1. Privacy Policy of PRASHAST

    1. Introduction

      PRASHAST ("Pre-Assessment Holistic Screening Tool") is a national platform developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) through its constituent unit, the Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET). This platform, primarily accessed via the PRASHAST mobile application available for Android devices and potentially associated web services accessible at ciet.ncert.gov.in/prashast, serves as a crucial instrument in supporting the vision of Equitable and Inclusive Education articulated in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009.

      The primary function of PRASHAST is to provide 'A Disability Screening Checklist for Schools', covering the 21 disability conditions recognized under the RPwD Act, 2016. It is designed to facilitate early, preliminary screening of school children by authorized school personnel to identify students who may require further assessment for potential disabilities. This process supports the timely referral of students for formal identification and certification by competent authorities, as mandated under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. It is imperative to understand that PRASHAST is solely a preliminary screening tool and is explicitly not intended for diagnosing disabilities or applying labels to children. Its purpose is strictly limited to facilitating the initial step in the identification and support process.

      The privacy and protection of data related to PRASHAST's Users and the screening process are of utmost importance and shall be ensured at all times. This Privacy Policy details the data protection and management practices on the PRASHAST platform, including how Personal Information of Users and the Screening Data generated through the app are collected, managed, used, processed, and protected.

      By accessing and using the PRASHAST platform, and by providing information thereon, you, as a User, consent to the collection, storage, processing, and use of the information you disclose (including Personal Information and Screening Data you enter) by NCERT/CIET and other authorized personnel in accordance with the policies and guidelines of PRASHAST, including the Terms of Use and this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree with the contents of this policy, please do not access or use the PRASHAST platform.

      This Privacy Policy should be read in conjunction with the PRASHAST Terms of Use. Defined terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Terms of Use.

    2. Definitions

      1. PRASHAST Platform/App: Refers to the PRASHAST mobile application (primarily Android), the associated website (ciet.ncert.gov.in/prashast), and any related backend services provided by NCERT/CIET for the purpose of disability screening in schools.
      2. NCERT/CIET: The National Council of Educational Research and Training and its constituent unit, the Central Institute of Educational Technology, are the developers, administrators, and controllers of the PRASHAST platform.
      3. User: An individual authorized to access and use the PRASHAST App. Specific user roles include:
        1. Teacher: Regular school teachers authorized to use PRASHAST Part 1 for the initial, first-level screening of students based on observation.
        2. Special Educator: Authorized special educators, counsellors, or resource persons responsible for using PRASHAST Part 2 to validate observations from Part 1 and conduct second-level screening.
      4. Principal/School Head: Authorized school administrators (Principals, Headmasters) responsible for registering the school, verifying Teacher and Special Educator accounts linked to their school, overseeing the screening process within the school, and potentially accessing consolidated school-level reports.
      5. NCERT/CIET Administrator: Authorized personnel from NCERT/CIET responsible for the overall management, maintenance, and technical support of the PRASHAST platform.
      6. RPwD Act, 2016: The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the central legislation in India that recognizes 21 specific disability conditions. PRASHAST is designed to screen for indicators related to these conditions.
      7. Screening Data: Information entered into the PRASHAST App by authorized Teachers and Special Educators based on their observations of students using the structured checklists (PRASHAST Part 1 and Part 2). This data pertains to behavioural manifestations, characteristics, or difficulties potentially indicative of one of the 21 disability conditions recognized under the RPwD Act 2016. It is explicitly not diagnostic data but serves as input for the preliminary screening process.
      8. Personal Information: Information that can be used to identify a User, such as their name, email address, mobile number (if provided), designation, associated school details, and UDISE code.
      9. UDISE Code: The Unified District Information System for Education code, a unique identifier for schools in India, used within PRASHAST for school identification and verification of Principal/School Head accounts.
      10. Terms of Use: The separate document governing the terms and conditions for using the PRASHAST platform, outlining user responsibilities and acceptable use.

    3. Rights of Users (Teachers, Special Educators, Principals)

      Users of the PRASHAST platform possess certain rights concerning their Personal Information and the handling of Screening Data:

      1. Right to Fair and Transparent Data Collection: Users have the right to fair, transparent, and lawful collection of their Personal Information and to understand how Screening Data related to students is handled within the platform.
      2. Right to Be Informed: Users have the right to be clearly informed about the purposes for which their Personal Information and the Screening Data they enter will be used, primarily for facilitating the disability screening process, generating reports, and enabling referrals for further assessment.
      3. Right to Consent: Users have the right to provide consent before their Personal Information is collected upon registration. The act of using the platform for entering Screening Data is performed as part of the User's professional duties within the educational framework mandated by policies like NEP 2020, RPwD Act 2016, and Samagra Shiksha.
      4. Right to Privacy and Confidentiality: Users have the right to privacy and confidentiality regarding their Personal Information. Furthermore, they have a right to expect that the highly sensitive Screening Data they handle is treated with strict confidentiality and accessed only by authorized personnel for legitimate purposes. The sensitive nature of data related to potential disabilities in children underscores the importance of robust confidentiality measures.
      5. Right to Proper Use of Data: Users have the right to expect that their Personal Information and the Screening Data they manage are used appropriately by authorized personnel solely for the specified and legitimate purposes related to the PRASHAST screening process and subsequent referrals.
      6. Right to Accuracy: Users have the right to keep their own Personal Information (e.g., profile details) accurate and up-to-date via the mechanisms provided in the app.
      7. Right to Security: Users have the right to secure collection, handling, and storage of their Personal Information and the Screening Data they access or input, protected by reasonable security measures.
      8. Right to Protection from Unauthorized Use: Users have the right to protection from unauthorized or unlawful use, access, or disclosure of their Personal Information and the Screening Data.
      9. Right to Access Policy: Users have the right to easily view and access this Privacy Policy and the Terms of Use.

    4. Responsibilities of Users (Teachers, Special Educators, Principals)

      All Users accessing and utilizing the PRASHAST platform have specific responsibilities regarding data privacy and appropriate use:

      1. Respect for Student Privacy: Users must respect the privacy and rights of the students involved in the screening process at all times.
      2. Confidentiality of Screening Data: Users are strictly responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of all Screening Data they access, input, or view within the PRASHAST App. Sharing of this sensitive information must be limited to authorized personnel and handled according to established school procedures and legal requirements.
      3. Purpose Limitation: Users must utilize the PRASHAST App and the Screening Data solely for the intended purpose of preliminary disability screening and facilitating referrals, as guided by NCERT/CIET, the RPwD Act 2016, and Samagra Shiksha provisions.
      4. Account Security: Users are responsible for maintaining the security and confidentiality of their login credentials (email, password) and for any activity that occurs under their account.
      5. Principal Verification Duty: Principals/School Heads hold a specific responsibility to accurately verify the accounts of Teachers and Special Educators associated with their school using the mechanisms provided in the app. This verification step is a key control for ensuring data integrity and authorized access within the school environment.
      6. Compliance: Users must comply with this Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use, and all applicable Indian laws and regulations pertaining to data privacy and child welfare.

