Indo Rural Charitable Trust (IRCT) values every contribution and strives to use donations promptly for community development in the Sundarbans. All donations are generally non-refundable and non-cancellable once processed, as funds are immediately allocated to projects and beneficiaries. However, IRCT understands that errors—such as duplicate payments or incorrect amounts—can occur. In such cases, IRCT may permit refund requests for erroneous transactions if they are submitted within a specified period (typically 5–7 days) from the donation date. Approved refunds are processed via the original payment method in Indian Rupees, with any applicable bank or transaction charges deducted. Decisions regarding refund approvals rest solely with the Board of Trustees, and no partial refunds are provided once funds have been utilized. This policy outlines the scope, conditions, procedures, and contact information related to cancellations and refunds to ensure transparency and donor confidence.
1. Scope
1.1 Applicability
This Cancellation and Refund Policy applies to:
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Monetary donations (online or offline) made directly to IRCT via the website, bank transfers, cheques, demand drafts, or other payment methods.
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In-kind contributions (material support) intended for community development projects.
1.2 Non-Applicability
The following are not eligible for cancellation or refund:
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General Donations: All contributions made to support IRCT’s mission (e.g., education, healthcare, women empowerment) are allocated immediately and thus non-refundable after processing.
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Tax-Exempt Contributions: Donations for which a tax exemption certificate has already been issued under Section 80G of the Income Tax Act are non-refundable.
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Program-Specific Funding: Funds earmarked for a particular project (e.g., rural health camp, skill development) that have been disbursed to beneficiaries or partner organizations.
2. Non-Refundable Donations
2.1 General Principle
Once a donation is received and confirmed by IRCT, the amount is immediately allocated to support ongoing and planned initiatives. Accordingly, IRCT does not entertain requests to cancel or refund donations after the transaction is complete.
2.2 In-Kind Donations
Materials or goods donated in kind (e.g., clothing, books, medical supplies) follow a similar non-refundable principle. Upon receipt, IRCT distributes these items to the intended beneficiaries, making returns or cancellations unfeasible.
3. Erroneous Donations
3.1 Definition
An erroneous donation refers to amounts transferred due to:
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Inadvertent Overpayment: Duplicate payments or amounts exceeding the intended donation value.
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Incorrect Transaction Details: Misplaced decimal points or other entry errors resulting in a wrong amount.
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Unauthorized Transactions: If a donor’s card or bank account is used without authorization and identified within a short timeframe after the transaction.
3.2 Eligibility for Refund
To be eligible for a refund under the erroneous donation clause:
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The donor must request a refund within 5–7 calendar days from the date of donation.
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The request must include transaction details (date, amount, payment mode) and a valid reason (e.g., duplicate donation, typing error).
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The donation must not have been claimed for tax exemption; if a certificate has been issued, IRCT may, at its discretion, decline the refund.
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IRCT reserves the right to verify transaction authenticity and donor identity before approving refunds.
4. Process for Requesting a Refund
4.1 Submission of Request
To initiate a refund, donors must:
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Contact IRCT: Send a written request to [email protected] within 7 days of the transaction, clearly stating:
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Full name of donor
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Transaction ID or donation reference number
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Date and amount of donation
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Reason for refund request (e.g., erroneous donation)
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Supporting Documentation: Provide a copy of the payment receipt or bank statement showing the deduction and any additional identity proofs as may be required for verification.
4.2 Verification and Approval
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Verification Period: IRCT will acknowledge receipt of the refund request within 3 business days and may request further documentation to confirm transaction details.
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Board Review: All refund requests undergo review by the Board of Trustees. Approval is granted only if the donation qualifies as erroneous and has not been earmarked or utilized for program activities.
4.3 Refund Disbursement
Upon approval:
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Processing Time: IRCT aims to process refunds within 15–30 calendar days from the date of approval. The timeline may vary depending on the payment processor and banking partner.
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Mode of Refund: Refunds are issued through the original payment channel (e.g., credit/debit card, net banking) and will be credited in Indian Rupees, net of any transaction or currency conversion charges.
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Cancellation Fees: IRCT may deduct a nominal administrative fee or transaction cost (generally 2.5% for online transactions, ₹300 for offline modes) from the refundable amount to cover payment gateway charges.
5. Timelines and Conditions
5.1 Time Limits
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Refund Request Window: Refund requests must be submitted within 7 days of donation. Requests after this window will not be entertained.
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Processing Duration: Donors can expect the refund to reflect in their accounts within 15–30 calendar days post-approval, depending on the banking partner’s timelines.
5.2 Deductions and Charges
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Bank Charges: Any bank or payment gateway fees incurred at the time of donation or refund are borne by the donor and will be deducted from the refundable amount.
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Tax Certificates: If an 80G tax-exemption certificate has been issued, IRCT reserves the right to decline the refund, as such funds are already allocated for tax and statutory purposes.
6. Special Circumstances
6.1 Unauthorized Transactions
If a donor suspects unauthorized usage of their payment instrument for a donation to IRCT:
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Report Immediately: Notify IRCT within 3 days of the unauthorized transaction at [email protected].
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Investigation: IRCT will investigate the claim in coordination with the payment gateway and banking partner. If verified as unauthorized, a full refund (net of charges) will be processed.
6.2 Cancellation Due to Website Errors
Should IRCT’s payment portal malfunction, resulting in failed or duplicated transactions:
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Donors must inform IRCT within 7 days. Upon confirmation of the glitch, IRCT will initiate a full or partial refund as applicable.
7. Contact Information
For any inquiries or to submit a refund request, please reach out via:
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Email:
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Refund Requests: [email protected]
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Unauthorized/Dispute Reporting: [email protected]
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Postal Address:
Indo Rural Charitable Trust
Pathar Pratima, Sundarban, District - South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, Pin No - 743383 -
Phone: +91-9875600677 (Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM IST)
8. Changes to This Policy
IRCT reserves the right to modify this Cancellation and Refund Policy at any time. Updates will be posted on our website, and donors are encouraged to review this policy periodically. Continuing to donate after policy changes implies acceptance of the amended terms.