Candidates shortlisted for the post of chief executive officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which manages the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, are facing questions on both their administrative abilities and personal religious practices.
Interviews for the post began on Tuesday at the temple complex and continued on Wednesday. Of the 5,200 applications received for the position, 18 candidates have been shortlisted.
Questions on faith and religious practices
According to sources cited by NDTV, candidates have been asked about their faith in Lord Ram and their religious practices. The questions reportedly include whether they wear a 'shikha' (braid) or 'janeu' (sacred thread), whether they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian and whether they consume alcohol or are teetotalers.
Candidates were also asked whether they consider themselves "hardline Hindus" or simply believers. Questions on whether they wear attire in accordance with Hindu religious practices were also reportedly part of the interviews.
The interviews, which lasted around 40 to 50 minutes each, also focused on candidates’ religious and social engagement, leadership abilities and their vision for the Ram temple, reported NDTV.
Crowd management among key focus areas
The candidates were questioned about their administrative experience and ability to manage large crowds at the temple. Sources said they were asked whether they could handle gatherings ranging from 20,000 to five lakh people.
Their vision and proposed work plan for the Ram temple were also discussed during the interviews.
Three former IAS officers, an ex-IPS officer and four former military officers were among those interviewed on Tuesday, according to sources quoted by NDTV. The shortlist also includes former senior officials associated with temples in South India.
Three names to be shortlisted
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 Suresh Haware.
The committee will shortlist three candidates from the 18 applicants. The Trust will then take the final decision on the appointment.
The new CEO is likely to be announced at the Trust’s September 2 meeting.
Why the Trust is appointing a full-time CEO?
The decision to appoint a full-time CEO comes after allegations of embezzlement involving Ram temple donations. The case has put the Trust’s financial management under scrutiny.
Eight people have been arrested in connection with the case, while three officials, including the Trust’s former general secretary Champat Rai, have stepped down from their posts.