      Failure to comply with these responsibilities may result in suspension or termination of access to the PRASHAST platform and potential liability under applicable laws.

    5. What User Data and Information is Collected on PRASHAST?

      PRASHAST collects specific categories of data necessary for its functioning as a disability screening tool and platform management:

      1. User Account Information: To create and manage accounts for authorized school personnel, PRASHAST collects the following Personal Information:
        1. Name: Full name of the Teacher, Special Educator, or Principal/School Head.
        2. Email Address: Used as the primary login identifier and for communication. For Principals/School Heads, this email may need to be linked with the school's UDISE record for verification purposes.
        3. Mobile Number: May be optionally requested during registration or profile setup.
        4. Password: User-created password for account security (stored securely, typically hashed/encrypted).
        5. Designation: User's role within the school (Teacher, Special Educator, Principal/School Head).
        6. School Details: Name of the school and its unique UDISE Code, linking the user to a specific institution.
        7. Geographical Information: Standard details like State, District, and potentially Block.
        8. Verification Status: An indicator showing whether a Teacher's or Special Educator's account has been verified by the respective Principal/School Head.
      2. Student Screening Data: This is the core data generated through the use of the PRASHAST checklists by authorized Users. It includes:
        1. Student Identifiers: Information necessary to link screening data to a specific student within the school context. This may include a unique serial number or, depending on specific implementation choices by the school/NCERT, the student's name. Where feasible, pseudonymization (using serial numbers) is encouraged to enhance privacy.
        2. Class/Section: The student's class and section within the school.
        3. Checklist Responses (Part 1): Data entered by Teachers based on their observations corresponding to the items in the PRASHAST Part 1 checklist. These items relate to observable behaviours or characteristics potentially associated with the 21 disability conditions.
        4. Checklist Responses & Validation (Part 2): Data entered by Special Educators, including validation of Part 1 observations, responses to Part 2 checklist items, and potentially brief notes or justifications based on their second-level screening.
        5. Tentative Disability Listing: Based on the screening results from Part 1 and Part 2, the system may facilitate a tentative listing or flagging of potential disability categories (as per RPwD Act 2016) for referral purposes. It is crucial to reiterate that this listing is purely for screening and referral, not a diagnosis. The nature of this data is highly sensitive as it pertains to observed characteristics potentially indicative of disability conditions in children.
        6. Platform Usage Data (Telemetry): To monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and improve the platform, PRASHAST automatically collects technical and usage data.
        7. Interaction Data: Records of user logins, actions performed within the app (e.g., survey submissions, report generation attempts), features used, and time spent on various activities.
        8. Device Information: Type of device, operating system (primarily Android), app version number, and unique device identifiers necessary for app functionality and security.
        9. IP Address: May be collected temporarily, primarily upon login or first use, to determine approximate geographical location (State/District) for reporting or configuration purposes. This IP address is typically not stored permanently against the user profile.
        10. Performance and Crash Data: Information about app performance, errors encountered, and crash reports (potentially using tools like Crashlytics) to help developers identify and fix technical issues.
      3. Data Not Collected: PRASHAST is specifically designed for disability screening and does not collect information irrelevant to this purpose. It does not collect data such as student grades (beyond screening observations), detailed academic performance, general content consumption metrics, board preferences, medium of instruction preferences, subject interests, or sensitive personal identifiers like Aadhar numbers, unless explicitly mandated by law for the specific purpose of disability certification processes facilitated via the app and clearly communicated.
      4. Handling of Children's Data: PRASHAST does not involve direct registration or data input by students or their parents/guardians. The Screening Data, which pertains to students (many of whom are minors), is collected indirectly through input by authorized school personnel (Teachers, Special Educators) acting in their professional capacity. This data collection occurs as part of the school's implementation of mandated screening procedures under frameworks like NEP 2020, RPwD Act 2016, and Samagra Shiksha. The responsibility for informing parents/guardians about the screening process itself, obtaining any necessary consents for the activity (distinct from app usage consent), and communicating results lies with the school administration according to their established procedures and legal obligations. PRASHAST serves as the tool to facilitate this mandated process within the school system.

    6. How is User Data and Information Collected?

      Data is collected on the PRASHAST platform through the following methods:

      1. User Account Information: This information is actively provided by Users during the registration (Sign Up) process, which may involve using an email address directly or potentially leveraging MeriPehchaan authentication. Users further populate their profile details (Name, Designation, School UDISE) after initial registration. The verification status of Teachers and Special Educators is updated based on actions taken by the corresponding Principal/School Head within the app.
      2. Student Screening Data: This data is generated and collected when authorized Teachers input their observations by responding to the checklist items in PRASHAST Part 1 for the students under their purview. Subsequently, authorized Special Educators collect further data by reviewing Part 1 submissions, conducting their own assessments, and inputting responses and validation notes via PRASHAST Part 2. This data entry is typically based on systematic observation of the student over a period (e.g., two weeks or more) in various school contexts.
      3. Platform Usage Data: This technical data is collected automatically in the background as Users navigate and interact with the PRASHAST mobile application. Standard mobile analytics and telemetry tools, potentially including crash reporting services, are employed for this purpose.
      4. IP Address: An IP address may be collected automatically and temporarily during certain interactions, such as initial login or app setup, primarily for the purpose of suggesting the User's State and District, if this location-suggestion feature is implemented.

    7. What is User Data and Information Used For?

      The data collected through PRASHAST is used exclusively for the following legitimate and specified purposes related to its function as a disability screening tool and platform management:

      1. Core Purpose - Disability Screening & Referral:
        1. To enable authorized Teachers to systematically conduct preliminary screening of students using the PRASHAST Part 1 checklist.
        2. To allow authorized Special Educators to perform second-level screening and validation using PRASHAST Part 2, based on Teacher inputs and their own assessment.
        3. To compile and generate consolidated school-level reports summarizing the screening outcomes for review by Principals/School Heads and relevant authorities.
        4. To facilitate the crucial step of referring students tentatively identified through the screening process for formal assessment and potential disability certification by designated authorities, aligning with the procedures under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.
      2. Account Management & Platform Operation:
        1. To create, secure, and manage the accounts of registered Users (Teachers, Special Educators, Principals/School Heads).
        2. To authenticate Users upon login and enforce role-based access controls, ensuring that Users can only access data relevant to their designated function.
        3. To facilitate the essential verification process where Principals/School Heads approve the accounts of Teachers and Special Educators associated with their school.
        4. To provide necessary technical support and troubleshoot issues reported by Users, utilizing contact information and usage data to diagnose and resolve problems.
        5. To monitor the overall usage of the PRASHAST platform, identify and rectify software bugs, analyze performance data, and make improvements to the app's functionality, stability, and user experience.
        6. To generate aggregated and anonymized statistical reports for NCERT/CIET. These reports help monitor the implementation progress of the screening program across different regions, understand usage patterns, and inform policy or research related to inclusive education, without identifying individual students or users.
      3. Communication:
        1. To send important administrative messages to Users, such as updates to the Privacy Policy or Terms of Use, notifications about system maintenance, or critical alerts related to their account or data.
        2. To respond effectively to User inquiries, feedback, or support requests submitted through the official helpdesk email (prashast.helpdesk@ciet.nic.in).
      4. Legal & Compliance:
        1. To ensure compliance with applicable Indian laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Information Technology Act, 2000 (and its associated rules like the Reasonable Security Practices Rules, 2011) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
        2. To cooperate with government agencies, law enforcement authorities, or judicial bodies as required by law or pursuant to valid legal processes.
      5. Prohibited Uses: User data and information collected via PRASHAST will never be used for any of the following purposes:
        1. Commercial activities, including renting, selling, or sharing data with third parties for monetary gain.
        2. Advertising or marketing purposes, either within the app or externally.
        3. Making diagnostic decisions or applying definitive labels to students regarding disabilities. The platform's purpose is strictly screening and referral.
        4. Building comprehensive personal profiles of students beyond the specific data points required for the screening checklists and referral process.
        5. Any purpose that contradicts the principles of inclusive education or the provisions of the RPwD Act, 2016.
        6. Any purpose not explicitly disclosed and outlined in this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Use.

