Local politician alleges mismanagement by Auroville Foundation

On April 3rd, 2024, Shri M. Chakrapani, a member of the Legislative Assembly of Tamil Nadu representing the Vanur constituency of the Villupuram district, sent a widely circulated letter to the Secretary of the Auroville Foundation alleging Auroville mismanagement over the last two years. Mentioning that he represents more than 100 villages, the majority of which rely on Auroville as a source of livelihood, he stated that Auroville’s continued development and sustainability is a matter of great pride for all of them. He criticised Auroville’s current governance, in particular in removing local Aurovilian Tamils from working groups and replacing them by other Tamil appointees which, at best, he wrote, is “a tokenistic formality”. Among other things, he objected to the harassment of Aurovilian Tamils who have taken issue with recent decisions; expressed concern about barriers being imposed on visa renewal of foreigners; and expressed his disapproval that a significant number of local Tamil workers involved in key Auroville industries and activities have been dismissed without adequate justification, little notice period and without sufficient compensation. Mr. Chakrapani also mentioned that he had received numerous complaints concerning possible corruption in cases involving land purchases. Mr. Chakrapani concluded his letter stating that he fears that if the alleged malpractices, such as the abuse of power, corruption, and harassment of Tamil Auroville residents and foreigners, are not remedied soon, the tide may turn and that the Secretary may lose the goodwill and support of the villages and the population of Auroville, resulting in increased public protest against the current administration.