Lucknow/Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set for a major administrative overhaul as it considers appointing its first-ever Chief Executive Officer (CEO) amid an ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of devotees’ donations at the Ayodhya Ram Temple. Acting on recommendations made by a two-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), the Trust is expected to discuss the proposal during its quarterly meeting on July 11, with retired IAS officers emerging as leading contenders for the newly proposed post.
CEO Post Proposed to Strengthen Temple Administration
The proposal to appoint a Chief Executive Officer has emerged from the preliminary report submitted by the two-member SIT investigating the alleged financial irregularities involving the Ram Temple Trust.
According to officials, the recommendation is aimed at strengthening the Trust’s administrative framework by introducing professional management and greater accountability in handling the temple’s expanding operations.
The proposal is expected to be one of the key agenda items during the Trust’s quarterly meeting scheduled for July 11. Before that, the Central Government is also likely to take a decision on the matter.
However, the creation of the CEO position will require amendments to the Trust’s existing bylaws, as no such post currently exists under its governing rules.
Retired IAS Officers Among Top Contenders
Sources indicate that two prominent administrative names are under active consideration for the proposed CEO position.
1. Nripendra Misra
Former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and current Chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, Nripendra Misra is regarded as one of India’s most accomplished bureaucrats.
A retired 1967-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Misra has played a pivotal role in overseeing the planning, design and construction of the Ram Temple since the project’s inception.
His distinguished career includes serving as:
- Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2014–2019)
- Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)
- Union Telecom Secretary
- Principal Secretary to former Uttar Pradesh Chief Ministers Kalyan Singh and Mulayam Singh Yadav
A recipient of the Padma Bhushan in 2021, Misra is widely credited with steering the Ram Temple construction project with meticulous planning and execution.
2. Yogeshwarram Mishra
Retired IAS officer Yogeshwarram Mishra has also emerged as a strong contender owing to his extensive administrative experience in Ayodhya and surrounding regions.
A 2005-batch IAS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre, Mishra initially joined government service through the State Civil Services before being inducted into the IAS.
He has served as:
- District Magistrate, Ayodhya
- District Magistrate, Varanasi
- District Magistrate, Barabanki
- Divisional Commissioner, Basti Division
- Divisional Commissioner, Devipatan (Gonda)
Following his retirement in May 2024, Mishra was appointed as an Administrative Member of the Uttar Pradesh State Public Service Tribunal in 2025.
His deep familiarity with Ayodhya’s administrative and religious ecosystem is considered a significant advantage.
Other Administrative Names
Officials indicated that the name of Awanish Kumar Awasthi, retired 1987-batch IAS officer and Chief Advisor to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has also surfaced during informal discussions.
Awasthi previously served as Additional Chief Secretary handling key departments including Home, Tourism, Information and Energy, besides leading major infrastructure projects as CEO of UPEIDA.
However, no formal proposal regarding his candidature has yet been placed before the Trust.
SIT Questions Champat Rai for Over Three Hours
The proposal to create the CEO post comes as the SIT has intensified its investigation into the alleged theft of temple donations.
On Monday, investigators questioned Champat Rai, who recently resigned as the General Secretary of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, for more than three hours.
According to sources, Rai denied any involvement in the alleged embezzlement and reportedly told investigators that he never imagined employees entrusted with handling devotees’ offerings could commit such offences.
Although Rai has not been named as an accused, investigators consider him a crucial witness because of his central role in the Trust’s administrative functioning.
What Is the Donation Theft Case?
The controversy revolves around allegations that valuables donated by devotees—including gold, silver and diamond ornaments—were allegedly replaced with counterfeit items.
Investigators are also probing allegations of theft and misappropriation of cash donations made by devotees at the Ram Temple.
So far:
- Eight individuals involved in counting cash and valuables have been arrested.
- The SIT is examining the administrative mechanisms governing the handling and accounting of donations.
- Officials are investigating whether systemic loopholes enabled the alleged fraud.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Administrative Reforms Under Consideration
Officials believe appointing a professional CEO could significantly improve governance at the rapidly expanding temple complex.
The proposed CEO would likely oversee:
- Financial administration
- Human resource management
- Operational supervision
- Coordination with government agencies
- Implementation of internal accountability mechanisms
- Oversight of donation management systems
The move is seen as part of broader efforts to enhance transparency and institutional governance following the alleged financial irregularities.
Decision Expected Soon
With the Trust’s quarterly meeting scheduled for July 11, discussions regarding the creation of the CEO post are expected to gather momentum over the coming days.
Any final appointment will require amendments to the Trust’s bylaws as well as approval from the Trust’s governing body.
Meanwhile, the SIT continues its investigation into the alleged donation theft, with further questioning and forensic examination of financial records expected in the coming weeks.
