The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to appoint a chief executive officer (CEO) to manage the day-to-day operations of the Ayodhya Ram Temple, following allegations of donation embezzlement. The decision was made during a Trust meeting in Ayodhya on Monday.

Background of the Donation Scandal

The Trust admitted that the alleged theft of donations had damaged its reputation and vowed to restore the faith of devotees. The controversy led to the resignations of top Trust officials, including General Secretary Champat Rai. An SIT probe into the alleged irregularities identified eight persons against whom prima facie evidence was found, resulting in police cases and arrests.

Changes Expected with the Appointment of a CEO

The introduction of a professional CEO is expected to bring significant changes to the temple's management, including enhanced financial transparency and audit controls. The CEO will oversee the implementation of strict donation-handling practices, such as in-house cash counters wearing pocketless uniforms and upgraded digital surveillance during the counting process.

A three-member search committee, comprising retired Justice Pradeep Kohli, Lt General (retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and Suresh Haware, has been formed to select the CEO. The Trust is also planning to introduce an in-house donation counting and verification team consisting of retired bankers, management graduates, and chartered accountants.

Future Plans and Reforms

The Trust plans to amend its legal frameworks and bylaws to clearly define the CEO's powers and responsibilities. The appointment of a CEO is seen as a step towards professionalizing the management of the temple, with the aim of serving as a model for temple management across the country. Devotees will also have access to verification systems for valuable items they donate, and financial statements will face rigorous corporate-level auditing.

  • The Trust will implement a more robust and efficient administrative framework.
  • Devotees will be able to verify the valuable articles they donate.
  • The CEO will oversee the day-to-day coordination for the average 80,000 daily visitors.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) has welcomed the decision to appoint a CEO, while emphasizing that the individual should directly report to the Trust board and maintain the shrine's independence from government control.