5,585 applied, 16 interviewed: Ram Temple Trust closes in on first CEO

Sources clarified that candidates were asked about their work experience, vision and work plan for the Ram temple and not personal questions such as whether they are teetotallers, vegetarians, sport a janeu or about their attire.

The interviews are being conducted behind closed doors in the temple complex.

The selection committee is headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli and includes Lt Gen Vishnukant Chaturvedi (retd) and Suresh Haware.

The committee is expected to shortlist three names, from which the Trust will make the final appointment. The committee has said the selection exercise was designed to be “rigorous, transparent and comprehensive” and reflected its commitment to merit-based selection, institutional excellence and transparency.

The decision to appoint a full-time CEO came after allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple led to increased scrutiny of the Trust’s financial management. Eight accused have been arrested in the case, while three officials, including former Trust general secretary Champat Rai, have stepped down from their posts.

The process 

A multi-stage screening process was followed for the selection, the three-member selection committee said in an official statement issued on Wednesday.

Step 1: The committee said the Trust received 5,585 applications from across the country for the CEO’s post. Of these, 3,877 applications had detailed CVs.

The applicants were asked to provide information on their management skills, experience in handling large-scale events and personnel, language proficiency, vision and strategic plans.

Step 2: The committee comprehensively evaluated the submissions of 1,580 candidates. This stage was aimed at assessing the candidates’ professional experience and suitability for the leadership role.

Step 3: Following the evaluation, 111 candidates were invited for virtual interactions conducted over several days. These candidates were assessed for their “communication skills, professional experience, vision, personality, leadership qualities and technological acumen”, the committee said.

Step 4: After a virtual assessment, 16 candidates were selected for an in-person interview. The finalists came from diverse sectors, including defence, bureaucracy, corporate-industry, education and information technology.

Step 5: The final round of interviews was conducted at the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra campus on August 11 and 12. In this stage, the committee assessed the candidates for management skills, personality, vision, strategic plans, technology expertise and leadership potential.

The committee said the 16 finalists are accomplished professionals and achievers in their fields.

Step 6: With the interview process now complete, the committee will evaluate the 16 finalists and prepare a panel of three names.

This panel will be shared with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which will take the final decision on the CEO’s appointment before making the announcement.