Privacy Policy

Resources

Documents & Resources

Governance documents, policies, forms, annual reports, and compliance materials. Transparency is at the core of BCA.

Governance

AOA, MOA & Bylaws

Core governance documents that define how BCA operates as a Section 8 company.

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Defines the objectives, scope, and powers of the association.

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Articles of Association (AOA)

Defines the rules and regulations for the internal management of BCA.

PDF

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BCA Bylaws

Comprehensive governance framework covering membership, elections, chapters, and operations.

PDF

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Code of Conduct

Professional standards and ethical guidelines for all BCA members.

PDF

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Election Rules

Procedures and rules for the election of office bearers and committee members.

PDF

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Chapter Formation Guidelines

Process and requirements for establishing new state chapters.

PDF

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Policies

Organizational Policies

BCA maintains comprehensive policies to ensure transparency, safety, and compliance.

How BCA collects, uses, and protects personal data of members and visitors.

Terms of Service

Terms governing the use of BCA website, portal, and services.

Refund Policy

Policy for membership fee refunds and event registration cancellations.

Anti-Harassment Policy

BCA's commitment to a safe and respectful environment for all members.

Data Retention Policy

How long member data is stored and the procedures for data deletion.

Intellectual Property Policy

Guidelines on the use of BCA branding, trademarks, and content.

1. Purpose

These Terms of Service govern access to and use of the BCA website, membership portal, forms, downloads, payment links, event pages, digital certificates, learning programs, communications, social media links and other BCA digital services.

By using BCA services, submitting a form, applying for membership, registering for an event, downloading a document or making a payment, the user agrees to comply with these Terms.

2. Eligibility and Account Responsibility

Users must provide accurate and complete information in all BCA forms.
Applicants are responsible for ensuring that uploaded documents, professional details and declarations are genuine.
BCA may verify identity, professional background, payment and eligibility before approving membership or issuing certificates.
Users shall not create false accounts, impersonate another person or misuse the identity of BCA.

3. Membership, Events and Services

Membership, event registration, certification, competitions, partnerships and chapter-related services are subject to applicable eligibility, payment, approval, attendance, conduct, capacity and documentation requirements.

Submitting an application or making a payment does not automatically create membership, appointments, office bearer positions, chapter approval, awards, certificates or partnerships unless approved by BCA in writing.

4. User Conduct

Treat BCA members, volunteers, trainers, partners, guests and staff respectfully.
Do not upload false, abusive, defamatory, discriminatory, threatening or unlawful content.
Do not misuse the BCA logo, certificates, ID cards, website content, forms or official branding.
Do not collect money, issue certificates or represent BCA without written authorization.
Do not hack, disrupt, scrape, reverse engineer or misuse BCA digital systems.

5. Payments, Fees and Taxes

Fees for memberships, events, certifications, partnerships and services may change from time to time. Applicable GST, taxes, gateway charges or bank fees may apply.

Payments are considered successful only after confirmation through BCA-approved payment channels. Transaction proof may be requested where required.

6. Certificates, Awards and Recognition

Certificates, medals, ID cards, letters and recognitions are issued only after successful verification and approval.

BCA reserves the right to correct, revoke, cancel or reissue certificates or recognitions if incorrect information, payment failure, ineligibility or misuse is detected.

7. Website Content and Downloads

Website content, forms, policy documents, brochures, logos, graphics, templates, videos and training material are provided solely for legitimate BCA use.

Downloading public documents does not transfer ownership or permission to alter or misuse BCA branding.

8. Third Party Links

The website may contain links to payment gateways, Google Forms, social media platforms, partner websites, video platforms or other third-party services.

BCA is not responsible for the availability, privacy practices, technical failures or terms of these third-party platforms.

9. Suspension, Refusal and Termination

BCA may suspend or deny access to memberships, certificates, events, downloads, website features or services where there is misconduct, fraud, non-payment, legal issues, security concerns or violation of BCA policies.

10. Limitation of Liability

BCA makes reasonable efforts to maintain accurate and uninterrupted services but does not guarantee continuous website availability.

BCA shall not be liable for indirect or consequential losses arising from website usage, technical failures, third-party services, event changes or incorrect information submitted by users, except where liability cannot legally be excluded.

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms are governed by the laws of India. BCA will first attempt to resolve disputes through internal communication and grievance procedures. Any legal matters shall be handled in accordance with applicable Indian laws and relevant contractual provisions.

Compliance

Regulatory Compliance

BCA operates in full compliance with Section 8 company regulations and statutory requirements.

Section 8 Compliant

Registered and operating under the Companies Act 2013 as a non-profit entity. Annual filings up to date.

Audited Financials

Annual financial statements audited by certified chartered accountants and made available to members.

FCRA Ready

Prepared for foreign contribution compliance. All statutory registrations and filings maintained current.

Downloads

Forms & Downloads

All necessary forms for membership, events, chapter formation, and other BCA processes.

Membership Application Form

Membership Renewal Form

Event Registration Form

Chapter Formation Application

Certificate Verification Request

Partnership Inquiry Form

Grievance Redressal Form

Expense Reimbursement Form

Annual Reports

Transparency in Action

BCA publishes annual reports detailing activities, financials, impact, and governance.

