Ayodhya Ram Temple Trust Invites Applications for First CEO Amid Donation Row

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for the management and construction of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, has officially invited applications for its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This significant development, widely reported across major Indian news outlets, aims to professionalize the temple's administration and enhance transparency, particularly in the wake of recent allegations concerning donation theft and financial irregularities. The application deadline for this crucial position is July 18, 2026, at 4 PM, with applications to be submitted via email to the address specified in the Trust's official notification. The decision to appoint a CEO emerged from a crucial meeting of the Trust held on July 6, 2026, where a restructuring of the administrative framework was initiated. This meeting also saw the acceptance of resignations from prominent trust members, including former General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra. Their names, along with that of special invitee Gopal Rao, have since been removed from the Trust's official website. Krishna Mohan, a retired Indian Forest Service (IFoS) officer, has been appointed as the interim General Secretary. These changes underscore the Trust's commitment to implementing stronger internal controls and addressing public concerns about financial accountability, especially after reports of cash-counting agents allegedly stealing donations from the temple's hundis (donation boxes). Eligibility criteria for the CEO post are comprehensive, emphasizing both professional competence and adherence to religious tenets. Applicants must be graduates from a recognized university and possess a minimum of 20 years of managerial experience in a large public organization, institution, government department, or company. A significant requirement is that the candidate must be an "actively practising Hindu." Furthermore, being a devotee of Lord Ram belonging to the Vaishnava tradition will be considered a desirable additional attribute. Candidates must also have a good working knowledge of both Hindi and English. The age limit for applicants is set between 50 and 70 years. Preference will be given to individuals who have served as a Chief Administrative Officer or have prior experience in managing a temple or any other Hindu religious institution. Retired officers meeting these eligibility criteria are also encouraged to apply. The CEO will be appointed for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance. The position is based in Ayodhya, and the emoluments will be finalized through mutual discussions. The primary responsibilities of the CEO will include overseeing the day-to-day administration and management of the Ram Temple, ensuring the implementation of the Trust's decisions, supervising staff, coordinating religious and civic activities, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the temple complex. The CEO will report to the Trust's General Secretary and permanent members. Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, has clarified that the Trust will solely define the powers and responsibilities of the CEO, emphasizing that there will be no government interference in the functioning of the Trust or its CEO. Mishra stated that the CEO's fundamental responsibility will be to uphold the faith of devotees in the Trust and to streamline its operations, including financial matters, and ensure amenities for visiting pilgrims. He further noted that the CEO would function as an assistant to the Trust, operating independently under its supervision. A three-member search panel has been constituted to scrutinize applications and recommend suitable candidates for the post. This panel includes retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and former NIT Raipur chairperson Suresh Haware. The selection process is anticipated to be completed within a month after the application deadline, following interviews with shortlisted candidates. This move is seen as a crucial step towards robust governance and transparent management of one of India's most revered and significant religious institutions. The Supreme Court has also taken cognizance of the donation row, issuing notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh government, and the Ram Mandir Trust, seeking a status report on the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged misappropriation of donations. Opposition parties, including the Aam Aadmi Party, have called for greater accountability and a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities. Ultimately, the creation of the CEO role signifies a strategic shift by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to adapt modern administrative practices to manage the colossal scale of the Ram Temple's daily operations, pilgrim footfall, and financial affairs, aiming to restore and maintain public trust and devotion.

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