        6. Any use of data by authorized personnel for purposes outside of the proper use outlined above shall be considered a violation of PRASHAST policies and potentially applicable laws. Users suspecting misuse of data should report their concerns immediately to the PRASHAST support team.

    8. Who Has Access to User Data and Information?

      Access to data within the PRASHAST platform is strictly controlled based on roles and necessity, ensuring confidentiality and appropriate use:

      1. NCERT/CIET Personnel: Authorized employees, contractors, or subcontractors of NCERT/CIET who are directly involved in the development, operation, maintenance, support, and oversight of the PRASHAST platform may have access to certain data. This access is granted on a need-to-know basis, governed by strict confidentiality obligations. They may access User Account Information for administrative purposes, aggregated and anonymized Screening Data for reporting and analysis, and Platform Usage Data for technical monitoring and improvement. Direct access to identifiable Screening Data is limited and controlled.
      2. School Users (Role-Based Access): Access within the school environment is structured according to the user's specific role in the screening workflow:
        1. Teachers: Can access and manage their own account information. They can input, view, and potentially edit (before submission) the PRASHAST Part 1 Screening Data only for those students assigned to their classes. They do not have access to Part 2 data or reports submitted by others.
        2. Special Educators: Can access and manage their own account information. They can view the submitted PRASHAST Part 1 Screening Data for students in the schools they are assigned to and verified for. They can input, view, and manage the PRASHAST Part 2 Screening Data (validation and second-level screening) for those same students. They typically do not have access to consolidated school-wide reports unless granted specific permissions by the Principal or NCERT/CIET.
        3. Principals/School Heads: Can access and manage their own account information. They have the critical function of viewing and verifying/approving the accounts of Teachers and Special Educators linked to their school. They can typically access and download consolidated school-level reports which summarize the screening data (potentially aggregated or anonymized to varying degrees depending on report design) for their specific school. They generally do not have access to edit the raw Screening Data entered by Teachers or Special Educators.

        This structured, role-based access control mechanism ensures that data visibility follows the logical flow of the screening process (Teacher Part 1 -> Special Educator Part 2 -> Principal Reports), adhering to principles of data minimization and preventing unauthorized access within the school.

      3. Government Authorities: As the explicit purpose of PRASHAST is to facilitate the screening process leading to potential certification under the RPwD Act 2016 and Samagra Shiksha guidelines, aggregated, anonymized, or, where legally required and appropriately authorized through official procedures, specific Screening Data or reports may be shared with relevant government bodies (e.g., educational departments, disability assessment boards, Child Rights Commissions). This sharing occurs strictly for the purpose of enabling the identification, certification, and support processes mandated by law and policy. Procedures for such sharing will adhere to legal requirements and data protection principles.
      4. Third-Party Service Providers: NCERT/CIET may engage third-party service providers for essential technical functions, such as cloud hosting, database management, technical support ticketing systems, or analytics services. These providers may require limited access to certain data (e.g., User Account Information for support, Usage Data for analytics, encrypted data for storage) solely to perform their contracted services for PRASHAST. Such providers are bound by strict contractual confidentiality agreements and are prohibited from using the data for any other purpose.
      5. Parents/Guardians: The PRASHAST platform itself does not directly provide data access to parents or guardians. The responsibility for communicating relevant information about the screening process and any outcomes to parents/guardians rests with the respective school administration, following their established communication protocols and legal obligations.
      Table 1: User Types and Data Access on PRASHAST
      User Role Access to Own Account Info Access to Teacher (Part 1) Data Access to Special Educator (Part 2) Data Access to School Reports Primary Purpose of Access
      Teacher Yes Yes (Own entries only) No No Conduct Part 1 screening for assigned students.
      Special Educator Yes Yes (For assigned schools) Yes (Own entries for assigned schools) Limited/No Conduct Part 2 screening / validation for referred students.
      Principal / School Head Yes View access via Reports View access via Reports Yes (Own school only) Verify users, oversee process, access consolidated school data for reporting/referral.
      NCERT / CIET Admin Yes (Admin functions) Aggregated / Anonymized / Specific* Aggregated / Anonymized/Specific* Aggregated / System-wide Platform management, support, monitoring, reporting, compliance.
      Govt. Authorities No Aggregated / Specific** Aggregated / Specific** Aggregated / Specific** Facilitate identification, certification, policy implementation under legal frameworks.

    9. How is User Data and Information Stored?

      NCERT/CIET implements reasonable and appropriate security practices and procedures to protect the Personal Information and Screening Data collected and processed through the PRASHAST platform, in accordance with applicable Indian laws, including the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011.

      1. Security Measures: These measures encompass administrative safeguards (e.g., access control policies, user verification), physical security controls (for any physical infrastructure components), and technical security controls. Technical controls include measures such as encryption (for sensitive data like passwords and potentially Screening Data, both at rest and during transmission), firewalls, secure coding practices, regular security assessments, and the enforcement of role-based access controls verified by Principals/School Heads.
      2. Storage Location and Infrastructure: All User data, including Personal Information and Screening Data, is securely stored on servers provided by a reputed third-party cloud service provider. These servers are located physically within the geographical boundaries of India. While the specific provider is not named herein, they are contractually obligated to maintain high standards of security and confidentiality.
      3. Data Format: Data is primarily stored and managed in electronic format within the platform's databases and systems. Schools or authorities might generate physical reports from the data, but the management of such physical copies falls outside the direct control of the PRASHAST platform's storage systems.
      4. Third-Party Storage: The use of third-party cloud infrastructure means that data resides within systems managed by these providers. These providers are contractually bound to implement reasonable security standards to safeguard the data hosted on their infrastructure and are prohibited from accessing or using the data for purposes other than providing the contracted hosting services to NCERT/CIET.
      5. Data Breach Response: In the unfortunate event of a data breach compromising the security of Personal Information or Screening Data, NCERT/CIET will take prompt steps to mitigate the harm, investigate the incident, and notify affected Users and relevant authorities as required by applicable Indian law.

      Disclaimer: While NCERT/CIET employs robust security measures, no system is entirely infallible. Users transmit information at their own risk, especially over public networks. Once received, reasonable procedures are employed to prevent unauthorized access. Users identifying potential security vulnerabilities should report them immediately to prashast.helpdesk@ciet.nic.in.

    10. How Long is User Data and Information Stored?

      PRASHAST will retain Personal Information and Screening Data only for as long as it is reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, or as required by applicable laws and regulations. Determining the appropriate retention period involves considering several factors:

      1. Purpose of Data: The ongoing need for the data to support the screening process, facilitate referrals, allow for longitudinal tracking (if applicable under Samagra Shiksha or related programs), and enable reporting.
      2. Legal and Regulatory Obligations: Mandatory record-keeping requirements under the IT Act, RPwD Act, Samagra Shiksha guidelines, or other relevant educational directives issued by government bodies.
      3. NCERT/CIET Policies: Internal data retention schedules and policies established by NCERT/CIET for educational data.
      4. Account Status: Upon User request for account deletion, Personal Information will be handled as described in Section 14. Associated Screening Data may be retained in an anonymized or dissociated format for statistical and reporting purposes, ensuring individual student privacy while preserving valuable program data.
      5. Operational Needs: The necessity of retaining certain data (like aggregated usage statistics or anonymized screening trends) for platform improvement, research, and long-term program evaluation.
      6. Risk and Liability: Assessing the risks associated with retaining data versus the necessity for its retention.

    11. What are the System Permissions Required by the PRASHAST App?

      To function correctly, the PRASHAST mobile application may request certain permissions on the User's device. These permissions are requested only when necessary for specific features:

      1. Network Access (Internet): Essential for User login, registration, syncing data (Screening Data, User profiles) with the central servers, receiving updates, and accessing help resources.
      2. Storage Access (Files/Media): May be required to allow Users (particularly Principals/School Heads) to download generated reports (e.g., in PDF format) onto their device's local storage or external storage. It might also be used for temporary caching of app data to improve performance.

      The app will request permissions contextually, and Users can typically manage these permissions through their device's settings. Denying essential permissions (like Network Access) may impair the app's functionality.

    12. Cookies

      The primary interface for PRASHAST Users (Teachers, Special Educators, Principals) is the mobile application. Mobile applications generally do not use browser cookies in the same way websites do.

      If PRASHAST includes a web portal component accessible via a browser (e.g., for administrative functions by NCERT/CIET personnel, or potentially limited access for school users on the ciet.ncert.gov.in/prashast site), it may use a minimal number of essential cookies. These would typically be:

      1. Session Cookies: Temporary cookies used to maintain a User's login session and ensure secure navigation during a single visit. These expire when the browser is closed.
      2. Essential/Functional Cookies: Cookies necessary for basic website operation, such as load balancing or remembering essential user interface preferences.

      PRASHAST does not use cookies for tracking users across different websites, building advertising profiles, or any commercial purposes. No sensitive Personal Information or Screening Data is stored within cookies. If cookies are used on any web component, users can typically manage or block them through their web browser settings, though blocking essential cookies might affect the functionality of that specific web component.

    13. Compliance with Laws and Law Enforcement

      NCERT/CIET operates the PRASHAST platform in compliance with the laws of India.

      1. Legal Compliance: PRASHAST adheres to applicable legislation, including the Information Technology Act, 2000 (and its amendments and rules, such as the IT Rules, 2011), and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
      2. Cooperation with Authorities: NCERT/CIET will cooperate with government agencies, law enforcement authorities, and judicial bodies as required by applicable Indian law. This may involve disclosing User Personal Information or Screening Data upon receipt of a valid legal order, subpoena, warrant, or other formal request from competent authorities. Such disclosures will be made only to the extent necessary and in accordance with established legal procedures.
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    14. Deleting Your Account and Information

      Users (Teachers, Special Educators, Principals/School Heads) wishing to delete their PRASHAST account can initiate the process through mechanisms provided within the application (if available) or by sending a formal request via email to the PRASHAST helpdesk at prashast.helpdesk@ciet.nic.in.

      1. Deletion Process: Upon receiving a valid deletion request, the PRASHAST team will review and process it, typically within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., 30 days). Deleting an account will remove the User's Personal Information (Name, Email, Profile details) from active databases, preventing future logins with that account.
      2. Handling of Associated Screening Data: The deletion of a User account requires careful consideration of the associated Screening Data they entered, given its importance for the program's objectives. Upon account deletion:
        1. The direct link between the deleted User's Personal Information and the Screening Data they entered will be severed.
        2. The Screening Data itself (related to student observations) may be retained in an anonymized or pseudonymized state. This allows the data to continue contributing to aggregated school-level or system-wide reports and longitudinal analysis for program monitoring and research, without being identifiable to the deleted User. This approach balances the User's right to erasure of personal details with the legitimate need to preserve valuable, anonymized data for the educational program's goals under Samagra Shiksha and RPwD Act mandates.
        3. Alternatively, depending on specific NCERT/CIET policy, the data might remain associated with the school record but become unattributed to a specific active user. Complete deletion of all Screening Data entered by a user might occur in specific circumstances but is generally less preferred due to its impact on reporting integrity. The exact handling will be governed by NCERT/CIET's data retention and deletion policies for the PRASHAST program.

    15. Changes to this Privacy Policy

      NCERT/CIET reserves the right to modify or update this Privacy Policy at any time to reflect changes in the PRASHAST platform's functionality, data handling practices, or legal requirements. The platform is subject to ongoing development, including updates and bug fixes, which may necessitate policy adjustments.

      Users will be notified of any material changes to this Privacy Policy through a notice posted within the PRASHAST application or on the official website (ciet.ncert.gov.in/prashast). The "Last updated" date at the top of this policy will indicate the latest revision date. Users are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how their information is protected and used. Continued use of the PRASHAST platform after changes have been posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

    16. How to Contact Us?

      If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the data practices of the PRASHAST platform, please contact the designated support team:

      1. Email: prashast.helpdesk@ciet.nic.in
      2. Postal Address: Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT), Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi - 110016 India.

  1. PRASHAST Administrator Guidelines

    These Administrator Guidelines specify the rights and responsibilities of Registered Users who are Administrators on PRASHAST. Administrators are Registered Users authorised by Institutional Users to be administrators on PRASHAST on their behalf.

