Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Ram Temple Trust Moves to Appoint Its First Full-Time CEO
The group that manages the Ram temple in Ayodhya is choosing its first full-time manager, called a CEO.
Three people remain on the shortlist from 5,585 applications.
The candidates were checked using computer tools and human review.
The Trust also plans to discuss three empty trustee positions.
It may change its rules to explain what powers the new CEO will have.
Members will discuss the temple’s finances, administration and security coordination.
These discussions come after an alleged case involving temple donations.
Eight people were arrested in that case, and Champat Rai resigned as general secretary.
Trust members said the final decision would be made unanimously after discussion.
The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is considering its first full-time CEO for the Ayodhya Ram temple.
Three candidates were shortlisted from 5,585 applications after AI-assisted and manual evaluations.
The Trust is also discussing three vacant trustee posts, deed amendments and a press spokesperson.
The selection process included a 600-mark assessment, virtual interactions with 108 applicants and interviews with 16 finalists.
The meeting will address financial, administrative and security matters amid an alleged donation-embezzlement case and Champat Rai’s resignation.
- Who
- The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and its board of trustees, advised by a search committee led by retired Justice Pramod Kohli.
- What
- The Trust is preparing to appoint its first full-time CEO from three shortlisted candidates and consider related administrative changes.
- When
- The meeting was reported on September 2; final candidate interviews were held on August 11 and 12.
- Where
- The meeting is taking place in Ayodhya, at the residence of Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.
- Why
- The Trust is developing a formal administrative structure for the temple and addressing financial, trustee, deed and security matters.
- Applications received
- 5,585
- Shortlisted candidates
- Three
- Selection framework
- 600 marks, combining AI-enabled screening with manual assessment
- Initial assessment participants
- 3,577 candidates
- Virtual interactions
- 108 applicants
- Final interviews
- 16 candidates interviewed in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12
- Vacant trustee posts
- Three
