CEO Appointment Rules Under Review As Ram Temple Trust Faces Donation Controversy

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is considering amendments to its bylaws to enable the appointment of a chief executive officer (CEO) and strengthen its administrative and financial oversight, according to a person associated with the Trust. The proposed changes come amid increased scrutiny over the Trust's financial management following allegations related to the handling of temple donations. According to the person familiar with the matter, the proposed amendments would formally create the post of CEO and clearly define supervisory responsibilities within the Trust.

The objective is to improve governance, streamline decision-making and enhance oversight of the temple's administrative and financial operations as the scale of donations and activities continues to grow. The Trust is also evaluating changes to its existing banking arrangements. At present, it maintains accounts with the State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank (PNB) and Bank of Baroda. Officials are examining whether modifications to the banking framework could improve fund management and operational efficiency, although specific details of the proposed changes have not been disclosed.

The discussions on revising the bylaws have reportedly involved Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri and senior advocate K. Parasaran, one of the Trust's trustees who drafted the original bylaws when the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was constituted in February 2020. According to the source, Parasaran has already begun working on incorporating the proposed amendments into the governing framework. "For appointment of the chief executive officer and to make administrative and financial changes in the Trust, its bylaws have to be amended," a senior office-bearer of the Trust said, indicating that the existing rules do not currently provide for such a position.

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The proposed governance reforms come at a time when the Trust's financial management is under public and legal scrutiny. A batch of petitions alleging financial irregularities and embezzlement of donations has been filed before the Supreme Court, with the petitioners seeking a court-monitored investigation, a CBI probe and forensic audits of the Trust's finances. The Trust has not publicly accepted the allegations. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established by the Union government following the Supreme Court's 2019 verdict in the Ayodhya title dispute to oversee the construction, administration and management of the Ram temple.

Since its formation, the Trust has received substantial donations from devotees across India and abroad, making robust financial governance a key aspect of its operations. While no formal decision has been announced on the bylaw amendments, the proposed changes are expected to be aimed at strengthening institutional accountability and ensuring efficient management of the Trust's expanding administrative and financial responsibilities. Any amendment to the bylaws would need to be approved in accordance with the Trust's governing procedures before being implemented.

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