Decision Against Land Sales/Exchanges by the Auroville Foundation Office

Overview

The Auroville Residents' Assembly conducted an Emergency RAD (Residents' Assembly Decision-making) process in July 2024 to address concerns about land sales and exchanges being conducted by the Auroville Foundation Office (AVFO). This decision achieved the highest participation rate in any RAD to date and represented the community's strongest unified stance on protecting Auroville's land assets.

Participation and Results

• Total participants: 945 registered residents

• Quorum requirement: 10% of eligible residents (240 votes required)

• Total eligible voters: 2,400 confirmed Aurovilians (as of July 2024)

• Participation rate: Nearly 40% of eligible residents - among the highest participation rates recorded

• Outcome: The resolution was overwhelmingly approved with 98.7% support

The Decision

Result: APPROVED with 98.7% support (933 votes in favor, 4 against, 8 "don't know")

The approved resolution represents the community's decisive action to protect Auroville's land from what residents viewed as unauthorized disposal by the Foundation office.

The approved resolution contained these key demands:

1. An immediate pause on any further sale or exchange of Auroville properties

2. A thorough review of land deals undertaken by the current Secretary and authorized by the Governing Board, with a focus on reversal and restitution for any wrongful transactions

3. All future land deals to be made with all due process, respecting the Auroville Foundation Act and its 3 authorities (namely the RA, IAC and the GB) and Indian law