Ayodhya Temple Trust to Define CEO's Role, No Government Interference: Nripendra Misra

The Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra announced on Sunday that the temple trust will determine the powers and responsibilities of the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ayodhya temple. He emphasised that there would be no government interference in the functioning of the trust or its CEO.

Speaking to reporters in Ayodhya, Misra said the CEO's primary duty will be to uphold the faith of devotees in the trust. The CEO will also oversee financial arrangements and ensure that pilgrims visiting Ayodhya receive all necessary amenities. Misra described the role as an 'assistant to the trust', operating independently of government influence.

A three-member panel has been formed to recommend suitable candidates for the CEO position to the trust. The panel includes retired justice Pramod Kohli, retired lieutenant general Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and former NIT Raipur chairperson Suresh Haware. The trust will ultimately decide how much authority to delegate to the CEO, who will be responsible for hiring their own staff, all under the trust's supervision.

Misra denied attending the committee meetings for candidate screening and clarified that he did not attend the trust's meeting on July 6. Regarding the upcoming meeting on July 22, he said his attendance depends on the agenda. 'If the matter pertains to construction, I would have to be present. Please understand, we are ex-officio directors without voting rights. We provide our views on relevant subjects,' he stated.

When asked about complaints from devotees, Misra asserted that there have been none. He said devotees have expressed satisfaction with the temple arrangements and worship. On potential changes in the trust, Misra noted that no decisions were made in his presence, and directed questions about the July 22 agenda to the trust's general secretary.