Public Affairs Centre (PAC)
Last updated: September 2026

Public Affairs Centre (PAC) is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation committed to improving the quality of governance in India. PAC undertakes research, action research, data collection, analysis, training and knowledge dissemination on issues of public interest.

This Privacy Policy explains how PAC collects, uses, protects and handles personal information received through its websites, online forms, communications and research-related activities.

By using PAC’s websites or voluntarily providing information to PAC, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information about PAC

Public Affairs Centre (PAC)
508, 5th Floor, 14, HM Geneva House,
Cunningham Road, Bengaluru – 560052, India

Email: mail@pacindia.org
Phone: +91 80 27839920
WhatsApp: +91 7899 005420
Website: www.pacindia.org

2. Information We Collect

Depending on how you interact with PAC, we may collect information such as:

• Name, organisation, designation and professional details;
• Email address, telephone number and other contact information;
• Information submitted through contact, enquiry, registration, feedback, subscription, recruitment or other online forms;
• Information voluntarily provided when communicating with PAC;
• Information required for participation in research, surveys, consultations, events, training programmes or other activities;
• Information contained in correspondence, feedback or other communications;
• Technical information associated with use of our websites, such as IP address, browser type, device information and general website usage information, where such information is made available through our hosting, security, analytics or other technical services.

PAC seeks to collect only information that is reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.

3. How We Use Information

Information provided to PAC may be used for purposes including:

• Responding to enquiries, requests and feedback;
• Providing information, publications or other materials requested by users;
• Registering participants for events, training programmes, consultations or other activities;
• Communicating with individuals and organisations in connection with PAC’s work;
• Sharing information about PAC’s research, publications, events and activities where the individual has requested or consented to receive such communication, where applicable;
• Administering recruitment or professional engagement processes;
• Conducting, managing and administering research and field activities;
• Maintaining records necessary for PAC’s organisational and operational purposes;
• Improving our websites, services, research processes and communication;
• Meeting applicable legal, regulatory, security or administrative requirements.

PAC does not sell personal information for commercial purposes.

4. Research and Primary Data

Research is central to PAC’s work. PAC may collect information directly from individuals and communities through surveys, interviews, consultations, field visits, questionnaires, digital data collection platforms and other research methods.

Research data may be collected, processed and analysed in accordance with the methodology and objectives of the particular study.

Where appropriate and depending on the nature of the study, PAC may:

• Minimise the collection of personally identifiable information;
• Separate identifying information from research responses;
• Anonymise, aggregate or otherwise sanitise data before analysis or publication;
• Apply appropriate access controls and safeguards;
• Use data only for the purposes for which it was collected or for compatible research and institutional purposes;
• Restrict the publication of information that could unnecessarily identify individuals or cause harm.

The treatment of research data may vary depending on the study, its methodology, contractual requirements, ethical considerations and applicable law. Where a study involves specific participant information, consent or other research-related requirements, those requirements may be communicated separately.

5. Secondary Data and External Sources

PAC also uses secondary data obtained from government departments, public institutions, academic sources, published research, official datasets and other credible sources.

Such data may be processed, analysed, interpreted or combined with other information as part of PAC’s research.

PAC seeks to identify and appropriately acknowledge the source of secondary data and does not represent externally generated data as data originally collected by PAC.

Where PAC publishes or hosts material produced by another organisation or where PAC has contributed to a collaborative publication, the respective roles and responsibilities may be identified in the publication or accompanying information.

6. Research Methodology and Data Responsibility

PAC develops and applies research methodologies appropriate to the objectives of its studies. Research may involve primary data collection, secondary data analysis, mixed methods, surveys, interviews, field observations, qualitative or quantitative analysis, and other research approaches.

PAC takes reasonable steps to maintain the integrity, security and responsible handling of data under its control.

However, research findings necessarily depend on the quality, availability, scope and limitations of the underlying data and methodology. Research reports should therefore be read together with their stated methodology, sources, limitations and other relevant notes.

7. Data Security

PAC takes reasonable administrative, technical and organisational measures to protect personal information and research data against unauthorised access, misuse, alteration, disclosure or loss.

