Maintenance cuts continue

The Budget Coordination Committee of the AVFO (BCC) is continuing its programme of stringent maintenance cuts with an estimated 170 Aurovilians now affected. Recently, members of the AV Council and the Entry Board had their maintenances removed. Additionally, most requests for waivers of the mandatory Auroville contribution are being refused, even to those who have had their maintenance cut and have no income whatsoever, or to those who work for the community in a voluntary capacity. Whereas in the past it was accepted that people could make a contribution to Auroville ‘in kind’ through their work, it now seems that only a financial contribution is recognised. The refusal to waive the contribution particularly affects foreigners who rely on a visa, since the AVFO will not issue a letter of recommendation until they receive a ‘no dues certificate’ from the BCC.