a corruption-free, ethical, and accountable environment.

Review and Continuous Improvement

The policy is reviewed annually to ensure it reflects best practices, legal requirements, and organizational needs. Feedback from stakeholders is considered in updating procedures and improving the effectiveness of the policy.

Why the Whistle-Blower Policy Matters

A strong whistle-blower framework not only protects individuals but also strengthens the organization’s credibility. For Drishti Foundation, this means safeguarding our mission to serve communities, influence public policy, protect the environment, and promote education with full integrity. Our ability to act swiftly on reported concerns ensures that our operations remain ethical, our funds are used responsibly, and our impact is maximized.

Commitment to Transparency

We publish summarized, anonymized data on whistle-blower reports in our annual transparency report. This helps demonstrate our commitment to accountability and reassures stakeholders that concerns are addressed with seriousness and fairness.

Conclusion

At Drishti Foundation, we recognize that speaking up takes courage. Our Whistle-Blower Policy is designed to empower individuals to voice their concerns without fear, knowing that they will be heard, protected, and respected. By fostering a culture of openness and ethical conduct, we ensure that our 27 years of grassroots work in public policy, research, environmental protection, and education continues to be built on trust and integrity.

We encourage all stakeholders to use this policy as a tool to uphold the values that make Drishti Foundation a trusted partner in sustainable development and social transformation. Together, we can ensure that our organization remains a beacon of transparency and accountability for decades to come.

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