Last Updated: January 2025

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Welcome to Hashtag Kalakar (“we,” “our,” or “us”). This Refund Policy explains the terms under which refunds are processed for competitions, purchases, and other services offered through our official website and affiliated platforms (collectively referred to as “the Platform”).

By registering, participating, or making any purchase through Hashtag Kalakar, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Refund Policy.

1. General Overview

1.1 Hashtag Kalakar conducts creative competitions, exhibitions, publications, and online/offline events for artists and writers globally. All payments made for registrations, submissions, purchases, and services are governed strictly under this Refund Policy.

1.2 This Policy applies to all transactions made directly through our website, authorized links, and official payment gateways.

1.3 All participants, customers, or users are advised to read this policy carefully before making any payment. Once a payment is made, it is considered as consent to all terms and conditions stated herein.

2. Refund Eligibility for Competitions

2.1 Refunds are only applicable under specific circumstances as mentioned below:

a) If a participant registers for a competition but is not selected in the first round even after completing the required submission, they shall be eligible for a full refund of the registration fee.

b) Refunds are not applicable once a participant has been selected for further rounds or once their submission has been reviewed, evaluated, or shortlisted by the panel.

c) Refund requests must be made within 7 calendar days from the date of receiving the official notification of non-selection. Requests beyond this period will not be entertained.

d) The participant must provide valid proof of payment and registration details while requesting the refund.

2.2 All refund decisions made by Hashtag Kalakar shall be final and binding.

3. Non-Refundable Situations

3.1 No refund will be provided in any of the following cases:

• The participant fails to make the submission within the deadline.

• The participant withdraws voluntarily after registration.

• The submission violates our content guidelines or is found plagiarized.

• The participant’s entry is disqualified due to breach of rules or misconduct.

• The participant has already received publication, selection, or digital services related to the competition.

• Any technical error, connectivity issue, or device malfunction on the participant’s end.

3.2 Hashtag Kalakar reserves the right to deny refunds if the participant’s request is found fraudulent, repetitive, or abusive.

4. Refund Process

4.1 Eligible refunds will be processed within 7–14 working days from the date of approval.

4.2 Refunds will be made to the original payment method used during registration or purchase.

4.3 Transaction charges, payment gateway fees, or currency conversion charges are non-refundable.

4.4 Participants must provide accurate bank details or payment credentials during the refund process. Hashtag Kalakar will not be responsible for delays or failures due to incorrect details.

5. Refunds for Publications, Magazines & Digital Goods

5.1 All digital publications, magazines, e-books, certificates, and promotional materials sold through the Platform are non-refundable once purchased.

5.2 If a participant pre-books a magazine, publication, or printed copy, cancellation requests will not be entertained once the printing or production process has begun.

5.3 In case of a defective or damaged physical product (such as a printed magazine), the participant must notify us within 5 working days of receipt, along with photographic proof. A replacement may be issued after verification, but no monetary refund shall be provided.

6. Refunds for Promotional and Value-Added Services

6.1 Payments made for promotional listings, portfolio features, PR articles, advertisements, or other value-added services are non-refundable once the service has been initiated.

6.2 In exceptional cases of proven service failure or error on our part, partial compensation or credit may be offered at the sole discretion of Hashtag Kalakar.

7. Defamation & Misuse Clause

7.1 By participating in any competition or service offered by Hashtag Kalakar, users agree not to post, circulate, or share defamatory, misleading, or damaging statements about the organization or its affiliates.

7.2 If a participant or user publicly defames Hashtag Kalakar without concrete evidence or engages in online harassment, false accusations, or misinformation campaigns, the organization reserves the right to:

• Suspend their participation,

• Forfeit any pending refunds, and

• Seek legal compensation for the reputational and financial damages caused.

7.3 Refunds will not be provided to users found violating this clause.

8. Force Majeure

8.1 Hashtag Kalakar shall not be liable to issue refunds or compensation for delays or cancellations resulting from circumstances beyond its control, including but not limited to:
natural disasters, technical breakdowns, internet outages, pandemics, government restrictions, strikes, or acts of God.

8.2 In such cases, events may be rescheduled or services extended at the organization’s discretion.

9. Transfer of Registration

9.1 Registrations and payments made for competitions or events are non-transferable to another person, edition, or event unless approved by Hashtag Kalakar in writing.

9.2 Any unauthorized transfer, resale, or sharing of participation slots shall result in immediate disqualification without refund.

10. Cancellation by Hashtag Kalakar

10.1 In rare cases where Hashtag Kalakar cancels or discontinues a competition, participants will be notified via email or official communication channels.

10.2 Full or partial refunds may be issued, depending on the stage of the event and services already rendered.

10.3 Hashtag Kalakar reserves the right to cancel or modify any event, competition, or program at any time without prior notice for operational, legal, or security reasons.

11. Intellectual Property & Rights of Publication

11.1 Once a participant submits their artwork, writing, or creative piece, they automatically grant Hashtag Kalakar worldwide, royalty-free rights to publish, promote, and use their work for display on the website, social media, magazines, advertisements, or promotional materials.

11.2 No additional payment or compensation shall be provided for the use of such works in promotional or marketing activities.

11.3 Participants shall continue to retain ownership of their original content, but Hashtag Kalakar shall have perpetual rights to display, archive, and promote the submission.

11.4 Refund requests cannot be used to revoke the publication rights granted under this clause.

12. Limitation of Liability

12.1 Under no circumstance shall Hashtag Kalakar or its affiliates be held liable for any indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages arising out of participation, delay, or non-selection.

12.2 Refunds shall only be processed as per this policy, and no additional compensation, damages, or interest shall be payable beyond the refund amount.

12.3 Participants agree that the decision of the Hashtag Kalakar jury or panel is final, conclusive, and non-contestable.

13. Fraud Prevention & Verification

13.1 Hashtag Kalakar reserves the right to request additional verification documents before processing a refund to ensure authenticity and prevent misuse.

13.2 Any attempt to manipulate results, misuse payment systems, or submit fake refund claims will result in immediate disqualification and blacklisting from all future events.

14. Modification of this Policy

14.1 Hashtag Kalakar may update or amend this Refund Policy from time to time without prior notice.

14.2 The revised version will be posted on the official website and will take effect immediately upon publication.

14.3 Participants are encouraged to review the policy periodically to stay informed about any changes.

15. Governing Law & Jurisdiction

15.1 This Refund Policy shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of India.

15.2 All disputes or claims arising out of or in connection with this Policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Courts of Mumbai, India.

16. Contact Information

For refund-related queries or assistance, please contact:

📧 Email: hashtagkalakar@gmail.com
🌐 Website: www.hashtagkalakar.com

Declaration

By participating in any competition, making a purchase, or submitting your work to Hashtag Kalakar, you acknowledge that you have fully read, understood, and agreed to abide by this Refund Policy and all associated Terms and Conditions.