    1. Administrators on PRASHAST can:

      1. Access the following data and information of Registered Users:
        1. Name, State, District and course progress data of the Registered Users who have chosen to join courses offered by the Institutional User that the Administrator belongs to.
        2. User ID (16 digit randomised system generated identifier for every Registered User), external ID (ID entered by the Registered User when they choose to submit additional details from their profile), Block, School U-DISE code / Organisation ID or number, School/Organisation name, mobile number(s), and email address(s) linked to the profile of the Registered Users or additionally provided by the Registered User, only if the Registered Users have given their explicit consent to share these details with the Administrators. This Administrator will belong to the same Institutional User that the Registered User belongs to.
      2. Access data and information in relation to usage of PRASHAST and its Content, which includes:
        1. Number and types of unique devices
        2. Transactions per second on PRASHAST
        3. Reports that compile the above mentioned data and information by board, medium, grade, subject, location, so as to enable Administrators to learn about usage of PRASHAST and its Content in different contexts
        4. Reports that compile the Content provided by Registered Users using tools like surveys, observations, and projects
      3. Use the data and information only for the purposes of:
        1. Gaining insights through analysis of data to improve quality, effectiveness, relevance, usage of Content, courses, textbooks, programs and other offerings over time based on Content usage, interest, user feedback, popularity, completion rates, identified misconceptions.
        2. Assessing, evaluating, validating Content submitted / posted / uploaded / otherwise provided by Registered Users.
        3. Downloading details submitted and expressly shared by Registered Users only for the purposes mentioned herein and in accordance with the policies of PRASHAST;
        4. Grant or revoke rights to create, curate, review or publish Content on PRASHAST to Registered Users.
      4. Responsibilities of Administrators:
        1. To ensure that the Content created, reviewed or published by them are in line with the policies of PRASHAST, and accordingly meet the Accuracy and Appropriateness standards;
        2. To respect the privacy and data protection rights of Registered Users;
        3. To ensure the security of and use of data (especially personal data) shared by Registered Users or obtained from PRASHAST is limited solely to the purposes mentioned here and is not used for:
          1. Sale or other commercial purposes;
          2. Advertising or marketing;
          3. Phone calls or other forms of unsolicited communication that is not related to usage of PRASHAST;
          4. Building a personal profile, other than for educational purposes on PRASHAST;
          5. Defaming, harassing, abusing, threatening or defrauding any Registered Users;
          6. Impersonating any person or entity, falsely claiming an affiliation with any person or entity, or accessing PRASHAST accounts without permission, or perform any other fraudulent activity;
          7. Sending junk mail or spam, informational announcements, charity requests, and petitions for signatures etc.;
          8. Any of the Prohibited Purposes set out in the policies of PRASHAST; and
          9. Any purpose that is not disclosed in this policy or on PRASHAST.
        4. To know that any use of data for purposes outside of the proper use shall be considered violation of the terms of the policies of PRASHAST as well as applicable laws and policies of India and they shall be responsible and liable for such actions and for any loss or damage arising from failure to comply with this obligation.
        5. To ensure that their communication (if any) with Registered Users is explicitly limited and relevant to the purposes specified here and meets the Appropriateness standards set out in the policies of PRASHAST. The email address and phone number of Registered Users shall only be used to share information in connection with uses specified here and shall not under any circumstance be used for any other matters.

        These Administrator Guidelines should be read in conjunction with the policies and guidelines of PRASHAST, including the Terms of Use, Privacy Policy and Content Policy. Defined terms used but not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Terms of Use of PRASHAST.

  1. Terms of Use

    1. Introduction

      1. Preamble

        This mobile application and any associated web dashboard or portal, collectively known as PRASHAST (the "Application"), is designed, developed, and maintained by the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India (GoI). The Central Institute of Educational Technology (CIET), a constituent unit of NCERT, was involved in the development process.

        PRASHAST stands for "Pre Assessment Holistic Screening Tool". Its specific purpose is to serve as a digital checklist to facilitate the early screening of students within schools for 21 disability conditions recognized under India's Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016. PRASHAST is an initiative aligned with the guidelines of Samagra Shiksha and the vision of equitable and inclusive education articulated in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

        These Terms of Use ("Terms"), as may be amended from time to time, govern the access and use of the PRASHAST Application by all its Users (as defined below). The PRASHAST initiative, being government-led, aims to support inclusive education but requires adherence to specific legal and procedural frameworks, particularly concerning sensitive data related to minors and disabilities. The Application's function is strictly limited to screening to facilitate referral for formal assessment and certification; it is not a diagnostic tool.

      2. Acceptance of Terms

        By downloading, accessing, registering for, or using the PRASHAST Application in any manner, you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms, including any future amendments. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use the Application. The terms "you" and "your" hereinafter refer to any User of the PRASHAST Application, including Registered Users.

    2. Definitions

      1. PRASHAST: Means the "Pre Assessment Holistic Screening Tool," an initiative of the GoI, developed and maintained by NCERT/CIET under the MoE. It is accessible primarily via the PRASHAST Android mobile application available on the Google Play Store (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dscs.app) and potentially through associated web portals or dashboards provided by NCERT/CIET (e.g., https://prashast.ncert.gov.in/app/dashboard/districts.php?id=08). The official informational page is located at https://ciet.ncert.gov.in/prashast.
      2. User: Means any natural person who downloads, accesses, registers for, or uses the PRASHAST Application. This includes Registered Users.
      3. Registered User: Means a User who successfully registers an account on the PRASHAST Application, typically using an email ID and potentially linked to official school data. Registered Users fall into specific roles with distinct responsibilities within the Application's workflow:
        1. Principal / School Head: A Registered User who registers using the official School email ID as recorded in the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) database. The Principal/School Head is typically auto-verified based on this UDISE linkage. They are responsible for verifying the accounts of Teachers and Special Educators associated with their School, assigning classes to Teachers within the Application, and managing the download and secure sharing of consolidated Screening Data reports with designated Authorities.
        2. Teacher (Regular Teacher / Class Teacher): A Registered User, typically a classroom teacher, who registers on the Application and whose account must be verified by the Principal/School Head of their associated School. Teachers are assigned specific classes by the Principal/School Head. Their primary role within the Application is to add student details (after confirming parental consent has been obtained by the School) and conduct the initial screening (Part 1 of the PRASHAST checklist) based on systematic observation of students over a period. They are responsible for saving and submitting this Part 1 Screening Data via the Application.
        3. Special Educator / Resource Teacher / Counsellor: A Registered User with expertise in special education, who registers on the Application and whose account must be verified by the Principal/School Head for each School they are associated with. They may be linked to one or multiple Schools. Their role is to access the Part 1 Screening Data submitted by Teachers and conduct a validation screening using Part 2 of the PRASHAST checklist, applying their professional expertise. They may also view consolidated data or statistics within the Application and may be involved in orienting Regular Teachers on the use of PRASHAST.
      4. Screening Data: Means any and all information entered into, submitted through, or generated by the PRASHAST Application. This includes, but is not limited to, student identification details entered by Teachers (such as name, class, roll number, etc., subject to parental consent), observations and responses recorded by Teachers in Part 1 of the screening checklist, validation responses and notes recorded by Special Educators in Part 2 of the screening checklist, and any aggregated reports, statistics, or analyses generated by the Application based on this input. Screening Data constitutes sensitive personal information, particularly as it pertains to the potential disability status of minors.
      5. Authorities: Means the relevant governmental or designated bodies at the district, state, or national level (such as District Resource Centres, Block Resource Centres, Samagra Shiksha officials, or organizers of disability assessment and certification camps) who are authorized under official guidelines or directives to receive Screening Data reports generated by PRASHAST from Schools. The sharing of data with Authorities is intended solely to facilitate further assessment and potential certification of disabilities as per the RPwD Act, 2016 and associated schemes like Samagra Shiksha. This term replaces the broader concept of "Institutional User" used in platforms like DIKSHA, focusing specifically on the designated recipients of PRASHAST's output within the established procedural framework.
      6. School: Means the educational institution (e.g., government, government-aided, private, run by local bodies) where the PRASHAST Application is used for screening students. The School, acting through its authorized Registered Users (Principal/School Head, Teachers, Special Educators), is the primary entity responsible for using the Application and adhering to these Terms, including the critical requirement of obtaining parental consent.

