Is Auroville moving towards a market economy?

“For in this ideal place money would be no more the sovereign lord”

Excerpt from “The Dream” of The Mother, August 1954

Money has become an integral part of the exchange between Aurovilians and the increased monetization of our interactions is a genuine cause of concern. 

The community kitchen, which epitomizes community living, no longer serves free meals. Auroville’s restaurants make little or no difference between guests and Aurovilians: all must pay. Housing is almost never provided free. If Aurovilians wish to give free workshops, concerts or shows, they usually have to pay a rental fee for the venue. Aurovilians are renting rooms or apartments to others. Office spaces are offered for a fee. And the list goes on. Everywhere today, Aurovilians request money from other Aurovilians for goods or services. There are still exceptions, some areas where the original spirit is maintained, though they are becoming increasingly rare. Some institutions and individuals still offer free health care, services or classes, and Auroville’s cultural performances are usually offered for free to the community. But, by and large, Auroville’s economy is fast becoming cash-based, and the dream of a moneyless community is slipping away with time. The attempt of some people to minimise the money exchange amongst Aurovilians is facing a huge challenge.

As in all cash-based societies, there is a pressure to earn a living. Today, that need has entered Auroville. Characteristically, work that is done ‘for free’ is no longer recognized as having any economic value and does not entitle you to a free lunch, for example. The community has developed no system of compensation for work done outside of the traditional “money for work” system.

Because money plays such a predominant role in today’s Auroville, the income inequality is striking. Those who come to Auroville without money struggle to find a place to live. They will have to survive on a community-provided “maintenance”, which, as it is insufficient, means they’ll have to look for other ways to finance their needs. Those who are richer, who have a source of income from outside, are able to make a donation for a large house or apartment, and can enjoy a more comfortable lifestyle. This income inequality reflects poorly on the higher goals and aspirations of our community.

The reasons for this state of affairs are numerous but most can be attributed to ordinary human nature. The humdrum of the world slips in and Auroville is hard pressed to deliver “the Dream”.

Under these circumstances, what development can Auroville hope for?

Auroville, with almost 2500 residents, has no economic development plan. Economic prosperity is a matter for the individual. Each Aurovilian is left to his or her own devices, according to his or her capacity. This free-for-all reinforces the current trend towards a monetized society.

Housing is among the most problematic issues. The present model, where individuals make donations to become the steward of a house or apartment, is failing as the costs of construction are ever-increasing. This makes new houses or apartments unaffordable for many Newcomers who then – according to today’s Entry Policy – cannot become an Aurovilian as they have no permanent dwelling. This stifles the growth of the community.

There is a lack of drive to change our economic system, and there is fear in many people to let go of the status quo. Auroville is by no means a poor community but it is split between a rigid ‘communist’-inspired system where Aurovilians without personal means receive the same maintenance, and a form of liberal capitalism where entrepreneurship is encouraged with little control from Auroville’s Funds and Assets Management Committee. This system is showing its limits.

Auroville has reached a state of development that requires it to reinvent its relationship to money. Auroville needs to create a sustainable economic model that will allow it to meet its structural needs and sustain its residents in the future. The goodwill of all those concerned with financial issues, the competence of the few and the support of the community will be needed to manifest a community where “money would be no more the sovereign lord”.