Annual Report 2024-25

Financial Year 2024-25

Download

Annual Report 2023-24

Financial Year 2023-24

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Annual Report 2022-23

Financial Year 2022-23

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Annual Report 2021-22

Financial Year 2021-22

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1. Purpose

This Refund and Cancellation Policy defines the rules for membership fees, event registrations, workshop fees, certification fees, partnership payments, donations, sponsorships and other payments received by BCA.

The objective of this policy is to maintain transparent, fair and accountable payment handling while protecting BCA from misuse, last-minute cancellations and administrative costs.

2. General Principles

Payments must be made only through BCA-approved payment methods.
Refund requests must be submitted in writing with valid payment proof.
Approved refunds are generally returned to the original payment source or verified bank account.
BCA may deduct gateway charges, bank fees, GST, printing, administrative or vendor costs where applicable.
No refunds will be processed for fraudulent, duplicate or unauthorized claims.

3. Membership Fee Refunds

If an application is rejected before ID or certificate processing, a refund may be approved after applicable deductions.
If the applicant withdraws before approval, refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Memberships already approved or where benefits have been accessed are normally non-refundable.
Upgrading to a higher membership category requires payment of the applicable fee unless otherwise approved.
Incorrect category selection may be adjusted before approval, but refunds after processing are not guaranteed.

4. Event, Workshop and Program Cancellation

If BCA cancels an event, a refund or credit note may be provided.
Participant cancellations made at least seven days before an event may qualify for a partial refund or adjustment.
Cancellations within seven days are generally non-refundable.
No refund is available for no-shows or late arrivals.
If an event is rescheduled, participants may attend the new date or request an adjustment as per BCA policy.

5. Certification and Verification Fees

Fees for certificates, verification, corrections, reissues, courier services and digital processing are generally non-refundable once processing has started. Corrections caused by BCA may be made without additional charges.

6. Donations and Sponsorships

Donations and sponsorship payments are generally non-refundable once acknowledged or utilized. Refunds may only be considered in exceptional circumstances such as duplicate payments, incorrect transfers or Board-approved cases.

7. Duplicate or Failed Transactions

Duplicate or excess payments should be reported within seven working days with valid proof. Verified duplicate payments may be refunded or adjusted against future dues.

8. Refund Request Process

Email the refund request with payment details and reason for refund.
Attach the payment receipt, screenshot or bank reference.
BCA will verify the payment before approval.
Approved refunds may require additional banking or payment gateway processing time.

9. Non-Refundable Situations

Approved and activated memberships.
Processed certificates, ID cards, medals, kits or printed materials.
No-show or incomplete attendance.
Violation of the BCA Code of Conduct.
Fraudulent claims or false documentation.
Administrative, courier, GST, gateway and vendor charges already incurred.

1. Purpose

BCA is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive and harassment-free environment for members, students, home chefs, professional chefs, trainers, volunteers, staff, directors, advisors, partners, guests, event participants and digital community members.

This policy covers harassment, discrimination, bullying, intimidation, sexual harassment, retaliation and unsafe conduct across BCA programs, events, workshops, offices, online groups and chapter activities.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all BCA meetings, workshops, competitions, training programs, chapter meetings, travel connected with BCA activities, WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, online sessions, email communication, volunteer work and partner interactions.

3. Prohibited Conduct

Sexual harassment, unwanted physical contact, inappropriate remarks, gestures, messages or conduct creating a hostile environment.
Harassment or discrimination based on gender, caste, religion, language, disability, age, marital status, profession, region or identity.
Bullying, intimidation, humiliation, threats, stalking or repeated unwanted communication.
Abuse of authority by office bearers, trainers, mentors, judges, sponsors or senior members.
Retaliation against anyone who reports misconduct or participates in an investigation.
Misuse of photographs, videos, personal information, certificates, identity or private communications.

4. Expected Conduct

Treat everyone with dignity, respect and professional courtesy.
Maintain appropriate language, behaviour and personal boundaries.
Take consent before photography, recording or sharing personal information where required.
Follow event safety rules, food safety standards and trainer instructions.
Report misconduct promptly and cooperate honestly during investigations.

5. Reporting Process

Complaints may be submitted through the official BCA grievance process or by emailing the designated contact address. Urgent safety concerns may also be reported directly to authorized BCA representatives during events.

Complaints should include the date, time, location, persons involved, incident description, available evidence and the requested action wherever possible.

6. Review and Action

BCA may appoint a grievance, ethics or disciplinary committee to review complaints.
Concerned parties will normally be given an opportunity to respond unless urgent action is necessary.
Actions may include warnings, apologies, removal from events, suspension, membership cancellation, certificate cancellation, chapter suspension or legal action.
Confidentiality will be maintained wherever reasonably possible.

7. POSH Compliance Note

Where applicable, workplace sexual harassment complaints involving employees shall be handled in accordance with relevant POSH requirements. For members and public participants, BCA will follow its grievance and disciplinary framework.

