Terms & Conditions

1. Overview

1. 1. The Centre for Knowledge Alternatives (“CKA” or "we" or "us") is a research center under FLAME University (as “the University”). The University has been established as a state-private university under the FLAME University Act, 2014 (Maharashtra Act No. II of 2015), as enacted by the Government of Maharashtra. The registered address of FLAME University and CKA is FLAME University, Gat No. 1270, Lavale, Pune 412115, India.
  2. The website www.indiandistricts.in (“the Portal”) is a project ( “the Project”) undertaken by CKA.
  3. This document governs the terms and conditions of your use of the Portal, including the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of all users. It also establishes the legal framework governing interactions with CKA in relation to the Portal, in accordance with the applicable laws of India, as well as general principles of ethical and responsible conduct.
  4. For the purposes of this agreement, unless otherwise stated, a “User” ("you") refers to any individual or entity that interacts with the Portal, whether online or offline, including but not limited to users who access, subscribe, register, contribute content, or utilize information available on the Portal.
  5. These Terms and Conditions shall apply to all interactions involving the Portal but do not apply to users’ relationship with the parent organization, namely, the University.
  6. By accessing, browsing, subscribing to, or contributing content to the Portal, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these Terms and Conditions ("Terms and Conditions"). If your access to the Portal is governed by a separate agreement, whether through an organizational subscription, partnership, or other arrangement with CKA, then the terms of that specific agreement shall take precedence in governing your relationship with CKA and the Portal, should there be a conflict.

2. Registration

1. 1. A Registered User is any individual who registers on the Portal. While general access to the Portal is open to all, registration is required to access specific content, participate in the submission of user-generated materials, or receive exclusive updates and communications, or some value-added services as and when they may emerge. Registration is free of cost.
  2. By registering, users consent to receive communications from CKA, which may include newsletters, project updates, notifications about new initiatives, and other relevant information pertaining to the Portal or CKA’s work. Such communications may be delivered via email, postal mail, or digital notifications through the Portal.
  3. Registered Users are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials, including their username and password. They accept full responsibility for all activities conducted through their account and agree to use the Portal only for lawful purposes, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in force in India.
  4. CKA reserves the right to suspend, deactivate or terminate a registered user’s account at any time and without prior notice for violations of these Terms and Conditions, misuse of the Portal, or other legitimate reasons. While such decisions are not taken arbitrarily and are typically based on violations of these Terms and Conditions or misuse of the Portal, CKA is not under any obligation to disclose the reasons for such suspension or termination.

3. Copyrights

1. 1. All original content published on the Portal, including but not limited to text, datasets, maps, graphics, visualizations, and other materials, is the intellectual property of the CKA and FLAME University, except otherwise stated. Except where otherwise indicated, all such content is made available to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) ("the License"). This license allows members of the public to copy, share, and adapt the material in any medium or format, provided that the use is strictly non-commercial, appropriate credit is given, and any derivative works are distributed under the same or a compatible license.
  2. Users are required to provide proper attribution whenever they reuse or redistribute content from the Portal. Attribution must credit Centre for Knowledge Alternatives (CKA) and the IndianDistricts.in Portal, include a reference to the license, and indicate if changes were made. Attribution should not imply that CKA or FLAME University endorses the user or their use of the material. A recommended form of attribution is as follows:
    Centre for Knowledge Alternatives (CKA), FLAME University. Indian Districts Portal. “(District, Chapter).” Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Accessed [Month Day, Year]. https://www.indiandistricts.in. For example: Centre for Knowledge Alternatives (CKA), FLAME University. Indian Districts Portal. “Pune, Architecture.” Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Accessed October 30, 2025. https://www.indiandistricts.in.
  3. The “NonCommercial” condition in the License means that materials from the Portal may not be used for commercial advantage, monetary gain, or any activity directed toward profit-making without prior written permission from CKA. The “ShareAlike” condition in the License means that any work derived or adapted from Portal content must be shared under the same Creative Commons licence (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) or a compatible licence. Users are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the full legal terms of this licence, available here.
  4. The logos, trademarks, and insignia of CKA and FLAME University are the exclusive property of the respective organizations. These materials may not be reused, modified, or reproduced for any purpose without the express written consent of the copyright holders.
  5. All content on the Portal is provided “as is” for educational, informational, and research purposes only. While reasonable efforts are made to ensure accuracy and reliability, CKA and FLAME University make no warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information provided. CKA and FLAME University shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damage or loss arising from the use or misuse of any materials available on the Portal, including but not limited to errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content.

