Three candidates shortlisted for Ram Janmabhoomi Trust’s first CEO

Members of the high-level selection committee, including search committee head Justice (Retd.) Pramod Kohli, second right, along with Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust officials, present the final recommendation report for the appointment of the temple's first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. | Photo Credit: PTI New DelhiThe 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.“The trust was also considering changes to its bylaws to formally provide for a CEO and clearly define supervisory responsibilities, particularly in relation to fund management,” a source close to the selection committee informed.Selection processTo select the CEO, a three-member committee was formed comprising retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General V.K. Chaturvedi and scientist Dr. Suresh Haware.The selection process began in July after the committee finalised the eligibility criteria, which included experience in temple administration and being a “staunch Hindu”. Applications were closed on July 18, following which online interviews were held in early August. Sixteen candidates were subsequently called to Ayodhya for in-person interactions on August 11 and 12.“A total of 5,585 applications were screened using AI-assisted tools as well as manual review,” said search committee secretary Sameer Panda. The evaluation was conducted by teams based in Delhi-NCR, Pune and Sambalpur in Odisha, Mr. Panda said.The names of the shortlisted candidates have not been disclosed, but sources said the panel includes candidates from government and private sectors. The three names have not been placed in any order of preference.The committee’s final report was presented at a meeting attended by trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri, Mahant Dinendra Das, acting general secretary Krishna Mohan and Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi. Published - September 01, 2026 09:40 pm IST