PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

Bozarhaat is a digital marketplace platform operated under the governance framework of National Practical Centre (NPC).

Bozarhaat may be integrated with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) for enabling broader digital commerce interoperability.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, protect, and disclose personal information when you use the Bozarhaat platform.

By accessing or using Bozarhaat, you consent to this Privacy Policy.

2. Legal Framework

This Privacy Policy is designed in accordance with:

• The Information Technology Act, 2000 (India)
• Applicable IT Rules
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India)
• Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, where applicable

3. Who We Collect Data From

We collect data from:

• Farmers and actual producers
• Service providers
• Wholesalers and traders
• Buyers and institutional users
• Visitors to our website or mobile platform

All registered users must be real, identifiable individuals or legally registered entities.

4. Information We Collect

5. Purpose of Data Collection

We collect and process data for:

• User registration and verification
• Quarterly profile updates as per NPC procedure
• Facilitating transactions
• Payment settlements
• Dispute resolution
• Compliance with ONDC network protocols
• Legal and regulatory compliance
• Platform analytics and impact assessment

We do not sell personal data to third parties.

6. Profile Verification & Quarterly Update

All user profiles are subject to periodic review and quarterly updates.

Data may be verified through:

• Document submission
• Telephonic confirmation
• Field verification (if required)
• Digital audit systems

Failure to update required information may result in temporary suspension.

7. Data Sharing

We may share data with:

• ONDC network participants where transactions are interoperable.
• Payment gateway providers for settlement processing.
• Logistics partners for delivery fulfilment.
• Government authorities where legally required.
• Auditors and compliance authorities under statutory obligations.

We ensure reasonable safeguards before sharing data.

8. Data Storage & Security

We implement reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect data, including:

• Secure server infrastructure
• Access control systems
• Encrypted payment handling (where applicable)
• Role-based data access

However, no digital system can guarantee absolute security.

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data:

• As long as the user account remains active
• As required for legal compliance
• For audit and regulatory purposes

Users may request deletion subject to legal retention requirements.

10. User Rights

Under applicable Indian law, users may:

• Request access to their data
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Withdraw consent (subject to legal limitations)
• Request account deactivation
• Lodge complaints regarding misuse of data

Requests must be made in writing to the Grievance Officer.

11. Cookies & Tracking

Bozarhaat may use cookies and analytics tools to:

• Improve user experience
• Monitor platform performance
• Prevent fraud

Users may disable cookies through browser settings.

12. Children’s Privacy

Bozarhaat does not knowingly collect data from individuals below 18 years of age without lawful guardian consent.

13. Third-Party Links

The platform may contain links to external websites or ONDC network participants. Bozarhaat is not responsible for third-party privacy practices.

14. Cross-Network Transactions (ONDC Integration)

Where transactions are processed through ONDC protocols:

• Data exchange may occur as per ONDC standards.
• Settlement and operational timelines may be governed by network rules.
• ONDC participants may process limited transaction-related data.

Bozarhaat remains independently governed by NPC.

15. Grievance Redressal

In compliance with Indian IT regulations, users may contact:

We aim to respond within 30 days of receiving a complaint.

16. Changes to This Policy

NPC reserves the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Updated versions will be posted on the website with revised dates.

Continued use of the platform constitutes acceptance of updated terms.

17. Consent

By registering on Bozarhaat, you confirm that:

• You are an actual individual or authorised entity representative.
• The information provided is accurate.
• You consent to data processing as described in this Policy.