As part of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s attempts to overhaul the administration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, a CEO is to be appointed. The trust had appointed applications for the post, which have seen a massive response. As per reports, the trust has received 2,357 applications for the post of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The last date for submissions was 18 July 2026, and the shortlisting process has now begun. This move comes at a time when the Trust is undergoing major changes to restore transparency and public confidence following the high-profile donation theft case.
Retired IAS, IPS, PCS, PPS officers, Army personnel, Chartered Accountants (CAs), and several individuals claiming to be social workers have applied for the prestigious position. A three-member committee has been formed to screen the applications, evaluating not just educational qualifications and administrative experience, but also the candidates’ integrity, service record, leadership qualities, financial transparency, and understanding of religious and cultural aspects.
The committee includes retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and Suresh Haware. This committee will oversee the entire selection process and submit the final names of eligible candidates to the Trust. A senior secretary-level official has been appointed to review all the applications. The official will compile a list of eligible candidates, which will be handed over to the selection committee for further proceedings.
After the initial screening is completed, selected candidates will be called for interviews. The selection committee will shortlist three names for final selection, and one of them will be appointed as CEO by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The appointment of a professional CEO is a key step towards strengthening the temple’s administration, pilgrim facilities, and overall operations. With the number of devotees visiting the Ram Mandir increasing despite recent controversies, the new CEO will face the crucial challenge of upholding the Trust’s credibility and ensuring efficient management. Mahant Dinendra Das has noted that the flow of pilgrims remains strong, with traditional rituals continuing uninterrupted.
The CEO’s role will be to coordinate between the Trust and its administrative structure, as well as maintain coordination with various committees, government agencies, and the local administration. Apart from the appointment of the CEO, Trust’s various committees are also being reorganised. A meeting of the Trust has been called on 22 July to discuss all the matters.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had issued an advertisement inviting applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on 13rd July. The advertisement specifies a three-year service contract, which renewable based on satisfactory performance. Salary and benefits are to be mutually decided. Eligibility includes a minimum Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university, age between 50 and 70 years, and at least 20 years of managerial experience in a large public organisation, institution, government department, or company.
The experience should cover areas such as general administration, finance, accounts, human resources, public relations, IT, security, and legal affairs, with preference given to those having served as Chief Administrative Officer or in the management of a temple or Hindu religious institution. Retired officers with requisite skills are also eligible.
श्री राम जन्मभूमि तीर्थक्षेत्र (न्यास) श्री राम जन्मभूमि मंदिर के मुख्य कार्यकारी अधिकारी पद के लिए योग्य जनों से आवेदन आमंत्रित करता है
— Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra (@ShriRamTeerth) July 13, 2026
आवेदन की अंतिम तिथि: शनिवार १८ जुलाई २०२६; सायं ४ बजे
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra (Trust) invites applications from eligible… pic.twitter.com/PHa0MbT5kY
Candidates must be actively practising Hindus, preferably with a Ram devotee background in the Vaishnava tradition, and possess good working knowledge of Hindi and English. Preference will be given to candidates with experience as a CEO or in management of Temple or a Hindu religious institution. The ad specified that retired officers with possessing the requisite experience, skills, and Competence are also eligible to apply.
Applications were to be emailed by 18 July 2026, 4 PM. As per the advertisement, the detailed duties encompass overall administrative, financial, and operational responsibilities, ensuring transparency, pilgrim welfare, and adherence to traditions.
The push for structural reforms, including the CEO position, gained urgency after allegations of embezzlement of cash donations surfaced at the Ram Mandir. An audit revealed irregularities, prompting the Uttar Pradesh government to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The probe led to the registration of an FIR and the arrest of eight individuals, including some linked to Trust employees. Cash amounting to around ₹79.85 lakh was recovered from the arrested accused.
Trust General Secretary Champat Rai’s driver, Tinnu Yadav, was among those implicated. Champat Rai and another trustee, Anil Mishra, submitted resignations, while invited member Gopal Rao was asked to step away from Trust meetings, though he clarified he was not formally removed and denied involvement in the theft. Internal rivalries within the Trust management are believed to have brought the issue to light. The Supreme Court has also sought updates on the SIT probe.
