Ram Temple official backs UP government's response to donation irregularities, calls for professional management

Nripendra Misra, chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee and former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, has defended the Uttar Pradesh government's handling of allegations regarding financial irregularities in donations received for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He also emphasised the need for a more professional management structure, including the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), to enhance transparency and accountability.

Speaking to The Hindu, Misra stated that the state government acted promptly after the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust raised concerns. "The Trust is an autonomous institution created under the Supreme Court judgment. When the Trust sought intervention, the government issued the necessary notification within hours and ordered an inquiry," he said.

Misra added that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been asked to submit both a preliminary and a final report. If evidence of financial wrongdoing emerges, the matter could proceed to the stage of a First Information Report (FIR). "Whatever the government of Uttar Pradesh had to do, they have done," he said.

Describing the allegations as "painful," Misra said any misuse of donations would damage public faith in the institution. "If even a pie of devotees’ contributions has gone to individuals, devotees will feel cheated," he stated, sharing a rough estimate that around ₹1,800 crore has been spent on the temple construction since 2019.

Using the controversy to highlight the next challenge for the Trust—strengthening governance after the temple's completion—Misra called for formalising the administrative structure, introducing stronger vigilance mechanisms, and establishing clear operating procedures. He reiterated his suggestion to appoint a CEO, preferably a serving or retired officer with prior work experience in Uttar Pradesh, praising the management model of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

"I am not saying you bring the Act. But large religious institutions increasingly require professional administrators capable of handling complex operations, infrastructure and pilgrim services," Misra said. He also argued for greater transparency in handling donations and expenditure, stating that "every pie should be transparently accounted for" and records should be made available for public scrutiny.