Privacy Policy

Maha-Sainik Canteen Network ("we", "our", or "us") is committed to protecting your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect through our website mahasainikcanteen.com, how we use it, and your rights in relation to it. By using our website or submitting an inquiry, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information you voluntarily provide and certain data automatically generated by your use of our website.

Information you provide:

• Full name, mobile number, and email address submitted via our contact or registration form
• District, city, and state for franchise inquiries
• Service background details (ex-serviceman, Agniveer, civilian) when registering interest
• Any messages or queries you send to us via the website or WhatsApp

Information collected automatically:

• IP address and approximate geographic location
• Browser type, device type, and operating system
• Pages visited, time spent, and referring URL
• Cookie identifiers (see Section 4)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected for the following purposes:

• To respond to franchise registration inquiries and contact form submissions
• To schedule follow-up calls or meetings regarding store setup opportunities
• To send relevant updates about the Maha-Sainik Canteen Network (you may opt out at any time)
• To improve our website content and user experience
• To maintain internal records and comply with applicable laws
• To verify eligibility criteria for government subsidy schemes where applicable

We do not use your data for automated decision-making or profiling.

3. Sharing of Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. We may share your data only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service providers: Trusted partners who assist us in operating the website or communicating with you (e.g., email or SMS service providers), bound by confidentiality agreements
• Government bodies: When required for processing subsidy applications or compliance with legal obligations under Indian law
• Legal requirements: If required by a court order, law enforcement, or applicable regulation
• Business transfer: In the event of a merger or acquisition, your data may be transferred subject to the same privacy protections

4. Cookies & Tracking

Our website uses cookies — small text files stored on your device — to enhance your browsing experience. We use:

• Essential cookies: Required for basic website functionality (navigation, form submissions)
• Analytics cookies: To understand how visitors use our site (e.g., Google Analytics)
• Preference cookies: To remember your settings across visits

You can disable cookies through your browser settings. Note that disabling cookies may affect some website functionality. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described above.

5. Data Retention

We retain your personal data only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected. Specifically:

• Franchise inquiry data is retained for up to 3 years from the date of submission
• General contact messages are retained for up to 12 months
• Analytics data is retained in aggregated, anonymised form indefinitely

After the retention period, data is securely deleted or anonymised.

6. Data Security

We take reasonable technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse. These include:

• SSL encryption on all data submitted through our website forms
• Restricted internal access to personal data on a need-to-know basis
• Regular review of our data handling and storage practices

However, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We encourage you to contact us only through official channels listed on this website.

7. Your Rights

Under applicable Indian privacy law and in the spirit of fair data practices, you have the right to:

• Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you
• Correction: Ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data
• Deletion: Request deletion of your personal data, subject to any legal obligations we may have to retain it
• Withdrawal of consent: Opt out of receiving marketing communications at any time by contacting us or using the unsubscribe link in our emails
• Grievance redressal: Lodge a complaint with us if you believe your data has been handled improperly

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 11.

8. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites such as WhatsApp, government portals, or social media platforms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of those external sites. We encourage you to review their respective privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. Children's Privacy

Our website and services are intended for adults aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under the age of 18. If we become aware that a minor has submitted personal data, we will promptly delete it. If you believe a minor has shared information with us, please contact us immediately.

10. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. When we do, we will revise the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page. We encourage you to review this policy periodically. Continued use of our website after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

11. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of your personal data, please reach out to us: