Ram Temple CEO race: Candidates quizzed on 'janeu', diet and faith during interviews

Amid scrutiny over alleged theft and embezzlement of temple donations, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is selecting its first full-time CEO, with the shortlisted candidates facing questions ranging from administrative experience to religious practices, dietary habits and faith.

The Trust received more than 5,000 applications for the post out of which 18 candidates were eventually shortlisted. The pool includes three former IAS officers, a retired IPS officer and four former military and education officials, according to an India Today report.

The shortlisted candidates for the first full-time CEO of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had to answer not just about their administrative experience but also prove how religious they are.

The questions included whether candidates wore a janeu (sacred thread), kept a shikha or tuft of hair, ate vegetarian or non-vegetarian food and consumed alcohol. They were also asked about their faith in Lord Ram and whether they considered themselves staunch Hindus or simply believers, according to the reports.

The candidates were also questioned about their families, previous work experience, interpersonal skills and conduct. Their experience in managing crowds during large religious events was discussed, along with their understanding of the religious and social significance of the Ram temple.

Questions relating to administrative ability, leadership, religious and social engagement, and their vision and work plan for the temple also formed part of the selection process.

The interviews began on Aug 11 and continued on Aug 12. As many as 10 candidates appeared on the first day, while the remaining candidates were expected to be interviewed on Aug 12. The interviews were conducted behind closed doors at a greenhouse in the northern part of the Ram Mandir complex.

The candidates were interviewed for about 30 to 40 minutes which included questions on administrative experience, religious practices and the candidates' vision for the temple.

Three-member panel conducting selection

A three-member committee appointed by the Trust is conducting the interviews. The panel comprises former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lt Gen Vishnukant Chaturvedi and scientist Suresh Haware, who is also a former chairman of the Shirdi Sai Baba Trust.

The panel will shortlist three names from the 18 candidates for consideration by the Trust, which will make the final appointment. The Trust is likely to announce the new CEO at its Sep 2 meeting.

The Trust's stated criteria for the CEO position include being a practising Hindu, following Hindu traditions and guidelines, being a strict vegetarian and a teetotaller. It also reported an age criterion of 50 to 70 years for the post.

The CEO is being appointed as the Trust's first full-time chief executive. The position will oversee the temple's administration, facilities and associated businesses.

Appointment follows scrutiny over temple donations

The selection is taking place against the backdrop of a police investigation into alleged theft and embezzlement of temple donations. The Uttar Pradesh Police SIT submitted its preliminary report on June 23, following which an FIR was registered and eight people were arrested.

The report said police subsequently recovered cash, gold, silver and foreign currency from the accused, including Rs 20.39 lakh from one of them. The investigation is required to be completed within 90 days, with the chargesheet to be filed by the end of next month.