63rd GB meeting. Excerpts.

In its 63rd meeting the GB approved the project proposal submitted by the EdCIL (India) Limited for the construction of 1,000-bed student hostel in two phases at Auroville. The Board approved the Auroville Foundation to sign the MoU with EdCIL (India) Limited as per Gol norms. The project cost would be Rs. 82.20 crore (approximately) for Phase 1.

The GB also approved the construction of a town hall in Auroville with the approximate budget of Rs. 50 crore. This new town hall, as one of the most prominent public buildings, will be placed on the north-south axis of the Matrimandir within the administrative area of Auroville.

The Board further approved the Start-up Entrepreneurship project with the approximate budget of up to Rs. 50 lakhs; and the upgradation of the SAIIER quarters (built with a grant from the Government of India) with basic facilities at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 lakhs for 8 units.

The Board further welcomed the presentation of the Organisation and Governance Committee on the need for defining rules, processes and regulations for the functioning of the Residents Assembly and approved the action points proposed, e.g. Auroville Foundation Regulations 2023, Model Code of Conduct for the Units, Activities, Projects and Trusts operating under Auroville Foundation and proposed organisational reforms for Auroville including re-organisation of various working groups.