Auroville, often referred to as the "City of Truth," was conceived by The Mother with a profound emphasis on ethics and transparency. Yet, in recent times, questions have arisen regarding its commitment to openness, particularly in relation to the Right to Information (RTI) Act. While Auroville strives to maintain its unique identity and autonomy, concerns have been raised about its approach to public information.
Auroville operates as a distinctive institution, often likened to a secret government entity, which seemingly shrouds its activities in secrecy. This perceived opacity has led to criticism, especially considering that Auroville is a statutory body under the Union of India. The Auroville Foundation Act was established to uphold the administration and application of The Mother's ideals, ensuring accountability and adherence to its founding principles.
The Right to Information Act (RTI) is a crucial piece of legislation that seeks to facilitate public access to information while holding institutions accountable. It envisions a transparent and responsive government, and this principle extends to institutions like Auroville that receive public funding.
However, Auroville's stance on RTI has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that the institution, perhaps in a bid to safeguard its autonomy, has, at times, manipulated the law and media to present an inaccurate picture. This has raised concerns about the institution's commitment to transparency, a value integral to its founding principles.
In a recent development, a public interest litigation (PIL) WP 5961/2020 was admitted in the Madras High Court. The Union of India, represented by the Ministry of Education, is to provide a response. The petitioner, the editor of the Auroville Files, prayed the Enforcement Directorate to investigate the trusts associated with the Auroville Foundation.
Furthermore, after long delays, the Auroville Foundation recently responded to pending RTIs. It is essential to examine the questions posed and the corresponding responses to understand the current state of transparency within Auroville.
RTI AFOUN/R/E/22/00001 filed on 16/04/2022 | Responded on 08/09/2023
As per RTI no: DOHED/R/E/22/01427 and appeals thereof, filed with the Ministry of Education, I have been asked to approach you for the following:
a) Works Audit and Techno commercial audit of all construction-related work of Auroville from 2015 to 2019 are required.
b) The Humanscape Project and other Housing are to provide free housing for youth and volunteers and donations were raised by the larger public. It was funded by public grants without the permission of the Ministry. The previous team of Auroville Outreachmedia also made a big video with Project Nightfall (Youtuber ) that Auroville is a place where everyone gets free housing without money. Why is the Auroville FAMC & Housing Committees charging them a monthly rental? (Known as maintenance/housing fees)
Reply by the Auroville Foundation:
Necessary audits are done and appropriate actions are in place
RTI AFOUN/R/E/22/00005 filed on 26/02/2023 | Responded on 08/09/2023
1) A copy of Expense Receipt no 154 of Unity Fund dated 21st June 2017 is required.
2) Auroville trusts and units have been collecting donations from everywhere stating that the Comptroller & Auditor General of India ( CAG ) does an audit annually. Although the CAG does not do a direct audit and has been sighting for 5 consecutive years in Auroville annual reports, the internal audit is inadequate. Many constructional works of Auroville have exposed financial scams, and yet no works audit has been conducted. Why has a private audit company been appointed to conduct only transactional audits and not the CAG directly? A detailed explanation is required.
3) There are rumours that the New Town Development Authority ( NTDA ) which was important for the implementation of the Masterplan was withdrawn. Due to this for years, the Auroville Foundation has been against private developers in the area. Is it true and if so, a detailed explanation as to the reasons behind this decision is required
4) What are the financial terms and relationships between Auroville International and Auroville Foundation?
5) Auroville International collects donations from various centres across the world for Auroville, a project in India, showing promises of uplifting the rural population and our poor country. The tax return of Auroville International centres in their countries are required, to find out how much donations they have collected over the past 5 years.
6) After the Governor of Tamilnadu was appointed as the Chairman of the Auroville Foundation, how many Governing Board meetings have been held? The Minutes of the meeting of all are required.
Reply by the Auroville Foundation:
Auroville International is not a part of the Auroville Foundation. At the same time, CAG audits all the accounts of entire Auroville. In the recent years, GB meetings are conducted every quarter and check the website for the MoM. Auroville Foundation follows the directions of theGB for the implementation of any project.
Related article:
RTI AFOUN/R/E/23/00023 filed on 23/06/2023 | Responded on 08/09/2023
a) The excavation and construction for the lake surrounding the Matrimandir is underway and it is known that a desalinisation plant is going to supply the water for it. Copies of clearance from the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change are required.
b) What are the business and financial terms between Varuna Energy & Water Pvt Ltd company and Auroville Foundation?
c) Auroville shows sales of timber from the felling of trees to sawmills around the area every year. Are necessary permissions taken by communities and working groups for the same every year? If so, a copy of these NOCs is required for the last 2 financial years
Reply by the Auroville Foundation:
The documents requested are related to internal matters. Hence, the information cannot be disclosed.
Auroville's commitment to ethics and transparency is integral to its identity and purpose. However, recent developments and concerns over its handling of the RTI Act have brought its dedication to these values into question. Striking the right balance between autonomy and accountability is a challenge faced by many institutions, and Auroville is no exception. As it navigates these challenges, it is imperative for Auroville to uphold the principles of truth, ethics, and transparency that form the core of its vision.
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