The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is expected to take a major step towards strengthening the administrative structure of the Ram temple by selecting its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on Wednesday.
Three candidates have reportedly been shortlisted for the top administrative position after an extensive selection process that began with 5,585 applications. The Trust is also expected to formally announce Jagdish Aafle as its secretary during a meeting scheduled to begin at around 2 pm.
The meeting is likely to be held at the residence of Trust president Nritya Gopal Das in Maniramdas Chhawani, according to reports.
Selection committee submits final shortlist
The selection process was conducted by a committee comprising retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and expert member Suresh Hawde. The committee has reportedly completed its assessment and submitted three names to the Trust for consideration.
In a post on X, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said the process of selecting the CEO had been completed through a comprehensive and technology-enabled procedure.
The Trust said that after examining 5,585 applications, the committee held detailed discussions with 16 shortlisted candidates before preparing the final panel of three candidates.
The final decision, however, rests with the Trust, which is expected to announce its choice after considering the recommendations of the selection committee.
Key administrative positions also under consideration
Wednesday’s meeting could also address other vacant positions within the Trust, including two panel members and the general secretary.
The appointments come at a significant time for the temple administration, with several positions having fallen vacant following the death of Trust member Vimalendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, the resignation of former general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra, and controversy surrounding alleged irregularities involving temple offerings.
The appointment of a CEO is expected to bring a dedicated administrative head to the Trust and strengthen the management of the temple’s growing operations.
The Trust’s decision is likely to be closely watched as the Ram temple continues to attract large numbers of devotees and remains a major religious and cultural centre in Ayodhya.