4. Contributing or Submitting Content

1. 1. The Project is a collaborative and participatory initiative led by CKA that actively invites individuals to contribute content and materials to enrich the Portal. Rooted in the idea that knowledge is a public good, the Project is committed to co-creating knowledge that is freely accessible, open, and inclusive. Contributors engage voluntarily, guided by the spirit of shared intellectual responsibility and civic engagement.
  2. Any individual who submits material (whether textual, visual, audio-visual, or otherwise) ("Contributions") to CKA for consideration for publication on the Portal shall be deemed a Contributor ("Contributor"). Contributions may be submitted either by registering on the Portal or through direct communication with CKA. These Terms and Conditions apply to all submissions, regardless of the format or method of submission.
  3. All Contributions are made voluntarily and without any expectation of monetary compensation, formal recognition, or personal visibility. Contributors shall not derive, promote, or seek to obtain any financial or commercial benefit from their submissions. No compensation shall be offered for Contributions unless expressly agreed upon in writing by CKA prior to submission. Where a Contributor has received or expects to receive material or pecuniary compensation (such as sponsorships, honorariums, or in-kind support) arising from their Contributions from third parties, they must clearly disclose these details, including all relevant affiliations, including employers and clients, at the time of submission. CKA reserves the right to reject or remove any content where such disclosures are not made or are found to or appear to be incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading.
  4. By submitting any content, information, or material (“Contribution”), the Contributor grants to CKA a perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, irrevocable, and non-exclusive consent to use, reproduce, modify, adapt, translate, publish, distribute, archive, display, or incorporate such material into other non-commercial works, in any form or medium now known or developed in the future. Contributors expressly and irrevocably waive any rights to compensation, ownership, or moral rights, including the right to object to modifications, arising from or related to their Contribution.
  5. CKA retains full editorial discretion over all submissions and reserves the right to edit, adapt, translate, remove, or decline to publish any content without notice or explanation. While Contributors may raise concerns/disputes regarding the use or representation of their submissions, CKA will not be obligated to respond to each of these concerns. CKA’s decision shall be final and binding in all such matters.
  6. Recognition of Contributors in various forms as and when CKA decides to do so, may be provided at the sole discretion of CKA. While reasonable efforts may be made to attribute content to Contributors, attribution is not guaranteed.
  7. Once submitted, Contributions cannot be revoked or withdrawn by the Contributor, even if the Contributor ceases to use the Portal or their registration is terminated. Contributors may bring to CKA’s notice the need to take down some content that they have contributed earlier with reasons, but CKA is not obligated to do so.
  8. If Contributors import text, images, or other media not authored by them, they warrant that such material is in the public domain or is otherwise licensed under terms compatible with the License i.e. CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (or later). Proper attribution of such content must be provided, and any modifications must be clearly specified. Contributors are solely responsible for ensuring that no part of their submission infringes upon any copyright, trademark, proprietary, or privacy rights of third parties. CKA disclaims all liability arising from or in relation to any content submitted by Contributors. CKA is not responsible for verifying the authenticity or copyright status of any Contributions.
  9. All content submitted by Contributors must comply with applicable laws and shall not be defamatory, obscene, unlawful, misleading, or infringing upon the rights of others. Contributions must not encourage criminal activity, civil liability, or privacy violations. Contributors are prohibited from using the Portal for commercial advertising, solicitation, or influencing activities. Contributors further warrant that any personal data they submit has been lawfully collected and that they have obtained all necessary consents for its use. Contributors must ensure that their submission does not infringe upon the privacy or data-related rights of any third parties. In case of any breach of such rights or misuse of such data, CKA shall be fully indemnified.
  10. CKA reserves the right to monitor, review, and, where necessary, remove content found to be in violation of these Terms and Conditions. However, given the participatory nature of the Project, CKA does not guarantee the accuracy, authenticity, or completeness of any and all Contributions, and disclaims any all liability arising therefrom.

