Auroville Foundation recommended for Institution of National Importance Status

Key facts

• The Parliamentary panel headed by Congress MP Digvijaya Singh recommends amending the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988 to grant Auroville recognition as an Institution of National Importance.
• The panel notes that the Auroville Foundation receives partial funding from the Central Government in the form of annual grants as stipulated by the Auroville Foundation Act, 1988.
• The committee suggests replacing the annual grant with a sufficient one-time grant to ensure the foundation’s future sustainability.
• The panel recommends that the five-year visa norm for Auroville residents be continued to preserve the international character of the community.