Ram Temple Trust Shortlists 20 Candidates for First CEO Position

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has officially commenced the interview process to select its first Chief Executive Officer. Out of a massive pool of over 5,200 applications received from across the country, the selection committee has narrowed the list down to approximately 20 candidates. These shortlisted individuals are scheduled for intensive interviews on August 11 and 12, 2026. The move aims to bring professional management to one of India's most significant religious sites, ensuring that administrative and financial operations meet global standards of transparency and efficiency.

The decision to appoint a professional CEO follows several months of scrutiny and allegations regarding financial irregularities within the Trust. Earlier controversies involved land deals and donation management, leading to demands for a more structured administrative hierarchy. Currently, the Trust's affairs are largely managed by general secretary Champat Rai and other senior members associated with the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. By introducing a CEO, the Trust seeks to separate religious oversight from day-to-day administrative and financial duties, thereby insulating the institution from further embezzlement claims.

This appointment marks a pivotal shift in how major religious trusts in India are governed, moving toward a corporate-style management model. The new CEO will be responsible for overseeing the vast donations flowing into the temple and managing the massive pilgrim infrastructure in Ayodhya. For the average devotee and donor, this signifies a higher level of accountability and professional handling of temple funds. Following the interviews, the Trust is expected to announce the final selection within the next few days, setting a precedent for other high-profile religious institutions across the nation.