DECISION ON THE REVISED MANDATE OF THE RESIDENTS' ASSEMBLY SERVICE

Overview

A Residents' Assembly Decision-making process (RAD) was conducted to approve the revised Residents' Assembly Service Mandate 2025. This document updates and replaces the original 2007 RAS Mandate, separating the RAS functions from the RAD process description, and expanding its role to better support Auroville's governance structure.

Participation and Results

• Total participants: 359 registered residents

• Quorum requirement: 10% of eligible residents (239 votes required)

• Total eligible voters: Approximately 2,390 confirmed Aurovilians (as of voting date)

• Outcome: The proposal was approved with 98.9% (355 votes) in favor and 1.1% (4 votes) against

The Decision

The approved decision was: "To adopt the Residents' Assembly Service Mandate 2025 as the updated governing document for the RAS."

RAS Mandate and Policy 2025 - Final.pdf

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What does this decision mean?

The adoption of the 2025 RAS Mandate expands and clarifies the role of the Residents' Assembly Service in Auroville's governance structure.

The approved mandate includes the following key components that impact how the community operates:

• The mandate now explicitly defines the RAS's primary role as "to empower the Auroville residents by providing a platform for them to be heard" - a significant philosophical shift from the 2007 mandate's primarily administrative focus

• The RAS is now defined as "directly answerable to the Residents' Assembly alone" and independent from other working groups

• Beyond organizing RAD processes, the RAS now has a broader role in supporting communications, selection processes, and other participatory work

• The RAS will consist of 3-5 members serving 3-year terms, with a defined selection process involving the Auroville Council and Working Committee

• The RAS can call on additional resource persons as needed, allowing adaptation to different community processes

• The RAS will assist both residents and working groups in finding appropriate forums and facilitating communications