5. Third-Party Links, External Websites, and Advertisements

1. 1. The Portal may contain links, hyperlinks, or references to third-party websites, including but not limited to advertisements, sponsored content, and external references. These third-party websites are not owned, operated, or controlled by CKA, and CKA assumes no legal responsibility for their content, products, services, or the accuracy of the information they provide. The inclusion of such links does not imply any endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation with these third parties.
  2. Each third-party website operates under its own independent privacy and data protection policies. Users are advised to review the privacy policies and terms of use of any third-party website they visit, as CKA holds no liability for their data collection, processing, or security practices. By accessing such links, users acknowledge that they do so at their own risk, and CKA is not responsible for any damage, losses, or legal consequences arising from their interactions with these external sites.
  3. The information on the Portal should not be construed as an advertisement of any kind. We do not endorse, recommend, or promote any product, service, or entity in exchange for financial or other compensation. Any information that may appear to be an endorsement is provided solely at our discretion and is not influenced by commercial considerations. While we currently do not allow advertising on the Portal, we reserve the right to include it in the future. Should this change, it is understood that we do not warrant, represent, or endorse the accuracy, reliability, or legitimacy of any advertisements or promotional content that may appear on the Portal.

6. Limitation of Liability

1. 1. Users expressly acknowledge and agree that their use of the Portal is at their sole risk. CKA, FLAME University, and their affiliates make no warranties or representations, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or uninterrupted nature of the information available on the Portal. No guarantees are made concerning the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of results obtained from the use of the information provided.
  2. This disclaimer of liability extends to any and all damages or injuries, including those resulting from assumptions, errors, omissions, inaccuracies or delays in transmission of information. The CKA and the University entities also do not warrant that the Portal is free from cybersecurity risks, including but not limited to computer viruses, unauthorized access, or data destruction.
  3. Users further acknowledge that CKA and the University shall not be held liable for any defamatory, offensive, or illegal content that may be present on the Portal, and the risk of damage or loss from any use of such content remains exclusively with the user.
  4. In no event shall CKA, FLAME University, or any person or entity involved in the creation, or production, or delivery of the Portal be liable for any damages, whether direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive, arising from the use or inability to use the Portal. This limitation of liability encompasses, but is not limited to, damages from errors, inaccuracies, or delays in information transmission, as well as third-party claims or losses.
  5. CKA and the University shall not be liable assume no liability for any investment, policy, scholarly or any other material decisions made based on the information provided on the Portal. Users agree that any consumption or use of any information or services from the Portal is undertaken at their own risk, and CKA and FLAME shall not be liable for any unforeseeable losses, losses not caused by their direct breach, or business losses, including loss of profits, data, or reputation.
  6. The content on the Portal is provided for general informational purposes only and is not to be construed as professional, legal, financial, or any other form of expert advice. While the content may offer some general information, it is not exhaustive and may not represent a complete or authoritative repository of information. Users are solely responsible for evaluating the accuracy and utility of the information and are strongly advised to consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions with material consequences.

7. Indemnification

1. 1. Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless CKA, FLAME University, and their directors, employees, creditors, donors, agents, partners, and students (the “Indemnified Parties”) from and against any and all losses, liabilities, claims, demands, damages, expenses, or costs (“Claims”) that arise from or are related to the user's violation, misappropriation, or infringement of any rights of another person or entity, including, but not limited to, privacy rights, intellectual property rights, proprietary rights, or contractual rights; the user's breach of any applicable laws, regulations, or third-party agreements while using the Portal; any unauthorized use, misuse, or misrepresentation of the content available on the Portal by the user.
  2. The user agrees to promptly notify CKA of any third-party Claims, cooperate with the Indemnified Parties in the defense of such Claims, and bear all legal fees, costs, and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) associated with defending these Claims.
  3. Furthermore, CKA reserves the exclusive right, at its sole discretion, to control the defense or settlement of any third-party Claims. The user agrees that CKA’s decision regarding any legal defense, negotiation, or settlement shall be final and binding upon the user.

