Ram Temple Trust CEO Role Explained: Duties, Eligibility And Why It Matters

Last Updated:July 13, 2026, 22:50 IST

Once appointed, the Ram Temple Trust CEO will oversee the temple's day-to-day administration, finances, pilgrim facilities, and human resources.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has advertised its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position, a move widely seen as part of a broader administrative overhaul following the alleged theft of devotees’ donations. The recruitment drive comes even as the Supreme Court has sought a status report from the Uttar Pradesh government’s Special Investigation Team (SIT), while a local court has extended the police remand of the accused by another 14 days.

Ram Temple Trust CEO Eligibility

The Trust has invited applications for the post until July 18, with one key eligibility criterion drawing attention: the applicant must be a practising Hindu. In addition, candidates are expected to possess extensive administrative experience and a proven track record of managing large institutions.

Ram Temple Trust CEO Duties

Once appointed, the CEO will oversee the temple’s day-to-day administration, finances, pilgrim facilities, human resources, and coordination of major religious events, becoming the first professional executive to manage one of India’s most visited religious shrines.

The appointment marks a significant shift in the Trust’s functioning. Since its formation in 2020 following the Supreme Court’s Ayodhya verdict, the Trust has overseen the construction of the Ram Temple and managed the influx of millions of devotees. However, administrative responsibilities have so far been handled primarily by office-bearers and designated officials. The creation of the CEO position signals an effort to institutionalise governance through a dedicated professional leadership structure.

The decision comes in the wake of the alleged donation theft, which has embarrassed the Trust and raised questions about its internal financial oversight mechanisms. Investigators allege that cash offerings made by devotees were siphoned off over a period of time by individuals entrusted with counting and handling donations. The case gained further prominence after investigators claimed that a portion of the allegedly stolen money may have been diverted into investments, including the stock market, in an apparent attempt to conceal the money trail while generating profits.

Commenting on the decision to appoint a CEO, Trust Treasurer Govind Dev Giri said there was a need for stronger professional management, suggesting that an experienced executive could enhance institutional accountability and reduce the likelihood of such lapses in the future.

Apart from supervising daily administration, the CEO will be expected to streamline financial systems, improve pilgrim management, coordinate with government agencies, and oversee the functioning of various departments within the temple complex. With the number of devotees visiting Ayodhya continuing to rise, the Trust appears to be moving towards a more structured and professionally managed model while retaining its religious character.

SC Seeks Status Report From SIT

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has sought a detailed status report from the Uttar Pradesh government’s Special Investigation Team and has also directed the Trust to submit its response. The apex court’s intervention has placed the investigation under close judicial scrutiny and underscored the seriousness of the allegations.

On the ground, investigators continue to question the arrested accused. A local court has extended their police remand by another 14 days, giving the SIT additional time to recover the remaining funds, verify financial transactions, and establish the complete money trail. Officials are also examining digital records, banking transactions, and other evidence to determine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged embezzlement.

The Ram Temple, consecrated in January 2024, has emerged as one of the country’s most significant religious destinations, with daily footfall running into tens of thousands. As a result, any questions surrounding the handling of devotees’ offerings are viewed not only as matters of criminal investigation but also as issues of public trust.

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