Retired bureaucrats dominate applicants for Ram temple trust’s first CEO post
The recruitment campaign gains importance following the alleged misappropriation of donations offered at the Ram temple.
Also read: SIT report on Ram temple donation theft expected shortly; Can shape trust reforms
The investigation into the alleged theft led the Foundation to create the post of CEO as part of a broader administrative overhaul aimed at strengthening financial oversight, improving institutional accountability and streamlining the day-to-day running of the temple.
A senior member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust told PTI: “There is definitely a huge response. Many applicants also forwarded their CVs directly to us, but we sent them back and asked them to be sent to the expert panel which is empowered to review the applications before recommending names to the Trust.”
While the three-member committee’s mandate is limited to reviewing applications and preparing the shortlist, the final appointment will be made entirely by the Foundation, according to a person familiar with the selection process.
“The committee will evaluate the applications and recommend suitable names. The final appointment will be made by the Foundation,” the source said, adding that the panel is unlikely to forward more than three names.
The expert panel, announced earlier this month, comprises retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lt. Gen. Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former NIT Raipur chief Suresh Haware. The deadline for submission of applications will be 16:00 on Saturday, after which the panel will start reviewing the applications. Approximately one month was given from the deadline to complete the exercise.
In addition to reviewing suitability and experience, the panel may interact one-on-one with shortlisted candidates before presenting their recommendations. The Foundation may interact with the shortlisted candidates individually before selecting its first CEO, sources said.
The appointment is expected to be made after the Foundation regains its full strength. It currently has 13 members after the resignation of Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra followed by the appointment of Krishna Mohan as interim general secretary and trustee Vmlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra passed away last year. Sources said the vacancies are likely to be filled in the Foundation’s meeting scheduled for July 22.
Also read: Ram Mandir Trust invites applications for first CEO post; July 18 deadline announced
They added that the selection was conducted independently by the Foundation, which operates under the directions of the Supreme Court and is not controlled by the government.
The foundation had on July 13 invited applications for the newly created post, which stipulates that candidates must be between 50 and 70 years of age, have at least 20 years of management experience in a major public organisation, institution, government department or company, and be “actively practicing as Hindus”, with preference given to devotees of Lord Ram belonging to the Vaishnavite tradition.
Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree, have a working knowledge of Hindi and English, and have experience in management, finance, accounting, human resources, public relations, information technology, security and legal affairs. Preference will be given to candidates who have served as chief administrative officers or have managed a temple or Hindu religious institution. Civil servants who have served within the last two years, retired civil servants and eligible private sector professionals are also eligible to apply.
According to the notification, the CEO will report to the Foundation’s general secretary and will be appointed for an initial three-year term, which may be extended subject to satisfactory performance. Salary and service conditions will be determined by mutual discussion.
Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee, had earlier said that the CEO’s primary responsibility would be to “maintain the faith of the devotees” while overseeing the temple’s financial arrangements and ensuring adequate facilities for pilgrims.
“There will be no government interference in the functioning of the trust or the CEO,” Mishra said, adding that the officer will serve as the “deputy of the trust” and remain accountable to it.
The notification also states that the CEO will be responsible for the legal, administrative and financial affairs of the Foundation, and will also ensure transparency and accountability in financial transactions, protect the Foundation’s assets, strengthen corporate systems and supervise security arrangements. The officer will also oversee the proper conduct of religious rituals and festivals, improve facilities for pilgrims, coordinate with government agencies as necessary, and implement policies approved by the Board of Trustees.
