Ram Mandir trust likely to appoint deputy CEO

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is likely to appoint a deputy chief executive officer (CEO) soon, just days after naming Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra as its first full-time CEO.

According to Govind Dev Giri, the trust’s search committee has already prepared panels of candidates in three categories following a transparent selection process. He said there is no need to begin a fresh search for the post, as the deputy CEO can be selected from the existing panels based on the trust’s requirements and the candidates’ qualifications.

The search committee includes retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi and scientist-industrialist Suresh Haware.

The proposed appointment is expected to create a two-tier professional administrative structure for the Ram Mandir. While CEO Jeetendra Mishra will be responsible for the broader functioning of the trust and temple, including security, coordination with government agencies and implementation of major decisions, the deputy CEO is expected to focus on day-to-day operations.

Several important areas could come under this administrative chain, including finance and accounts, internal audit, information technology and digital monitoring, human resources, project management and facilities for pilgrims.

The move is also expected to reduce the direct involvement of senior trust office-bearers in routine administrative matters. With a professional team handling everyday operations, the trust could focus more on policy, supervision and long-term strategic decisions.

Giri said the trust had been handed a completed temple for service and that its larger objective was now to establish Ayodhya as a global cultural capital. He indicated that improving the overall environment around the Ram temple would be an important part of this vision.

The appointment of both a full-time CEO and a deputy CEO marks a significant shift towards a more structured administrative system for the temple. The CEO’s office is expected to become the central coordination point for areas such as finance, security, human resources, technology, infrastructure, major projects and pilgrim management.

The deputy CEO could serve as an operational link between different departments, ensuring that decisions taken by the trust and senior administration are implemented efficiently on the ground.

The new structure is expected to create a clearer division between policy and oversight on one side and daily execution on the other. As the Ram Temple’s operations and responsibilities continue to grow, the trust is looking to strengthen its administrative framework accordingly.