The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is expected to select its very first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on Wednesday. A crucial administrative meeting of the temple trust has been convened at 3 PM at Maniram Das Chhawani in the holy city of Ayodhya to finalize key operational decisions. A specialized search committee has submitted three recommended names in a sealed envelope to the trust board. Alongside the CEO appointment, the trust is also expected to announce several other administrative appointments and office bearers during this key gathering.
Prominent Contenders in the Race for CEO
Several former senior civil and police officers are among the leading contenders for the prestigious CEO position. According to available details, former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey and former IAS officer Dinesh Chandra are considered the top contenders among the three names submitted by the search committee. The name of former IPS officer Paresh Saxena is also included in the wider list of contenders. Additionally, retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra was widely discussed as a potential candidate, though he did not attend the final interview round. The trust board will review these options before announcing the final decision.
Third Trust Meeting Following the Donation Theft Incident
This gathering marks the third administrative meeting of the temple trust since the donation theft incident came to light at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. To enhance transparency, security, and structured administration across temple operations, a dedicated search committee was instituted on July 6. The panel comprises retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and Suresh Havare. The committee was tasked with establishing a rigorous evaluation system to shortlist qualified candidates for the top executive role.
A Detailed 600-Mark Questionnaire and Evaluation Criteria
The recruitment drive for the CEO position drew widespread interest from across the country, with 5,585 applicants submitting initial interest. To evaluate the candidates' background, values, and administrative capabilities, the search committee designed a comprehensive 600-mark Google form. The questionnaire evaluated candidates on multiple personal, cultural, and professional parameters. Applicants were asked about their dietary habits (whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian), alcohol consumption status, whether they wear the sacred thread (Janeu), and their willingness to wear clothing aligned with traditional Hindu customs. Candidates also detailed their personal faith in Lord Ram, prior service experience with social or religious organizations or temples, the number of years worked in such roles, and the size of workforce managed under their leadership. Furthermore, applicants submitted their long-term vision, operational plans, and specific administrative recommendations for the trust.
From Initial Screening to Final Selection
Out of the total applicants, 3,570 candidates completed and returned the detailed questionnaire. The committee screened all submissions and shortlisted 108 candidates who secured 470 or more marks. Shortlisted applicants first underwent preliminary interviews conducted via video conference. Following these virtual interactions, 17 top candidates were invited for in-person interviews in Ayodhya, of which 16 candidates actually attended. From these 16 interviewed candidates, the search committee finalized three names and placed them in a sealed envelope for the trust board to make the final appointment today.