8. Prohibited Activities

Users, contributors, and subscribers are expressly prohibited from engaging in any of the following activities on the Portal:

1. 1. Unlawful and Harmful Conduct: Users shall not violate the legal rights of others, including but not limited to privacy rights, intellectual property rights, copyrights, trademarks, patents, or other proprietary rights. Engaging in fraudulent activities, knowingly contributing or distributing content that is obscene or vulgar is strictly forbidden. Furthermore, users shall not engage in harassment, threats, stalking, or vandalism directed at other users of the Portal.
  2. Deceptive and Misleading Behavior: It is prohibited for users to contribute, or transmit any content that they know to be false, inaccurate, or intended to deceive. Users are expressly forbidden from impersonating another individual or entity, misrepresenting their affiliation with any person or entity, or using another user's account with the intent to mislead or deceive.
  3. Spam and Service Disruption: Users shall not engage in spamming, trolling, or the transmission of unsolicited communications such as chain mail or junk mail. The posting, contributing, or distribution of content containing viruses, malware, worms, Trojan horses, malicious code, or any other programs or devices that could harm the Portal’s technical infrastructure or that of its users is strictly prohibited. Users shall not disrupt the services by placing an undue burden on the Portal, its networks, or its servers, nor shall they inundate the Portal with excessive communications or traffic that demonstrates no serious intent to utilize the Portal for its intended purpose.
  4. Unauthorized Access and Technical Misuse: Users are prohibited from bypassing or attempting to bypass any security measures implemented by CKA to restrict or prevent access to the Portal. Unauthorized access to, tampering with, or use of the non-public areas of CKA's computer systems is forbidden. Probing, scanning, or testing the vulnerability of any of CKA's technical systems or networks is prohibited unless such activity is part of an authorized vulnerability reporting process. The use of any automated means, including but not limited to robots, scrapers, spiders, crawlers, or data mining tools, to download data or content from the Portal is strictly prohibited

9. Privacy Policy

1. 1. Introduction: Your privacy is important to us, and we are committed to handling your information responsibly. As a not-for-profit academic and research institution, CKA is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals who engage with our Portal. We collect and process data solely to support our educational, research, and public-interest objectives. We do not use data for marketing or commercial purposes. By continuing to use the Portal, you consent to the terms of this Privacy Policy and to the collection, transfer, processing, storage, and use of your information as described herein. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the Portal (although we encourage you to contact us with your concerns). We recognize the importance of maintaining the security, integrity, and confidentiality of personal data shared with us.
  2. Information We Collect: While you interact with our Portal, we may collect data that you directly share with us, data gathered through automated technologies such as cookies, and, where applicable, data obtained from trusted third-party sources.
  3. When You Visit Our Portal: Some information is automatically collected when you browse our Portal to help us improve functionality and security. We may automatically collect: Internet Protocol (IP) address of your device; Browser type and operating system; Date, time, and duration of visits; Pages visited and files downloaded; Referrer data (the website or URL that directed you to our Portal); Search terms used on the Portal; and General location data (country or city level). We collect this data to enhance user experience, measure traffic, rectify technical issues, and improve accessibility. We do not attempt to identify users unless required to address security threats or technical incidents.
  4. When You Register or Create a Profile: If you create an account, register, or subscribe on our Portal, we may collect personally identifiable information that you have provided to us, including but not limited to: name, email address, phone number, occupation, and institutional affiliation, optional information such as profile picture or interests, or other such aspects that you may be asked to submit from time to time. We collect only the minimum personal data necessary to fulfil our operational, educational, and research objectives.
  5. Cookies, Tracking Technologies, and Analytics: Our Portal uses cookies (small text files that store information about your visit to enhance functionality and performance) to: Recognize returning users and improve usability; Store preferences (language, session, or location); Analyze aggregate traffic and usage patterns; and Maintain Portal security and performance. We may use Google Analytics to understand user behavior and traffic distribution. These cookies help us evaluate how visitors engage with our content. For more information about Google’s data practices, please refer to Google’s Privacy Policy and Google’s Data Safeguarding Policies. Cookies stored on your device do not collect personally identifiable data unless you log in or create an account. As a non-commercial platform, we use cookies only to improve functionality and accessibility — not for targeted advertising or monetization.
  6. How We Use the Information We Collect: We use your information only to operate the Portal effectively, improve our services, and keep you informed. Specifically, your data helps us to: Facilitate and secure access to Portal features and user accounts; Enhance and personalize user experience, ensuring that our content and interface remain accessible and relevant; Support research and institutional learning, including aggregate analysis of engagement trends and platform effectiveness; Communicate essential updates and academic information such as newsletters or event notices, only with your consent; and Comply with legal and regulatory obligations or protect the rights and interests of CKA, FLAME University, and our users.
  7. Non-Commercial Use Statement: As a nonprofit academic initiative, we never use your data for commercial purposes. CKA and FLAME University do not sell, trade, or rent users’ personal information. Any data sharing occurs solely for educational, administrative, or research-related purposes consistent with our institutional and public interest objectives.
  8. Data Sharing and Disclosure: We do not share your personal information outside CKA and FLAME University, except in limited, legally required cases. CKA values the trust of its users and upholds strict confidentiality standards regarding personal information.
  9. Data Security and Storage: We take reasonable steps to protect the information you provide from unauthorized access or misuse. We recognize the importance of maintaining the security, integrity, and confidentiality of personal data shared with us. Data collected through the Portal is stored in secure computer systems and databases operated either by CKA or FLAME University. We take reasonable organizational and technical measures to protect this data against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Despite these safeguards, no system is entirely impenetrable. If a breach occurs, we will notify affected users and relevant authorities in a timely manner.
  10. Third-Party Websites: Some links on our Portal lead to external sites; please review their privacy policies before sharing information. CKA does not control or endorse external content and assumes no responsibility for third-party actions.
  11. Policy Updates and Amendments: We may periodically update these Terms and Conditions to reflect evolving legal standards or operational requirements. Updates will be posted on this page, with the effective date clearly indicated. By continuing to use our Portal, you acknowledge and consent to any updated versions of this Policy.

