Terms and Conditions for Membership

Effective Date: 2nd June 2024

These Terms and Conditions govern the membership of the Goa Radio Amateurs Society (GRAS). By applying for and accepting membership in GRAS, you agree to comply with these Terms and Conditions, as well as our Privacy Policy and any other guidelines or rules posted on our website, www.grasociety.org.

Part 1: General Membership Terms

1. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting a membership application form, you confirm that you accept these Terms and Conditions and agree to abide by them. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not apply for membership.

2. Changes to Terms

GRAS reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Your continued membership following any changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms and Conditions. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the latest information.

Part 2: Membership Eligibility and Application

3. Eligibility

Membership is open to any individual who supports and subscribes to the objectives of GRAS, meets the eligibility criteria for the specific membership category applied for, and agrees to pay the applicable fees.

4. Application Process

Submission: Prospective members must complete and submit the online membership application form available on our website.
Review: Applications will be reviewed by the Membership Coordinator to verify eligibility and authenticity of the provided information.
Approval: Upon successful verification and approval by the Membership Coordinator and Treasurer (for payment confirmation), the application will be forwarded to the Secretary for final approval and digital signing of the membership certificate.
Notification: Applicants will be notified via email about the status of their application.

Part 3: Membership Fees and Payment

5. Fees

Joining Fee: A one-time joining fee is required for all new members, the amount of which depends on the membership category.
Annual Subscription Fee: An annual subscription fee is required for all members, except for lifetime members, the amount of which may be revised annually by the managing committee.

6. Payment Methods

Membership fees can be paid through the secure payment gateway integrated into our website. All payments must be made in Indian Rupees (INR).

7. Refund Policy

Membership fees are non-refundable except in cases where the membership application is rejected by GRAS.

Part 4: Membership Categories and Benefits

8. Membership Categories

Founding Member: Life members with five votes each.
Member: Members with one vote each.
Lifetime Member: Lifetime members with one vote each.
Associate Member: High-ranking government officials, free of charge, no voting rights or powers.
SWL/Student Member: Short Wave Listener/Student Members without voting rights.

9. Benefits

Members are entitled to participate in GRAS events, access exclusive resources, and enjoy other benefits as outlined on our website. Specific benefits may vary by membership category.

Part 5: Member Obligations

10. Compliance

Members must comply with the rules, regulations, and bylaws of GRAS, and act in the best interest of the society at all times.

11. Participation

Members are encouraged to actively participate in society events, meetings, and activities to foster a vibrant and engaged community.

Part 6: Data Sharing and Privacy

12. Data Collection

GRAS collects and processes personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy, which is available on our website.

13. Data Use

Personal data provided by members will be used solely for the purposes of membership administration, communication, and delivery of member benefits.

14. Data Sharing

Understanding that GRAS is a ham radio operators club, members agree that their data may be shared with disaster management authorities, the Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) Wing, or any other government body upon the decision of the managing committee. Such sharing will be done in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

Part 7: Termination and Suspension of Membership

15. Termination by Member

Members may terminate their membership at any time by notifying GRAS in writing. No refunds will be issued for any remaining period of the membership term.

16. Termination by GRAS

GRAS reserves the right to terminate or suspend the membership of any member who:

Fails to pay the membership fees.
Violates any rules, regulations, or bylaws of GRAS.
Engages in conduct detrimental to the interests of the society.

17. Appeal Process

Members whose membership has been terminated or suspended may appeal the decision in writing to the managing committee. The committee’s decision on the appeal will be final.

Part 8: Legal Compliance and Confirmation

18. Compliance with Club Documents

By applying for membership, you confirm that you have read and understood the club’s rules and regulations, constitution, Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and other legal documents governing the operations of GRAS. You agree to adhere to these documents as part of your membership obligations.

19. Legal Formation and Operations

GRAS is a legally formed and recognized society, operating under the laws and regulations applicable in the state of Goa. All activities and operations of the society are conducted in compliance with these laws.

Membership Exclusivity and Ethical Conduct

To maintain the integrity and objectives of the Goa Radio Amateurs Society (GRAS), the following exclusivity and ethical conduct terms apply to all members:

1.Exclusive Membership Commitment: During your membership with GRAS and for one year after it ends, you agree not to establish, operate, or participate in any other ham radio club or organization within the state of Goa that offers similar services as GRAS. This commitment does not apply to ham radio clubs within educational universities or colleges affiliated or recognized by with UGC or state boards, where such involvement supports academic or student-related activities. This ensures your full dedication to the society’s mission and activities while accommodating necessary participation in educational contexts.

2. Respect for GRAS Resources: Members must not use or replicate the functionalities, features, services, or proprietary information available on the GRAS website for any other organization without the express written consent of the GRAS managing committee. This protects the unique resources and efforts of GRAS.

3. Non-Solicitation of Members: You agree not to solicit or attempt to solicit any members, donors, or participants of GRAS for any competing ham radio clubs or organizations within the state of Goa. This includes refraining from using any proprietary information, contacts, or networks established through your association with GRAS.

4. Exceptions: Any activities outside these terms that are expressly approved by the GRAS managing committee in writing are exempt. Requests for exceptions must be submitted in writing and approved by the committee before engagement.

5. Enforcement and Compliance: Any breach of these terms may result in the termination of membership and potential legal action to enforce compliance and seek damages. The governing committee of GRAS reserves the right to enforce these terms to protect the society’s interests.

Part 9: Miscellaneous

20. Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the state of Goa. Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts located in Goa.

21. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.