    3. Access and Use

      1. General User Obligations
        1. As a User, you represent and warrant that you are of legal age and legally competent to form a binding contract. If you are acting on behalf of a School (e.g., as a Principal/School Head), you represent and warrant that you possess the necessary authority to agree to these Terms on behalf of the School and to bind the School to these Terms.
        2. The PRASHAST Application must be used strictly and solely for its intended purpose: conducting preliminary screening of students for potential disabilities as defined under the RPwD Act, 2016, using the provided checklists, and facilitating the referral of potentially identified students to Authorities for further assessment and certification processes.
        3. It is explicitly prohibited to use the PRASHAST Application or any Screening Data derived from it for diagnosing disabilities, labelling students, or making definitive determinations about a student's condition. The tool's output is tentative and requires professional validation through established assessment procedures outside the Application.
        4. All Users are individually responsible for their actions and activities conducted through the PRASHAST Application. Users must comply with these Terms, the PRASHAST Privacy Policy, and all applicable laws and official guidelines.
        5. Access to and use of the PRASHAST Application may be interrupted due to technical or operational issues without prior notice. NCERT/CIET does not guarantee uninterrupted availability.

      2. Registered User Roles and Responsibilities

        The hierarchical structure of PRASHAST necessitates clear delineation of responsibilities tied to specific user roles within the screening workflow. Failure to adhere to these responsibilities may compromise data integrity, confidentiality, and legal compliance.

        1. Principal/School Head:
          1. Must register using the official School email ID linked to UDISE data to ensure proper identification and administrative linkage.
          2. Is responsible for the timely and accurate verification of Teacher and Special Educator accounts associated with their School within the Application, enabling their participation in the screening process.
          3. Must accurately assign classes to verified Teachers within the Application to ensure correct data attribution.
          4. Bears the critical responsibility of ensuring that the School complies with all legal and procedural requirements for obtaining informed, written parental/guardian consent (e.g., No-Objection Certificate - NOC) before any student's data is entered into PRASHAST or any screening activity concerning that student is initiated using the Application. This consent process is external to the Application itself.
          5. Is responsible for managing the secure download of consolidated Screening Data reports generated by the Application and ensuring their appropriate and confidential sharing only with designated Authorities, following official protocols (e.g., Samagra Shiksha guidelines, DoE circulars) for the purpose of facilitating disability assessment and certification.
        2. Teacher (Regular Teacher / Class Teacher):
          1. Must complete the registration process and await verification by their School's Principal/School Head before gaining full access.
          2. Must only add student details into the Application for their assigned class(es) after receiving confirmation from the Principal/School Head that the mandatory parental/guardian consent for screening has been obtained for each respective student.
          3. Must conduct the Part 1 screening using the Application's checklist diligently and objectively, based on observations made over a reasonable period (e.g., at least two weeks, or as per specific guidelines) across various contexts (academic, social, behavioural).
          4. Is responsible for accurately recording observations and submitting the completed Part 1 Screening Data through the Application in a timely manner. Users should note that data, once submitted, may not be editable by the Teacher, although pre-submission edits or deletions might be possible.
          5. Must maintain strict confidentiality regarding all student observations and Screening Data accessed or entered through the Application.
        3. Special Educator / Resource Teacher / Counsellor:
          1. Must complete the registration process and seek verification from the Principal/School Head for each School they are officially associated with.
          2. Must conduct the Part 2 validation screening using the Application's checklist for students referred via Part 1, applying their specialized knowledge and professional judgment. This may involve reviewing Part 1 data, direct observation, or interaction with the student, as appropriate within the scope of screening.
          3. Must maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding all Screening Data accessed or generated through the Application.
          4. May be tasked by the School or education authorities with providing orientation and guidance to Regular Teachers on the proper use of the PRASHAST Application and checklist.
          Table 3.1: User Roles and Key Responsibilities in PRASHAST
          Role Registration/Verification Key Actions within PRASHAST Key External Responsibilities
          Principal/School Head Registers with UDISE email; Auto-verified Verify Teachers & Special Educators; Assign Classes; Download Reports Ensure Parental Consent obtained; Share reports with Authorities
          Teacher (Regular) Registers; Verified by Principal Add Students (post-consent confirmation); Conduct & Submit Part 1 Screening Observe students; Maintain confidentiality
          Special Educator Registers; Verified by Principal for each school Conduct & Submit Part 2 Validation; View data/stats Orient Teachers; Maintain confidentiality

      3. Account Management

        1. Registered Users are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account login credentials (e.g., email and password or authentication method). You are responsible for all activities that occur under your account.
        2. You agree to provide true, accurate, current, and complete information about yourself as prompted during the registration process. If you provide any information that is untrue, inaccurate, not current, or incomplete, or if NCERT/CIET has reasonable grounds to suspect that such information is untrue, inaccurate, not current, or incomplete, or that your use violates these Terms, NCERT/CIET reserves the right to suspend or terminate your registration and access to the PRASHAST Application indefinitely.
        3. A Registered User's account is non-transferable. You may not permit any other person to use your account.

      4. Parental Consent Requirement (External to Application)

        1. The PRASHAST Application does not include functionality for obtaining or verifying parental/guardian consent.
        2. It is mandatory that the School, acting through its Principal/School Head and assigned Teachers, obtains explicit, informed, and written consent (e.g., a No-Objection Certificate - NOC) from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of each student before initiating any screening process for that student using the PRASHAST Application or entering any identifying information about that student into the Application.
        3. This parental consent process must be conducted externally to the Application and must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and directives issued by the relevant educational authorities (e.g., Directorate of Education, State Education Department).
        4. By using the PRASHAST Application to screen a student, the School and its Registered Users implicitly warrant that the necessary and legally valid parental/guardian consent for such screening has been obtained and documented as required. Failure to obtain such consent prior to screening is a violation of these Terms and potentially applicable laws, and the responsibility for such failure rests solely with the School and its personnel.

    4. Screening Data Use, Confidentiality, and Compliance

      1. Nature and Purpose of Screening Data

        1. It is reiterated that PRASHAST is designed and intended solely as a preliminary screening tool. The Screening Data generated through the Application, including any tentative categorizations or flags related to potential disabilities, is indicative only and does not constitute a medical or psychological diagnosis.
        2. The sole purpose of collecting and processing Screening Data via PRASHAST is to identify students who may benefit from a referral for formal, comprehensive assessment conducted by qualified professionals or designated assessment camps, as part of the process outlined under the RPwD Act, 2016 and schemes like Samagra Shiksha, to facilitate potential disability certification and appropriate support.