10. Governing Law, Dispute Resolution, and Severability

1. 1. Governing Law and Jurisdiction: These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Republic of India. Subject to the dispute resolution process outlined below, the University, CKA and any other interested persons to a dispute ("the Parties") agree that any legal action or proceeding in connection with these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the competent courts in Pune, Maharashtra.
  2. Dispute Resolution: In the event of any dispute arising from or relating to the Portal or these Terms and Conditions, you agree to first attempt to settle the dispute in good faith through negotiations. If the dispute cannot be resolved by negotiation within sixty (60) days of its initiation by initimation to the Parties, it shall be referred to binding arbitration in accordance with the provisions of India’s Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. The dispute will be settled by a sole arbitrator, mutually agreed upon by the parties. The seat and venue of the arbitration shall be Pune, Maharashtra. The decision arising from this arbitration shall be final and binding on the parties.
  3. Severability: If any provision or part of a provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be unlawful, void, or unenforceable, that provision shall be deemed severable from the remaining provisions and shall not affect the validity and enforceability of the remaining terms. Similarly, if any provision is declared invalid invalid or unenforceable by reason of any law or any rule, order, judgement, decree, award or decision of any court, tribunal or regulatory or self-regulatory agency or body, such invalidity or unenforceability shall attach only to such provision or condition and shall not impact the validity of the other provisions, which will continue to remain in full force and effect. These Terms and Conditions supersede all prior communications, representations, and arrangements, whether written or oral, between the user and CKA or University relating to the use of the Portal. Users may not license or transfer any of their rights under these Terms and Conditions. However, we reserve the right to transfer any of our rights or obligations under these Terms and Conditions to another entity. If such a transfer occurs, we will ensure that the new entity continues to honor users' rights as outlined in these Terms and Conditions.

11. Republishing Guidelines

For republishing guidelines, please visit the Disclaimer page of the Portal. All requests for commercial use and translation rights should be submitted to us through email (cka@flame.edu.in)

12. Other

1. 1. These Terms and Conditions do not create any form of employment, agency, partnership, or joint venture relationship between users and us. Unless users have signed a separate agreement with us, these Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement between users and us.
  2. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and Conditions and a signed written agreement between users and us, the signed agreement shall prevail.
  3. Failure by either party (users or us) to exercise any right or remedy under these Terms and Conditions does not constitute a waiver of that right or remedy.
  4. Please note that headings used in these Terms and Conditions are for convenience only and shall have no legal meaning or effect.