Access to information may be restricted to authorised personnel, researchers, service providers or other persons who require access for legitimate organisational or research purposes.

No method of electronic storage or transmission can be guaranteed to be completely secure. PAC therefore cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted over the internet.

8. Sharing of Information

PAC may share information where reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected or where required or permitted by applicable law.

This may include sharing information with:

• PAC personnel and authorised researchers;
• Research partners, collaborators, field agencies or service providers involved in a particular activity;
• Technology, hosting, communication or other service providers supporting PAC’s operations;
• Institutions or organisations where such sharing is necessary for a specific research or programme purpose;
• Government, regulatory or law-enforcement authorities where required by law.

PAC seeks to limit such sharing to information reasonably necessary for the relevant purpose.

PAC does not ordinarily disclose personal information publicly unless there is a legitimate purpose, appropriate basis or consent, as applicable.

9. Website Forms and Communications

PAC’s websites may contain forms through which visitors can submit enquiries, requests, feedback, registrations or other information.

Information submitted through these forms may be used to:

• Respond to the enquiry or request;
• Provide the information, publication or service requested;
• Maintain appropriate institutional records;
• Communicate relevant information about PAC’s work where appropriate and permitted.

Where a form is intended to collect information for a particular research study, event, programme or other purpose, additional information may be provided at the point of collection.

10. Cookies and Similar Technologies

PAC’s websites may use cookies or similar technologies required for website functionality, security, performance, analytics or other legitimate website purposes.

Cookies may help PAC understand general patterns of website use and improve the visitor experience.

Users may be able to control or disable cookies through their browser settings. Some website functionality may be affected as a result.

11. Third-Party Websites and Services

PAC’s websites may contain links to external websites, platforms and services, including those of government institutions, research partners, academic institutions, donors, stakeholders and other organisations.

PAC does not control the privacy practices or content of external websites. Users are advised to review the privacy policies of such websites before providing personal information to them.

12. Photographs and Audiovisual Material

PAC’s websites and publications may contain photographs, videos or other audiovisual material recorded during PAC’s field activities, research activities, meetings, events, training programmes, stakeholder engagements, office visits or other institutional activities.

PAC seeks to use such material responsibly and, where appropriate, with consent or on a legitimate institutional basis.

If an individual believes that a photograph, video or other material published by PAC raises a genuine privacy, consent or other concern, they may contact PAC using the details provided below. PAC will review the concern and take appropriate action where warranted.

13. Data Retention

PAC retains information for as long as reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for legitimate institutional or research purposes, or as required by applicable law.

Research records and institutional records may need to be retained for longer periods for research integrity, archival, reporting, audit, historical or other legitimate purposes.

Where personal information is no longer required and there is no legitimate reason or legal requirement to retain it, PAC may take reasonable steps to delete, anonymise or otherwise dispose of it securely.

14. Your Rights and Requests

Subject to applicable law and the nature of the information concerned, individuals may contact PAC regarding:

• The personal information provided by them;
• The purpose for which their information is being used;
• Correction of inaccurate or incomplete information;
• Withdrawal of consent where consent is the basis for processing;
• Concerns regarding the use, disclosure or handling of their personal information;
• Other applicable rights relating to their personal data.

Requests may be made by contacting:

Email: admin@pacindia.org
Phone / WhatsApp: +91 7899 005420

PAC may need to verify the nature of a request before taking action, particularly where doing so is necessary to protect the privacy of another person or the integrity of research data.

15. Changes to this Privacy Policy

PAC may periodically update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in its practices, websites, research activities, technology or applicable legal requirements.

The latest version will be published on this page with the date of the most recent update.

16. Contact Us

Questions, feedback, concerns or complaints relating to this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information may be addressed to:

Public Affairs Centre (PAC)
508, 5th Floor, 14, HM Geneva House,
Cunningham Road, Bengaluru – 560052, India

Email: admin@pacindia.org
Phone: +91 80 27839920
WhatsApp: +91 7899 005420

PAC will make reasonable efforts to review and respond to concerns in a timely manner.