Lucknow| Sachin Mudgal6 hours ago
The arrangements for Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir will come under the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after 28 August (Rakshabandhan). Around 5,500 applicants from across the country have applied online for the post, and the selection committee is working to identify the most suitable candidate.
A committee member said the selection is based not only on an applicant’s experience but also on their faith in Lord Ram, which is a key factor in the selection process. Applicants include retired IAS and IPS officers, academicians, IT professionals, lawyers, former judges, and retired finance and accounting officers. The committee aims to complete the selection process within the next 40 days.
Criteria set for selecting the CEO of Ram Mandir
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust had invited applications for the CEO post on 13 July. Applications were accepted until 18 July. 3 conditions were laid down-
- Age Limit- The applicant’s age should be between 50 and 70 years.
- Tenure- The CEO will be appointed for an initial period of 3 years. This can be extended based on work performance.
- Experience- People associated with the fields of general administration, finance-accounts, human resources, public relations, information technology, security, law and legal affairs could apply, who have at least 20 years of work experience in the relevant field.
What kind of people are applying for the CEO position? Committee members say,
People from among the renowned personalities across the country are coming forward. Most people want to serve through the CEO position of the Ram Mandir. Because this will be a Mandir management structure that can be presented as an example in the future. This is why strict criteria have been set for the scrutiny of applications. Former bureaucrats and judges may be given preference.
Talking on the phone, then calling for an interview
After receiving online applications, candidates are being contacted via telephone. Their experience is being understood. Then, applicants who seem suitable based on the trust’s parameters are being called for an interview. During the interview, panel members ask questions considering their qualifications. Discussions are held regarding religious faith and management methods.
Since this entire process is taking place after an incident of tampering with the Ram Mandir’s offerings has come to light, applicants who have come for selection are also being discussed regarding the proper management of large funds. The selection committee is also trying to understand the planning of what could be better for the Mandir.
In the first phase, 5000 people are being screened out. Then, out of the remaining 500 people, only 20-30 will be kept on the list. In the second phase, the selection criteria will become tougher than before. The committee will conduct an in-depth interview of these members. In this stage, the following qualifications will be primarily assessed
The 3 members of the selection committee are also observing the applicant’s willpower to complete this process. They are asking, ‘If you are made CEO in the coming time, how will you manage?’ The members of the selection committee are doing this entire process from their homes. They will only reach Ayodhya at the time of the final selection.
Final selection will be under the supervision of the Centre and RSS
A senior member of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust said,
The final selection of the CEO for this sensitive post will be under the direct supervision of the central government and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Only that person will occupy the CEO’s chair who has the consent of both the government and the Sangh.Not only this, in the future, the consent of the Centre and the Sangh will play an important role in the selection of the CEO’s office staff as well.
New SIT has been formed, the investigation will restart
In the Ayodhya Ram Mandir offering theft case, the Supreme Court has ordered the formation of a new SIT. During the hearing at 3:30 PM on July 20, Chief Justice (CJI) Suryakant said that a new SIT should be formed. A senior IPS officer should lead the team, so that the investigation reaches a decisive stage.
The CJI said that the investigation should be fair and without any discrimination. The court asked Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta to bring names for the SIT from the UP government. The court will now hold the next hearing on July 27. Following this, the Yogi government also issued an order for the formation of a new SIT.
