Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Ram Temple Trust Nears Decision on First Full-Time CEO
The Ram Temple Trust is choosing its first full-time CEO.
A committee of three people searched through thousands of applications.
It interviewed 16 candidates and recommended three names.
The names have not been made public.
The Trust is expected to choose one candidate at a meeting in Ayodhya.
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
on September 2.
The Trust may also choose a secretary and fill other vacant positions.
The CEO will help manage the temple and its growing administrative work.
A three-member committee submitted a panel of three CEO candidates to the Ram Temple Trust.
The committee reviewed between about 5,500 and 5,585 applications before conducting interviews with 16 candidates.
The Trust is expected to decide on the first full-time CEO at a 2 p.m. meeting on September 2.
The shortlisted candidates’ identities have not been officially disclosed, though retired bureaucrats are reportedly among the front-runners.
The Trust may also appoint Jagdish Offley as secretary and fill other vacancies after recent resignations and a trustee’s death.
- Who
- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and a committee led by retired Justice Pramod Kohli, with retired Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi and Suresh Hawade.
- What
- A three-name panel has been submitted for the Trust’s first full-time CEO, who will be selected by the Trust.
- When
- The report was described as submitted on Tuesday in some reports, while another report said it would be submitted on Wednesday; the final decision is expected on September 2.
- Where
- The report was submitted at the Ram temple complex in Ayodhya, and the decision meeting is scheduled at Maniramdas Chhawani in Ayodhya.
- Why
- The Trust wants a dedicated executive to oversee the temple’s administrative and managerial operations amid an administrative restructuring.
- Shortlisted candidates
- Three names were recommended for the first full-time CEO position.
- Applications received
- Reports cited between about 5,500 and 5,585 applications.
- Interviewed candidates
- Sixteen candidates attended in-person interviews in Ayodhya.
- Search committee
- Retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi and Suresh Hawade.
- Decision meeting
- The Trust meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on September 2.
- Candidate identities
- The three shortlisted candidates have not been officially disclosed.
- Possible additional appointments
- Jagdish Offley may be appointed secretary; Yatindra Mishra and Bajrang Lal Bangra may be inducted into the Trust.
Sources
Ram Temple CEO Appointment: Search Panel Shortlists Names, Final Decision On Sept 2
Ram Temple Trust to appoint first CEO today: A look at selection process, shortlisted candidates
Ram Temple set to get 1st CEO today