      2. Confidentiality Obligations

        1. Given the highly sensitive nature of Screening Data (which links student identities to potential disability indicators), all Registered Users must treat this information with the strictest confidentiality.
        2. Unauthorized access, use, copying, modification, or disclosure of Screening Data is strictly prohibited. Screening Data pertaining to any student must only be shared with:
        3. The concerned parent(s) or legal guardian(s) as part of the feedback and referral process, in accordance with School policy and applicable guidelines.
        4. Authorized personnel within the School (e.g., Teacher submitting Part 1 shares data implicitly with the assigned Special Educator and Principal).
        5. Designated Authorities, through secure, official channels managed by the Principal/School Head, solely for the purpose of facilitating further assessment and certification.
        6. Users must take reasonable precautions to protect Screening Data from unauthorized viewing or access, both within the Application and in any downloaded reports.

      3. Data Accuracy and Responsibility

        1. Registered Users (Teachers and Special Educators) are responsible for entering Screening Data accurately and diligently, based on their direct observations and professional judgment, within the framework and limitations of the PRASHAST screening checklist.
        2. NCERT/CIET does not verify and is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, or appropriateness of the observations or tentative categorizations entered by individual Users. The quality of the Screening Data depends on the User's adherence to guidelines and observational skills.

      4. Data Sharing and Reporting

        1. The PRASHAST Application is designed to facilitate the generation of school-level and class-wise reports based on the submitted Screening Data.
        2. The Principal/School Head is responsible for downloading these reports and sharing them securely and confidentially only with the officially designated Authorities as required by applicable Samagra Shiksha guidelines, Ministry of Education directives, or State/UT education department instructions. Sharing Screening Data with any other party or for any other purpose is prohibited.

      5. Legal and Policy Compliance

        1. All Users must utilize the PRASHAST Application and handle all Screening Data in strict compliance with:
        2. The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, and any rules or guidelines issued thereunder.
        3. The Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Reasonable Security Practices and Procedures and Sensitive Personal Data or Information) Rules, 2011 ("SPDI Rules"), and/or the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 ("DPDP Act") upon its full entry into force, as applicable to the handling of sensitive personal data.
        4. Guidelines and directives issued under the Samagra Shiksha scheme concerning inclusive education and the identification of Children with Special Needs (CWSN).
        5. Any relevant circulars, orders, or instructions issued by the Ministry of Education, NCERT, CIET, or the respective State/UT Directorate of Education regarding the implementation of PRASHAST and the screening process.

      6. Reference to Privacy Policy

        1. For detailed information regarding the collection, use, storage, protection, sharing, and retention of personal information (including Screening Data) processed through the PRASHAST Application, Users must refer to the dedicated PRASHAST Privacy Policy. The Privacy Policy can be accessed at: https://prashast.ncert.gov.in/app/privacy_policy.html. The Privacy Policy forms an integral part of these Terms.

    5. Prohibited Use

      In addition to general prohibitions against unlawful or malicious use, Registered Users shall specifically not:

      1. Use the PRASHAST Application for any purpose other than the preliminary screening of students for potential disabilities recognized under the RPwD Act, 2016, and facilitating referral as per official guidelines.
      2. Use the PRASHAST Application or any Screening Data obtained therefrom to label, stigmatize, bully, discriminate against, or otherwise harm any student.
      3. Represent or treat the tentative screening results generated by PRASHAST as a confirmed diagnosis or a definitive assessment of a student's abilities or disabilities.
      4. Enter, store, or transmit any Screening Data for any student for whom the requisite, legally valid parental/guardian consent has not been obtained by the School.
      5. Intentionally enter false, misleading, fabricated, or inaccurate Screening Data into the Application.
      6. Access, use, copy, or disclose confidential Screening Data pertaining to any student to any unauthorized individual, entity, or for any purpose other than the official screening and referral process outlined herein and in applicable guidelines.
      7. Use the PRASHAST Application or Screening Data in any manner that violates the PRASHAST Privacy Policy or harms minors.
      8. Impersonate any other person or entity, falsely claim an affiliation, or access PRASHAST accounts of others without permission.
      9. Delete or obscure any copyright, trademark, or other proprietary rights notices displayed on or in connection with the PRASHAST Application.
      10. Use the PRASHAST Application for any illegal purpose, or in violation of any local, state, national, or international law, including, without limitation, laws governing intellectual property, data protection and privacy (specifically RPwD Act, IT Act, SPDI Rules, DPDP Act).
      11. Defame, harass, abuse, threaten, or defraud other Users.
      12. Attempt to collect personal information about students or other Users beyond the scope defined by the PRASHAST screening checklists and registration requirements, or without proper authorization and consent.
      13. Remove, circumvent, disable, damage, or otherwise interfere with security-related features of the PRASHAST Application, features that prevent or restrict use or copying of any content accessible through the Application, or features that enforce limitations on use of the Application.
      14. Modify, adapt, translate, or create derivative works based upon the PRASHAST Application or any part thereof, except and only to the extent expressly permitted.
      15. Intentionally interfere with or damage the operation of the PRASHAST Application or any User's enjoyment of it, by any means, including uploading or otherwise disseminating viruses, adware, spyware, worms, or other malicious code, or participating in denial-of-service attacks.

    6. Privacy and Personal Information

      1. Commitment to Privacy: NCERT/CIET is committed to protecting the privacy of Users and the confidentiality of the sensitive Screening Data processed through the PRASHAST Application.
      2. Reference to Privacy Policy: The collection, use, storage, sharing, security, retention, and disposal of personal information, including Screening Data, are governed by the PRASHAST Privacy Policy, accessible at https://prashast.ncert.gov.in/app/privacy_policy.html. Users are strongly advised to read the Privacy Policy carefully to understand how their information and the information of students being screened is handled.
      3. Consent to Policy: By using the PRASHAST Application, you consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of information as described in the then-current PRASHAST Privacy Policy and these Terms.
      4. Children's Data Handling: The PRASHAST Application is intended for use by adult educational professionals (Principals, Teachers, Special Educators) to screen students, many of whom will be minors. The PRASHAST Privacy Policy details practices regarding children's data, including measures concerning children under the age of 13. However, responsibility for obtaining the necessary parental/guardian consent for the screening of any student, regardless of age, rests solely with the School, as mandated in Section 3.4 of these Terms.

    7. Changes in PRASHAST Policies

      These Terms, the PRASHAST Privacy Policy, and any other associated guidelines may be updated or modified by NCERT/CIET from time to time. Revised versions will be posted within the Application or on the relevant NCERT/CIET websites, and the "Last updated" date will be revised. Your continued use of the PRASHAST Application after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the revised Terms and policies. Users are encouraged to periodically review these Terms and the Privacy Policy to stay informed of any updates.

