Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

1. Scope

1.1 IAC Patrons Foundation and IAC Research Foundation, hereinafter collectively referred to as “IAC”, are committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants, employees, consultants, interns, and associated personnel. This commitment is aligned with the core values, ethical standards, and principles of dignity, inclusion, fairness, and respect upheld by IAC.

1.2 The policy applies across all aspects of engagement, including recruitment and selection, compensation and benefits, promotions and career advancement, training and development, transfers and assignments, workplace accessibility, performance evaluation, separation and exit processes, and provision of a safe, respectful, and conducive work environment.

2. Objective and Key Features of the Policy

In accordance with applicable laws and statutory requirements, IAC is committed to maintaining a work environment free from discrimination, harassment, victimisation, or bias based on disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, caste, ethnicity, marital status, socio-economic background, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

IAC shall take all reasonable measures to ensure that every individual is provided with an inclusive, accessible, respectful, and supportive environment to perform their role effectively and grow professionally.

IAC continuously strives to build and strengthen an equitable workplace through inclusive policies, accessible infrastructure, training initiatives, and awareness programmes.

2.1 Inclusive Practices and Policies

2.1.1 All positions within IAC shall be open to diverse applicants, and all hiring and employment decisions shall be based on merit, competence, qualifications, and organisational requirements.

2.1.2 IAC shall continuously review and strengthen existing policies and may introduce new policies and practices to further promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within the organisation.

2.2 Inclusive and Accessible Infrastructure

2.2.1 IAC believes in creating an inclusive and accessible workplace for all individuals.

2.2.2 Continuous efforts shall be made to improve physical infrastructure, workplace facilities, communication systems, and digital accessibility to ensure equitable participation for persons with disabilities and individuals from diverse backgrounds.

2.3 Training and Career Development

IAC shall endeavour to provide fair and inclusive access to learning opportunities, professional development programmes, mentoring, and career advancement initiatives for all employees and associated personnel.

2.4 Awareness and Communication

IAC shall promote awareness and sensitisation on diversity, equity, inclusion, disability inclusion, and gender-related matters through regular communication, workshops, training sessions, awareness campaigns, employee engagement initiatives, and observance of relevant diversity and inclusion days.

3. Grievance Redressal Mechanism

3.1 All employees and associated personnel are expected to comply with this Equal Opportunity Policy and contribute towards maintaining an inclusive and respectful work environment.

3.2 Department Heads, reporting managers, and team members shall collectively ensure that the workplace remains free from discrimination, harassment, exclusionary practices, or any form of inappropriate behaviour.

3.3 Any individual who experiences or witnesses a violation of this policy is encouraged to report the concern promptly.

3.4 All concerns and complaints shall be treated sensitively, confidentially, and in accordance with applicable organisational policies and legal requirements.

3.5 Concerns or grievances under this policy may be reported to the Human Resources Department for handling such matters.

3.6 IAC shall ensure that no individual faces retaliation for raising concerns or reporting incidents in good faith.

4. Disclaimer

4.1 In the event any provision of this policy conflicts with applicable law, rules, regulations, or statutory requirements, the applicable law for the time being in force shall prevail.

4.2 This policy may be translated into vernacular languages for ease of understanding. In case of any inconsistency or difference in interpretation between the English version and any translated version, the English version shall prevail.