Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to RateSearch (accessible at https://ratesearch.in and through the RateSearch Android application). RateSearch is an independent engineering and reference platform designed to help quantity surveyors, engineers, contractors, and estimators search publicly published departmental rate schedules and Basic Schedules of Rates (BSR/SOR/HSR).

We believe in minimal data collection and transparent privacy practices. This Privacy Policy explains what information is processed when you use RateSearch, how local application data functions, and our non-affiliation status with government departments.

2. Information We Collect

RateSearch operates on a local-first, privacy-by-design architecture:

• No Personal Accounts: You do not need to create an account, register, or provide personal details to use RateSearch.
• Local Search Queries: When you enter search keywords, item codes, or chapter terms in the application, searches are processed locally on your device against offline database files. Your search queries are not recorded, profiled, or tied to your personal identity.
• Technical Connection Data: Like all websites and online utilities, when you access our website or when the app checks for source database updates over HTTPS, ordinary technical connection metadata (such as your IP address, browser user-agent, and request timestamp) is processed by the hosting network and infrastructure solely to transmit requested files and safeguard system availability.

3. Information We Do Not Collect

To be completely clear, RateSearch does not collect or access:

4. Local App Data & Preferences

RateSearch uses standard local device storage (such as browser LocalStorage or Android app private storage) exclusively to store your interface preferences:

• Your selected default state (e.g., Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana).
• Your selected rate schedule or department view (e.g., PWD Buildings, UPPCL, DHBVN).
• Your selected engineering circle or district (where applicable).
• Onboarding completion flag.

This data remains strictly on your local device and is never uploaded, synced to an external server, or shared with third parties.

5. Network Communications

While RateSearch executes rate searches locally, the application may make limited network communications in the following circumstances:

• Web Asset Loading: Loading HTML, CSS, fonts, and client scripts when browsing the web version at ratesearch.in.
• Database Version Checks: The Android application may periodically check a secure HTTPS release endpoint to determine whether an updated version of a public rate schedule is available.
• External Source Navigation: If you tap or click a link to view an official government PDF or department portal, your device connects directly to that external domain.

7. Sources of Government Information

RateSearch indexes rate schedules and Cost Data Books from publicly accessible government and utility publications. The authoritative sources and official domains include:

Ownership and statutory authority over original schedule documents remain with their respective issuing government departments and public utilities.

8. Third-Party & Official Department Websites

RateSearch provides direct links and PDF page anchors so you can verify rates against the authoritative source document. When you click an external link, you leave RateSearch and navigate to an external website governed by that third party’s privacy policy and terms. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of external government or utility websites.

9. Data Sharing & Disclosure

Because RateSearch does not collect personal information, user accounts, contact books, or search histories, we do not sell, rent, trade, or share user personal data with any third party.

10. Advertising

The RateSearch Android application does not contain advertising SDKs or third-party behavioral ad trackers. If informational banners or sponsorship notices appear on the web platform, they are served without personalized user tracking.

11. Payments & Subscriptions

RateSearch is a free reference platform. We do not process payments, collect credit card numbers, offer paid subscriptions, or store financial credentials.

12. Children's Privacy

RateSearch is intended for general audiences, engineering professionals, contractors, and public estimators. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 13.

13. Data Security & Storage Architecture

We apply industry-standard security practices, including mandatory HTTPS encryption across all web traffic. The application is designed to operate locally on-device, minimizing exposure to remote security vulnerabilities.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in application features, legal requirements, or platform policies. Any revisions will be published on this page with an updated “Last updated” date.