    8. Limited Liability and Disclaimers

      1. User Responsibility for Data Collection and Compliance: Users, particularly Schools and their Registered Users, are solely responsible for ensuring that their collection and handling of student information (Screening Data) via the PRASHAST Application complies with all applicable Indian laws, including data protection laws (IT Act, SPDI Rules, DPDP Act) and, critically, the requirement to obtain valid parental/guardian consent prior to screening.
      2. Screening Tool Disclaimer:
        1. PRASHAST IS PROVIDED AS A PRELIMINARY SCREENING TOOL ONLY. It is designed to assist educators in identifying students who may require further evaluation for potential disabilities based on observable behaviours listed in the checklist.
        2. IT IS NOT A DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENT. The results generated by PRASHAST are tentative indicators and must not be interpreted or used as a formal diagnosis of any disability or condition. Formal diagnosis requires comprehensive assessment by qualified medical or psychological professionals according to established procedures.
        3. NO GUARANTEE OF ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS. NCERT/CIET/GoI make no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy, reliability, validity, or completeness of the screening checklists within PRASHAST or the tentative results generated based on User input. The effectiveness and accuracy of the screening depend heavily on the proper and objective administration by the trained User and are subject to the inherent limitations of any screening tool.
        4. NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT. The use of PRASHAST does not replace or substitute the professional judgment, observation skills, or expertise of teachers, special educators, counsellors, or medical/healthcare professionals.
      3. Parental Consent Disclaimer:
        1. NCERT/CIET/GOI ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING PARENTAL/GUARDIAN CONSENT. The responsibility to inform parents/guardians about the screening process and to obtain legally valid, written consent (NOC) before using PRASHAST for any student rests solely and exclusively with the School and its authorized Registered Users (Principal/School Head, Teachers).
        2. NCERT/CIET/GoI disclaim any and all liability arising from or related to the School's failure to obtain adequate and lawful parental/guardian consent prior to the collection or processing of any student's Screening Data through the PRASHAST Application.
      4. Data Security Disclaimer:
        1. NCERT/CIET employ reasonable security practices and procedures as outlined in the PRASHAST Privacy Policy. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure and reliable. Therefore, absolute security cannot be guaranteed.
        2. NCERT/CIET/GoI disclaim liability for any security breach, unauthorized access, or loss of data that occurs despite reasonable security measures or is beyond their reasonable control.
        3. Users are responsible for maintaining the security of their own accounts, passwords, and devices used to access PRASHAST. Any suspected security breach or unauthorized use of an account must be immediately reported to the designated contact point.
      5. Contact Information for Security Issues:
        1. To report any suspected security vulnerabilities, unauthorized account access, or other security concerns related to the PRASHAST Application, please contact the PRASHAST Helpdesk immediately via email at: prashast.helpdesk@ciet.nic.in.
      6. User Actions and Data Disclaimer:
        1. NCERT/CIET/GoI are not responsible or liable for any inaccurate, inappropriate, offensive, or unlawful Screening Data entered by Users. Registered Users are solely responsible for the data they input.
        2. NCERT/CIET/GoI are not responsible for any decisions, actions, or omissions taken by Users, Schools, or Authorities based on the Screening Data or results generated by the PRASHAST Application.
      7. External Links Disclaimer:
        1. The PRASHAST Application or related documentation may contain links to external websites or resources not operated or controlled by NCERT/CIET. NCERT/CIET/GoI are not responsible for the content, privacy policies, security practices, or availability of such external sites or resources. Accessing external links is at the User's own risk.
      8. "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" Disclaimer:
        1. THE PRASHAST APPLICATION IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" AND "AS AVAILABLE" BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NCERT/CIET/GOI DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT OF PROPRIETARY RIGHTS. NCERT/CIET/GOI DO NOT WARRANT THAT THE FEATURES CONTAINED IN THE APPLICATION WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THE APPLICATION OR THE SERVER THAT MAKES IT AVAILABLE ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. ACCESS AND USE OF THE PRASHAST APPLICATION (INCLUDING ANY SCREENING DATA OR INFORMATION OBTAINED THEREFROM) IS ENTIRELY AT YOUR OWN RISK.
      9. Limitation of Liability:
        1. IN NO EVENT SHALL NCERT/CIET/GOI, THEIR ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, LOSS OF PROFITS, DATA, USE, GOODWILL, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, RESULTING FROM (I) YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE THE PRASHAST APPLICATION; (II) ANY CONDUCT OR CONTENT OF ANY THIRD PARTY ON THE APPLICATION; (III) ANY SCREENING DATA OBTAINED FROM THE APPLICATION; AND (IV) UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS, USE, OR ALTERATION OF YOUR TRANSMISSIONS OR DATA, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, WHETHER OR NOT WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE, AND EVEN IF A REMEDY SET FORTH HEREIN IS FOUND TO HAVE FAILED OF ITS ESSENTIAL PURPOSE. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES TO ANY EXPENSE, LOSS, OR DAMAGE WHATSOEVER ARISING FROM USE, OR LOSS OF USE, OF DATA, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE ACCESS OR USE OF PRASHAST.

      10. Termination

        NCERT/CIET reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to suspend or terminate your account and access to the PRASHAST Application without prior notice, for any reason, including but not limited to, a breach of these Terms or the Privacy Policy, or inactivity. Grounds for termination may include investigation of complaints or alleged violations of these Terms. Upon termination, your right to use the Application will immediately cease.

      11. Electronic Agreement

        This document constitutes a valid and enforceable electronic record and agreement under the Information Technology Act, 2000 (as applicable in the Republic of India) and the rules thereunder, as well as amended provisions pertaining to electronic records in various statutes under applicable Indian laws. This electronic record is generated by a computer system and does not require any physical or digital signatures. Your act of downloading, registering for, accessing, or using the PRASHAST Application signifies your deemed acceptance of these Terms and all modifications and updates thereto.

      12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

        These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India, without regard to its conflict of law principles. Any dispute, controversy, or claim arising out of or relating to these Terms, or the breach, termination, or invalidity thereof, shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts located in New Delhi, India.

      13. Resources and Support
        1. Official Resources: Users are encouraged to refer to the official PRASHAST Screening Booklet, which provides detailed guidelines on the screening process and the checklist items. The booklet is available in multiple languages (including English and Hindi) in PDF and Flipbook formats on the NCERT website. Additional resources, such as launch videos or orientation materials, may also be available through official NCERT/CIET channels. Users should consult the NCERT website (www.ncert.nic.in) or the CIET PRASHAST page (https://ciet.ncert.gov.in/prashast) for access to these materials.
        2. User Support: For technical assistance, questions regarding the use of the PRASHAST Application, reporting bugs, or other support needs, Users should contact the designated helpdesk via email at: prashast.helpdesk@ciet.nic.in. While extensive online FAQs or a dedicated Help Center may not be available, this email address serves as the primary point of contact for user support.
        3. Training: NCERT/CIET or relevant state/district education authorities may organize orientation or training sessions on the proper use of the PRASHAST Application and screening procedures. Registered Users are expected to participate in such mandatory training as directed by their School or respective authorities to ensure correct and responsible use of the Application.