The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is expected to name its first chief executive officer after a meeting scheduled for Wednesday afternoon in Ayodhya, bringing a months-long selection process to a close. The meeting will be chaired by trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das at Maniram Das Chavani, with several members joining virtually, according to The Times of India.
Appointment process reaches final stage
The three-member search committee tasked with shortlisting candidates has arrived in Ayodhya ahead of the meeting, as reported by India Today. The committee — comprising retired Justice Pramod Kohli, Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi, and industrialist Suresh Haware — met Mahant Nritya Gopal Das at the Maniram Chhawani ashram on Tuesday, with trust interim general secretary Krishna Mohan also present.
The search committee received 5,585 applications for the CEO position, including from IAS and IPS officers, military officers of the rank of brigadier and above, and NGO professionals, according to India Today. After initial screening, the committee interviewed 16 candidates and prepared panels of three names in different categories, the report said. The final decision is expected to be taken at Wednesday's meeting.
Trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri said on Tuesday, as quoted by The Times of India, "I feel the name could be announced after Wednesday’s meeting, but the final decision will be taken only after consultations with other members."
Administrative matters on the agenda
The regular trust meeting is scheduled for 4 pm at Maniram Das Chhawani, India Today reported. A special meeting could precede the regular session to discuss vacant positions and the CEO appointment, the report said. The proposed agenda includes discussions on appointing a spokesperson, annual accounts, temple management review, and improving the darshan system. The Supreme Court's SIT report is also likely to be discussed, according to India Today.
Three trust positions are currently vacant: former general secretary Champat Rai resigned, trustee Dr Anil Mishra resigned, and trustee Bimalendra Mohan Pratap Mishra died, India Today reported. Dr Krishna Mohan is expected to continue as interim general secretary. A proposal concerning amendments to the trust deed and regulations, potentially defining the division of responsibilities between the general secretary and CEO, is also under consideration.
The Times of India reported that the trust is expected to discuss the internal security of the Ram temple complex and formulate a strategy to strengthen monitoring of personnel deployed in various roles. A committee is likely to be constituted for this purpose. Expenditure incurred during the first quarter of the 2026-27 financial year, along with the current status of the trust’s funds, will also be reviewed, and members are expected to be briefed on the need to augment resources to manage the increased influx of devotees during the upcoming festive season.
On Tuesday, after meeting the three members of the CEO search panel, Giri, along with trust general secretary Krishna Mohan, trustee Mahant Dinendra Das, Ayodhya district magistrate and ex-officio trust member Shashank Tripathi, and other officials, felicitated the panel members, The Times of India reported.
Related court proceedings
Separately, the Supreme Court-appointed special investigation team is collecting feedback and suggestions from members of the public who believe certain aspects should be included within the scope of its probe, The Times of India reported. A criminal writ petition before the apex court is scheduled to be heard on September 21.