'Too Many Applications, Need Time': Ram Temple Trust Defers Appointment Of CEO By A Month

Last Updated:July 23, 2026, 08:43 IST

The Ram Mandir trust received an overwhelming response to its nationwide recruitment drive, with around 5,200 applications pouring in for the post.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has deferred the appointment of the Ram Temple’s first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by a month after receiving an overwhelming response to its nationwide recruitment drive, with around 5,200 applications pouring in for the post. The decision was taken during the Trust’s meeting in Ayodhya on July 22, with the three-member selection committee seeking additional time to scrutinise applications before recommending a final candidate. The next meeting would now take place on September 2.

The CEO will be responsible for overseeing the administration and day-to-day management of the Ram Temple complex, making it one of the most high-profile religious administrative positions in the country. The Trust had invited applications earlier this month, setting July 18 as the deadline, and had constituted a three-member panel to examine the applications. The unprecedented response prompted the committee to request an extension, which was approved by the Trust. The appointment is now expected around mid-August.

The Trust has laid down strict eligibility criteria for the post. Applicants must be Indian citizens, fluent in both written and spoken Hindi and English, and possess extensive administrative and managerial experience. The CEO’s primary responsibility will be to ensure efficient management of the temple while safeguarding the faith and trust of millions of devotees visiting Ayodhya every year. The position marks the first formal appointment of a CEO since the Trust was constituted to oversee the construction and management of the Ram Temple.

Trust officials said the large volume of applications made it necessary to conduct a more detailed evaluation to ensure the most suitable candidate is selected. The three-member committee will now continue screening the applications over the next month before placing its recommendation before the Trust for approval.

The CEO appointment, however, was only one of several important matters discussed during the July 22 meeting, which was the Trust’s second major meeting after the recent controversy surrounding donation-related allegations.

The Trust also postponed the induction of three new trustees, deciding to take more time before filling the vacant positions. Instead, much of the discussion focused on strengthening the temple’s religious and spiritual administration by giving a larger role to Ayodhya’s saints and seers.

As part of this restructuring, the Trust approved the formation of a nine-member saints’ committee that will advise on religious traditions, rituals and spiritual matters associated with the Ram Temple. The panel comprises prominent seers from Ayodhya and is intended to ensure that religious practices at the temple continue in accordance with established traditions. The Trust also decided to appoint an official spokesperson to communicate its decisions and activities more effectively.

The meeting reflected the Trust’s attempt to strengthen both its administrative and religious governance at a time when the temple has become one of the country’s biggest pilgrimage centres. While the appointment of the first CEO has been delayed, the Trust indicated that the additional scrutiny would help identify the most qualified administrator for a role that combines large-scale institutional management with the responsibility of preserving devotees’ faith.

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Pragati Ratti

Pragati is a News Editor at news18.com. Having headed the Business and Viral sections, Pragati now ideates, writes and edits long-form features and articles on national and global affairs. She ensures...Read More

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