Days after the Ram Temple Foundation formed a three-member committee to vet candidates for its first CEO, it has invited applications for the position.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has set Monday, July 18 as the deadline for submission of names in a post on X, saying applications will be accepted only till 4pm on the deadline.
The search for a CEO comes amid a row over alleged embezzlement of temple donations, which has prompted an overhaul of the temple trust, which does not yet have such a position.
Who can apply?
As per the notification issued by the fund, the CEO will be appointed for a period of three years, as will be specified in his contract. However, this period will be extendable based on satisfactory performance.
The posting will be in Ayodhya, where the Ram temple is located, and the fixed salary and other service benefits will be decided through mutual discussion, the corporation said while sharing the details.
Read also | Ram Temple Trust may amend bylaws to appoint CEO amid donation row
Eligibility criteria for applicants include:
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• Age between 50 and 70 years
• At least 20 years of administrative experience in a large public institution, institution, government department, or company.
• Experience supervising areas such as administration, finance, accounts, human resources, public relations, information technology, security and legal.
• Working knowledge of Hindi and English is mandatory
• Applicants must be “actively practicing Hindus,” with the notification stating that being “a devotee of Lord Ram belonging to the Vaishnava tradition would be desirable.”
• “Preference will be given to candidates who have served as chief administrative officer or have experience in managing a temple or Hindu religious institution,” the temple authority said, adding that retired officers who meet the criteria may also apply.
Authorities to be determined by trust: Nripendra Misra
The responsibilities and powers of the CEO will be determined by the temple trust itself, Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra said on Sunday. “The CEO’s primary responsibility will be to uphold the faith of the Fund’s loyal people,” Misra said, adding that there will be no government interference in the work of the Fund or its CEO.
However, Misra said that the CEO will oversee the fund’s finances and streamline its work, adding that in a way he will “act as an assistant to the fund”.
