New executives of Auroville Services

Executives of a number of key Services, including SAIIER, Visitors Centre, Security, Eco Service, Auroville Arts Service, ACUR and the Guest House Trust, have been fully or partially replaced with no or minimal notice. Some had been managing their activity for many years. The FO WC and FO FAMC explained that, “Further to the findings of the Systems and Processes Audit, Code of Conduct 2017 and approved by the 57th Governing Board meeting, the Working Committee and the Funds and Assets Management Committee have jointly decided in discussion with the GB to change the composition of some of the teams looking after the different activities of Auroville.

Auroville is at that inflection point where all efforts to support and strengthen the activities for its growth and development need to be augmented. The intent of the team composition changes is to bring in greater accountability, efficiency and effectiveness, responsiveness including upholding the compliances of the laws of India and suggested operational processes and practices.”

A General Meeting of residents subsequently condemned the way this was being done. The RA WC noted that, “Due process is not being followed, according to their own Standing Order and the Code of Conduct of 2017 (approved by the GB). There have been no notices given, no hearings, no reasons, no written orders – in short no due process has been followed. Therefore we advise that no one considers handing anything over or stepping down until and unless the following is produced: a resolution from the relevant trust, a resolution from the ‘FAMC’ signed by the JSFA (Joint Secretary, Finance Advisor to Ministry of Education and ex-officio member of the GB) who is listed in the Office Order appointing the ‘FAMC’ according to Section 16 of the AV Foundation Act, and an Office Order from the Office of the Secretary.” On April 28th, a case was filed in the Madras High Court challenging these appointments.