8. False or Malicious Complaints

BCA may take appropriate action against knowingly false, fabricated or malicious complaints. However, an inability to prove a complaint alone will not automatically make it false or malicious.

Legal

Privacy & Terms

Your rights and our responsibilities

Privacy Policy

BCA is committed to protecting the privacy of its members and website visitors. We collect only necessary information, use it solely for stated purposes, and never share personal data without consent.

Read Full Policy

Terms of Service

These terms govern your use of BCA's website, member portal, and services. By accessing or using our services, you agree to be bound by these terms.

Read Full Terms

1. Purpose

This Intellectual Property and Brand Usage Policy protects the BCA name, logo, emblem, seal, certificates, ID cards, medals, brochures, posters, website content, photographs, videos, course materials, templates, social media content and other official intellectual property.

2. BCA Brand Assets

Bengal Culinary Association name, abbreviation (BCA), official tagline and campaign phrases.
Official logo, emblem, seal, badges, certificate designs, medal designs and member kit designs.
Official chef coat visuals, chapter branding, event banners, website graphics and social media templates.
Training manuals, recipes, SOPs, presentations, forms, policy documents, event concepts and program materials.
Photographs, videos and recordings created during BCA events, subject to consent and applicable rights.

3. Authorized Use

Members, chapters, partners, sponsors, trainers, volunteers and vendors may use BCA brand assets only with written authorization or approved official templates.

Brand usage must follow approved designs, colors, placement, wording and quality standards.
Logos, emblems and official certificates must not be modified or recreated without permission.
BCA branding must not imply appointment, sponsorship, partnership or certification unless officially approved.
Chapter branding may only be used after written approval and for authorized activities.

4. Prohibited Use

Using the BCA logo or name for personal or commercial promotion without permission.
Creating or issuing fake certificates, medals, ID cards or appointment letters.
Uploading altered documents, misleading promotional materials or unauthorized sponsorship claims.
Registering domain names, trademarks or social media accounts that imitate BCA branding.
Selling BCA templates, databases, member lists or training materials without authorization.
Using BCA branding for political, hateful, fraudulent, obscene or unlawful purposes.

5. User-Generated Content and Event Media

Participants may share photographs and achievements from BCA events respectfully, provided they do not misuse logos, misrepresent their status, expose private information or damage the reputation of BCA. Misleading or inappropriate content may be removed upon request.

6. Vendor and Partner Rights

Designers, photographers, agencies, printers, trainers and vendors engaged by BCA must ensure that deliverables created for BCA are assigned or licensed to BCA according to written agreements. Ownership of editable files and usage rights should be clearly defined before work begins.

7. Certificate and Medal Controls

Certificates, medals and ID cards must use approved designs, authorized signatures, issue dates and correct categories. Unauthorized reproduction, duplication, resale or reprinting is strictly prohibited.

8. Infringement and Enforcement

Where misuse of BCA intellectual property or branding is identified, BCA may issue takedown notices, cease-and-desist communications, membership action, vendor blacklisting, chapter action, police complaints or other legal remedies.

9. Permission Requests

Requests to use the BCA name, logo, certificate templates, event photographs or training materials should be submitted with details including purpose, duration, platform, sample design and responsible person information.

Documents & Resources

AOA, MOA & Bylaws

Memorandum of Association (MOA)

Articles of Association (AOA)

BCA Bylaws

Code of Conduct

Election Rules

Chapter Formation Guidelines

Organizational Policies

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Refund Policy

Anti-Harassment Policy

Data Retention Policy

Intellectual Property Policy

1. Purpose

2. Scope

3. Personal Data BCA May Collect

4. Purpose of Processing

5. Consent, Notice and Withdrawal

6. Data Sharing

7. Data Security

8. Rights and Requests

9. Cookies and Website Analytics

10. Children and Students

11. Updates

1. Purpose

2. Eligibility and Account Responsibility

3. Membership, Events and Services

4. User Conduct

5. Payments, Fees and Taxes

6. Certificates, Awards and Recognition

7. Website Content and Downloads

8. Third Party Links

9. Suspension, Refusal and Termination

10. Limitation of Liability

11. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

Regulatory Compliance

Section 8 Compliant

Audited Financials

FCRA Ready

Forms & Downloads

Transparency in Action

Annual Report 2024-25

Annual Report 2023-24

Annual Report 2022-23

Annual Report 2021-22

1. Purpose

2. General Principles

3. Membership Fee Refunds

4. Event, Workshop and Program Cancellation

5. Certification and Verification Fees

6. Donations and Sponsorships

7. Duplicate or Failed Transactions

8. Refund Request Process

9. Non-Refundable Situations

1. Purpose

2. Scope

3. Prohibited Conduct

4. Expected Conduct

5. Reporting Process

6. Review and Action

7. POSH Compliance Note

8. False or Malicious Complaints

Privacy & Terms

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

1. Purpose

2. Records Covered

3. Retention Schedule

4. Retention Principles

5. Deletion and Correction Requests

6. Secure Disposal

7. Breach and Incident Handling

1. Purpose

2. BCA Brand Assets

3. Authorized Use

4. Prohibited Use

5. User-Generated Content and Event Media

6. Vendor and Partner Rights