‘Devotees’ Trust Paramount’: Nripendra Misra Moots Independent CEO For Ram Temple Trust | EXCLUSIVE

Published 18 June 2026 · india

‘Devotees’ Trust Paramount’: Nripendra Misra Moots Independent CEO For Ram Temple Trust | EXCLUSIVE Written By Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 13:51 IST Ram Mandir

‘Devotees’ Trust Paramount’: Nripendra Misra Moots Independent CEO For Ram Temple Trust | EXCLUSIVE Written By Last Updated: June 18, 2026, 13:51 IST Ram Mandir is a global symbol of Sanatan Dharma and deserves world-class management, Nripendra Misra, chairman of the temple construction committee, said. Rapid Read Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Ram Mandir construction committee. (ANI) Pained by alleged irregularities related to offerings and donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Nripendra Misra, Chairman of Ram Mandir construction committee and former principal secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, mooted the appointment of an independent CEO to manage its affairs and said a former IAS officer could be considered for the role to ensure professional and transparent management. In conversation with Lakshman Roy, Deputy Executive Editor, CNBC AWAAZ, Misra said that the Ram Mandir is an international symbol of Sanatan Dharma and that its management, therefore, should be superior to that of all other temples. Edited excerpts from the exclusive interview Q: You played a very important role in the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Now, a controversy has arisen regarding the offerings and donations. Did this hurt you? Nripendra Misra: Naturally, if any kind of controversy becomes associated with the management of the temple, everyone who is connected with the temple for work and service will feel saddened. Although under the arrangement made by the Supreme Court, the responsibility of the Chairman of the Construction Committee is limited to construction, I was also made an e officio member of the Trust. The intention must have been that the Chairman should have access to the support and guidance of the Trustees regarding how construction is carried out and how the Trust’s work remains connected to it. Fortunately, for the last five years there has been a very clear line of separation. During this period, I focused entirely on construction. I have made more than 150 visits to Ayodhya. My goal was always to observe the construction very closely. During construction reviews and various decisions, we would also invite available Trust members so they could attend if convenient. The communication would state that Trustees could participate according to their convenience. That is one aspect. Management is another aspect. In reality, management has only been functioning for four years. Four years is not a very long period in the life of such an institution. It is still only the beginning. Naturally, there are many challenges. The biggest challenge is ensuring convenience for devotees and maintaining their confidence that the temple is being managed according to healthy traditions. One issue first arose around two years ago regarding land purchases.