​​​​​​​Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh), July 12:Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, Nripendra Misra, Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, on Sunday clarified that the proposed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will function as the administrative head of the temple's management while remaining accountable to the Trust.

The decision to appoint a CEO is being seen as part of efforts to professionalise the temple's administration and strengthen transparency following allegations of financial irregularities that led to the registration of an FIR and the arrest of eight people earlier this month.

Speaking to reporters, Misra said the CEO's authority would be determined entirely by the Trust.

"As the name suggests, the Chief Executive Officer will be the head of management. They will work under the Trust and oversee management-related responsibilities. The extent of the CEO's powers will depend on the delegation made by the Trust, and based on that, the CEO will manage the staff," he said.

He emphasised that the Trust remains the highest decision-making authority and added that any restructuring of sub-committees would be carried out strictly in accordance with the Trust's bylaws.

Misra also distanced himself from the CEO selection process, saying he has no role in the appointments.

"I don't know who is being considered for the post. I will never be part of that meeting. The selection is being handled by a three-member committee, and I am not one of its members," he said.

Responding to reports that the ongoing legal and financial controversy has affected the number of devotees visiting the Ram Mandir, Misra urged the media to report accurately to prevent the spread of misinformation.

He said devotees continue to express satisfaction with the temple's arrangements and religious ceremonies.

On the Trust meeting scheduled for July 22, Misra said his attendance would depend on the agenda.

"If the agenda includes construction-related matters, I will certainly attend. As ex officio directors, we do not have voting rights. We only provide our views on issues related to our area of expertise. I will decide after reviewing the agenda," he said.

The clarification comes after the committee overseeing the appointment of the Ram Mandir CEO met in New Delhi on Friday and finalised the eligibility criteria for the post.

According to sources, applicants must be graduates with at least 20 years of experience in administration or finance. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in temple management, and applicants must be followers of the Hindu faith.

Applications for the post will be accepted until July 18 through a dedicated email ID being created for the recruitment process. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed before the final selection.

The CEO will be appointed for an initial term of three years and will be required to reside in Ayodhya during the tenure. The committee has also decided to appoint a Secretary to facilitate the recruitment process, with the appointment expected to be completed within the next month.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear petitions seeking an independent investigation into the alleged financial irregularities involving the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on July 13.

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