Ram Temple CEO Selection Sparks Debate Over Lifestyle Questionnaires

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust commenced interviews for the first-ever Chief Executive Officer position in Ayodhya. Candidates include retired bureaucrats, high-ranking IPS officers, and former military personnel. Applicants were reportedly asked to fill a detailed questionnaire regarding their personal faith and lifestyle choices. Specific queries focused on whether candidates wear the 'janeu' (sacred thread) and their adherence to a strict vegetarian diet. These questions were part of a Google form sent to the high-profile contenders ahead of the physical interviews.

Several applicants raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the selection criteria and the personal nature of the questions. The trust is looking for an individual to manage the temple complex's massive administrative and financial operations. Three finalists will be shortlisted from the initial pool of contenders. Notable candidates include a former Ayodhya District Magistrate and an ex-IPS officer known for his role as an encounter specialist. The trust maintains that the role requires a deep commitment to the spiritual and cultural values of the institution.

The appointment of a CEO marks a shift toward professionalizing the management of India’s most prominent religious site. The chosen official will oversee massive infrastructure projects and handle the security and logistics for millions of annual pilgrims. This administrative role is crucial for Ayodhya's development as a global spiritual hub. The public reaction highlights the delicate balance between secular professional management and the traditional requirements of a religious institution. The final decision is expected soon as the trust seeks to stabilize its executive leadership.