BCC loses control of Auroville’s finances

On 14th October, the RA Budget Coordination Committee (BCC) announced that they “no longer have any control or oversight over Auroville’s City Services budget” as their access to the Financial Services has been removed. They explained that they are no longer able to access Auroville Service accounts or execute transfers for both services or individuals (for visa and passport refunds, for example). This could have very concerning consequences for the financial stability of the Auroville community, as full control of the budgetary system is now in the hands of a small group of inexperienced people.

The Foundation FAMC responded that over the last several months they had invited former BCC members to collaborate and work together to prepare an annual work plan, streamline budget collection for timely submissions, and submit budget details for a joint review on priorities for more productive and effective services support with proper accountability and transparency.

“As it became clear that no cooperation was forthcoming, the (Foundation) FAMC has restructured the role of BCC and new modalities are being framed. New team members are brought into play for a transition to the changed needs of Auroville.”

The RA BCC pointed out that, in fact, they had completed a new services budget but did not know if it would be implemented. They also called on the community to financially support Aurovilians who have been placed on bridging maintenances by the Foundation appointed FAMC. After December they will no longer receive any support from the City Services Fund. To date, 20 people have been placed on a 3-month bridging maintenance. Most of the affected people are actively working full time for the RA-endorsed working groups.