Concerns about maintenances

The FO FAMC and FO BCC reported that it has been a challenging time for both groups over the last six months as they have been confronted with a number of problems and issues. One is that more than 400 Aurovilians are not contributing their individual monthly contribution of Rs 3800, thus creating a large hole in the income for the community. The groups also note that a large number of unit executives take much higher maintenance than the “standard” maintenance, and it has now reached a level where they have to bring in some regulation. Also, Aurovilians receiving a partial City Service maintenance would no longer be allowed to make extra income by working for commercial units which would exceed a CS maintenance.

In response to this announcement, members of the former BCC wrote that “We are concerned that these communications do not reflect a movement towards the ideals of Auroville, nor an attitude of care for the economic realities that people face at present. Instead, these communications are focussed on imposing rules and conditions. We do not feel that this approach can foster a new economy that embodies the spirit of Auroville.” They noted that in the current reality where Auroville is not meeting everyone’s basic needs, restrictions on maintenances only makes it harder for those with less financial means to be a part of this community.

The FO FAMC and BCC were also concerned that more than half of all existing financial liquid assets of Auroville are parked in bank accounts outside Auroville. They are working on solutions so that Financial Service accounts will have the same functions and facilities as a bank account. When this is ready they we will make a push to bring all Auroville financial liquid assets into the Auroville financial system.