Anti‑Bribery

Our Commitment

At Lotus India Foundation Trust, integrity stands at the heart of everything we do. As a non-profit organization committed to social development, we recognize that transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior are essential to maintaining the trust of our donors, partners, beneficiaries, and the public.

This Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption Policy defines our zero-tolerance approach to bribery, corruption, or any form of unethical conduct. Every trustee, employee, volunteer, consultant, and partner associated with the Foundation is expected to uphold these principles in both spirit and action.

Purpose of the Policy

The purpose of this policy is to:

  • Prevent and detect any form of bribery or corrupt practice within or related to our operations.
  • Ensure all employees and partners act honestly, transparently, and in compliance with the law.
  • Safeguard the Foundation’s reputation and maintain the confidence of donors, government bodies, and communities.
  • Provide clear guidelines on what constitutes bribery, how to identify risks, and how to report any concerns.

This policy applies to all individuals and organizations working with or representing Lotus India Foundation Trust, including contractors, vendors, consultants, and third-party partners.

Understanding Bribery and Corruption

Bribery means directly or indirectly offering, giving, requesting, or accepting anything of value — financial or otherwise — to improperly influence the actions of another individual or organization.

Corruption includes misuse of position, authority, or resources for personal gain or unfair advantage. Examples may include:

  • Offering or accepting gifts, cash, or favors in exchange for preferential treatment.
  • Misusing project funds or donations.
  • Manipulating procurement, recruitment, or reporting processes for personal benefit.
  • Concealing, misreporting, or falsifying documents to gain advantage.

At Lotus India Foundation Trust, any form of bribery or corrupt behavior is strictly prohibited, regardless of value, intention, or circumstance.

Our Principles

  1. Zero Tolerance:
    The Foundation maintains a strict zero-tolerance stance on bribery and corruption in all its forms.
  2. Transparency in Operations:
    All financial transactions, procurement activities, and partnerships are documented, reviewed, and subject to internal and external audits.
  3. Fairness in Procurement:
    Vendor selection and procurement decisions are made based on merit, quality, and cost-effectiveness, not personal relationships or inducements.
  4. Responsible Use of Donations:
    Every contribution received is used solely for the purpose intended and is tracked through transparent accounting practices.
  5. Accountability of All Representatives:
    Every staff member, trustee, and volunteer is responsible for ensuring that their conduct upholds the Foundation’s ethical standards.

Gifts, Hospitality, and Donations

While occasional tokens of appreciation may be part of cultural or professional exchanges, they must always be reasonable, transparent, and not intended to influence decisions.

  • Employees and representatives should not offer or accept gifts, meals, or hospitality that could be perceived as a bribe.
  • Any such offers or exchanges must be reported to the management or compliance officer immediately.
  • Donations from individuals or organizations must be received only through official channels and properly documented.

Conflict of Interest

All trustees, staff, and partners are required to avoid situations where personal interests could conflict with the Foundation’s objectives.

If such a situation arises, it must be declared in writing and reviewed by the management committee. No employee or volunteer may use their position for personal benefit or to favor relatives, friends, or business associates.

Reporting and Whistleblowing

We encourage a culture of openness and accountability. Anyone who suspects or becomes aware of possible bribery, fraud, or misconduct should report it immediately.

Reports can be made confidentially to:
📧 compliance@lotusindiafoundation.com