The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has begun interviews for the post of Chief Executive Officer, asking aspirants questions ranging from their religious practices to their administrative capabilities.
Eighteen candidates have been shortlisted from over 5,200 applicants for the job. The interviews, lasting 40 to 50 minutes each, began on Tuesday at the temple complex and continued on Wednesday. According to sources, three former IAS officers, an ex-IPS officer, and four former military officers were among those interviewed.
Candidates are being asked about their administrative skills, crowd management experience, and faith. The interviews included questions on the applicants’ faith in Lord Ram and Hindu religious practices, including whether they sport a shikha, wear a janeu, and are pure vegetarian or non-vegetarian.
The candidates were also asked whether they consume liquor or are teetotalers, and whether they are “hardline Hindus” or simply believers. Questions were also asked about wearing attire in accordance with Hindu religious practices.
According to sources, candidates were also asked about their leadership abilities, religious and social engagement, and their vision and work plan for the Ram temple. They were also asked if they can manage crowds ranging from 20,000 to 5 lakh people.
The Trust decided to appoint a full-time chief executive officer after alleged embezzlement of Ram temple donations came to light. Eight accused have been arrested in the case, while three officials, including the Trust’s former general secretary Champat Rai, have stepped down from their posts.
A three-member selection committee set up by the Trust is interviewing the candidates. The panel comprises former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, Lt Gen Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and Suresh Haware. From the 18 applicants, the panel will shortlist three names for the Trust to make the final decision.
The Trust is likely to announce the new CEO at its September 2 meeting.
