Three candidates shortlisted for Ram Janmabhoomi Trust’s first CEO
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has shortlisted three candidates for its first CEO position. This appointment follows an administrative overhaul prompted by allegations of embezzlement and mismanagement of temple donations.
Why it matters
The move represents a significant effort to professionalize the management of one of India's most prominent religious institutions following public controversy.
The search committee constituted to select the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust (SRJTKT) has shortlisted three candidates and submitted their names to the Trust, the committee said on Tuesday (September 1, 2026).
The Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya, is expected to choose one of the three candidates at a meeting on Wednesday (September 2, 2026).
The decision to appoint a CEO came amid the controversy over alleged theft and irregularities in the handling of donations at the temple. Following the embezzlement allegations, SRJTKT general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned.
On July 6, the trust announced a major administrative overhaul, including the creation of the CEO post. The move was aimed at strengthening administrative oversight and restoring confidence in the trust’s functioning.
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