The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to appoint its inaugural permanent Chief Executive Officer on September 2, 2026. A dedicated search committee has reviewed over 5,500 applications to select a professional leader. The appointment aims to formalize temple operations, streamline administrative workflows, and manage the growing volume of pilgrims visiting the site in Ayodhya.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is finalizing the appointment of its first permanent Chief Executive Officer to establish a structured management hierarchy for the temple. This decision follows a comprehensive recruitment process led by a three-member search committee tasked with finding a candidate capable of handling the operational demands of the site.
Selecting the First Professional Leader
The selection committee, comprising retired Justice Pramod Kohli, Lieutenant General (Retd) Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi, and industrialist Suresh Haware, has completed the initial phases of the recruitment. The committee received 5,585 applications from a wide range of professionals, including senior military officers, experienced civil servants from the IAS and IPS cadres, and executives from the non-profit sector. After screening these applications, the committee conducted interviews with 16 shortlisted candidates to finalize their recommendations. The committee is scheduled to present its findings to the Trust president, Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, during a meeting in Ayodhya on September 2, 2026.
Formalizing Temple Administration
This leadership transition is part of a broader effort to professionalize the temple’s administration. As visitor traffic to the Ram Mandir has increased significantly, the Trust is focusing on enhancing governance and improving the experience for devotees, particularly the darshan management system. The upcoming meeting is expected to address these governance challenges by clarifying the administrative roles within the organization.
The Trust is also reviewing its internal structure and potential amendments to the trust deed. These updates are intended to clearly define the division of responsibilities between the general secretary and the new CEO, particularly regarding operational authority, staff hiring, and coordination with various administrative committees. By establishing a clear management hierarchy, the Trust intends to stabilize its internal operations and ensure the long-term management of the temple premises. The meeting will also provide clarity on the ongoing governance restructuring, which remains a key focus for the leadership as they prepare for the new CEO's appointment.