Ram Temple’s 1st CEO: Shortlisted 18 Set For Final Interviews On August 11-12, Name To Be Out On Sept 2
News explainers Ram Temple’s 1st CEO: Shortlisted 18 Set For Final Interviews On August 11-12, Name To Be Out On Sept 2 Ram Temple’s 1st
News explainers Ram Temple’s 1st CEO: Shortlisted 18 Set For Final Interviews On August 11-12, Name To Be Out On Sept 2 Ram Temple’s 1st CEO: Shortlisted 18 Set For Final Interviews On August 11-12, Name To Be Out On Sept 2 Published By, Last Updated: August 10, 2026, 18:25 IST Ram Temple CEO Final Round Of Interviews: The trust is appointing its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to overhaul its administrative machinery, enforce financial transparency Rapid Read Image of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. (Source: PTI) The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has shortlisted 18 finalists from over 5,300 applicants for its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position, with final interviews scheduled for August 11 and 12 in Ayodhya. Retired IAS officers and senior bureaucrats lead the competitive applicant pool, News18 Hindi reported. THE SELECTION PROCESS The recruitment drive was initiated to professionalise day-to-day administration and transparency following an investigation into temple donation irregularities. The selection panel is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lt. Gen. Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and former Shirdi Saibaba Trust chairman Suresh Haware.
The final round of face-to-face interviews will take place on August 11 and 12 inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya. The committee will recommend a panel of three names. The trust is scheduled to make the official announcement of the final CEO during its major meeting on September 2, 2026. ROLE REQUIREMENTS Applicants must be practicing Hindus, pure vegetarians, strict teetotalers, and aged between 50 and 70 years with 20+ years of administrative experience. The appointed CEO will serve on a three-year contract to manage the temple’s daily operations, finances, and pilgrim facilities. WHY THE TEMPLE IS GETTING A CEO The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is appointing its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) primarily to overhaul its administrative machinery, enforce strict financial transparency, and restore public faith following a severe donation embezzlement scandal. In early June 2026, allegations emerged regarding the theft and misappropriation of funds from temple donation boxes. An investigation by a Uttar Pradesh government-formed Special Investigation Team (SIT) and local police led to the registration of an FIR and the arrest of eight individuals (including close aides of trust officials).
A significant amount of cash, gold, and silver was recovered. The financial controversy severely damaged the temple’s public image and triggered political scrutiny. Following the preliminary SIT findings, two of the trust’s most powerful office-bearers—General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra—tendered their resignations, leaving a massive governance void that required immediate professional management. Previously, the temple’s daily functions were managed by trust members and manual handlers. With the temple handling thousands of crores in funds and welcoming millions of visitors, the trust recognized the need for a corporate administrative model. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ROLE The selected officer will serve as the highest executive authority over the temple’s 2,500+ staff members, managing its massive financial operations, security architectures, and daily crowd management. The incoming officer will be tasked with Financial Transparency: Ensuring total accountability, auditing, and clean tracking of all temple funds and donations. Crowd & Devotee Operations: Managing security, standard operating protocols, safety, and logistical facilities for the millions of visiting devotees. Daily Management: Overseeing the internal organizational structure, staff, legal compliances, and coordinates with local, state, and central governments.
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