The Working Committee selected by the Auroville Residents’ Assembly

Dear Community,

A report by a “Department-Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education, Women, Children, Youth and Sports” regarding a Review of Autonomous Bodies and Institutions under the Department of Higher Education in the Ministry of Education was submitted to both houses of Parliament on the 8th of December and is now widely circulating.

The Auroville Foundation, as an autonomous body created by an Act of Parliament, was part of the review process.

We have read the final report and we are glad to note that the Committee has made a thorough and balanced assessment of the reality of Auroville – past, present and future. We note with particular appreciation the recommendations made by the Committee, which we welcome as a way forward towards a collaborative spirit and changing the authoritarian and destructive approach taken by the AVF administration over the last four years. The Report is advisory in nature but we hope that it will be considered by all who read it as a reasonable, positive and appropriate way forward, to which we are ready to extend our full support and collaboration.

Here’s a brief summary of the 16 points in the “Recommendations” section.

The committee:

• Recognizes “the many achievements of Auroville since its inception and since the passage of the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988”
• Expresses appreciation for the contributions made by past Chairmen of the Foundation, Dr Karan Singh and Dr Kireet Joshi
• Notes that “the Auroville Foundation Act (1988) is unique in that it governs a community, not just an institution.”
• Emphasizes that the Governing Board, the International Advisory Council and the Residents’ Assembly must work together in close coordination and harmony
• States that, “The Governing Board should continue the practice of consultation and collaboration with the International Advisory Council and the Residents’ Assembly before making any key decisions.”
• Observes that the objectives of the Auroville Foundation and the ideals of human unity can only be pursued with such an environment of constructive engagement
• Emphasizes the distinctive nature of Auroville as a community
• Notes that “Auroville is meant to have an autonomous character and that an empowered Resident Assembly is critical to the same since it is the only statutory body capable of representing the residents of Auroville.” States that the practice to assign additional charge to the Secretary should be avoided
• Welcomes the MoU with IIT Madras but noting that it would come at the expense of Annapurna Farm. Therefore, it recommends that Annapurna Farm should not be disturbed and alternative sites should be found
• Expresses the view that all land transfers in service of the Master Plan should be implemented in full transparency and consultation with all stakeholders, including the Residents’ Assembly and the International Advisory Council.• Recommends that the Master Plan be implemented in close consultation with the Residents’ Assembly and stakeholders in Auroville, with changes as may be required
• Recommends that “any amendments to the Auroville Foundation Act 1988 and the Auroville Foundation Rules 1997 should be developed through a consensual process, with the unanimous support of all the three statutory bodies – the Governing Board, the International Advisory Council and the Resident’s Assembly.”
• Recognizes the achievement of Auroville in self-sufficiency and recommending this spirit of self-direction and “self-sustenance” to continue and the involvement of the Central Public Works Department and other bodies should be minimized
• Notes that the international character of Auroville is not just a matter of pride, but is the very intent of Auroville
• Emphasizes that “the Auroville Foundation’s role in the visa process must be speedy and independent of any considerations, and that the Foundation should continue to keep the five year visa as the norm for all residents.”
• Recommends consideration of an amendment to the Act in order to recognize Auroville as an Institution of National Importance
• Considers that the Term of the Secretary should be coterminous with that of the Governing Board
• Feels that instead of an annual Grant from the Government of India, the Foundation should receive enough funding to sustain itself in future

Some members of the Auroville community, including members of this Working Committee selected by the Residents’ Assembly, had the opportunity to interact with the Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee during his visit to Auroville and Annapurna Farm. We are grateful for his time and attention. We extend our gratitude to him and the entire Committee for the understanding they have shown regarding Auroville’s complexity and its unique character and intention.

With hope and faith,
Aravinda, Bharathy, Chali, Matthieu, Prashant, Valli
The Working Committee selected by the RA