The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday invited applications for the post of the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, marking a significant step towards strengthening the temple's administrative and institutional framework.
In a post on X, the trust announced that applications for the position would be accepted until 4 pm on July 18.
The recruitment process comes amid recent allegations of embezzlement involving temple funds and other valuables, prompting the trust to move ahead with the appointment of a full-time executive to oversee its operations.
On Sunday, Ram Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra said the trust would exclusively determine the powers, responsibilities and terms of reference of the CEO.
"The primary responsibility of the CEO will be to uphold the faith of devotees in the trust," Mishra told reporters.
Earlier this month, the trust constituted a three-member committee to scrutinise applications and recommend suitable candidates for the post. The panel comprises retired Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and former NIT Raipur chairperson Suresh Haware.
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The committee will evaluate applications and submit its recommendations to the trust, which will take the final decision on the appointment.
Mishra clarified that he would not be a member of the selection panel. He also said he would decide whether to attend the trust's next meeting, scheduled for July 22, after reviewing its agenda.
He further reiterated that members of the Ram Temple Construction Committee serve as ex officio members of the trust and do not possess voting rights in its decision-making process.
The appointment of the temple's first CEO is expected to bring greater professional oversight to the management of one of the country's most prominent religious institutions. The executive is likely to oversee administrative affairs, coordinate operations and ensure smooth functioning of the temple while maintaining transparency and public confidence.
The move comes as the trust seeks to strengthen its governance structure following recent controversies, while preparations continue for the temple's expanding religious, administrative and visitor management responsibilities.
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