Candidates interviewing for the first full-time chief executive officer position at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust faced screening questions regarding their personal religious practices, including dietary habits, alcohol consumption, and whether they wear a sacred thread, according to sources cited by Hindustan Times and The Hindu. The interview process, which began on Tuesday, August 11, in Ayodhya, follows recent financial scrutiny surrounding the temple trust.
Screening Questions Focus on Personal Faith and Diet
According to reports by The Times of India, the interview panel questioned applicants about whether they wear a janeu (sacred thread) or maintain a traditional braid. Candidates were also asked if they follow a vegetarian or non-vegetarian diet, and whether they consume alcohol or are teetotallers. Additional inquiries probed whether applicants consider themselves hardline Hindus or general believers, and if they dress in alignment with traditional Hindu practices.
The closed-door interviews took place at the Green House inside the Ram temple complex. Each session lasted between 40 and 50 minutes. Alongside personal religious habits, the panel evaluated candidates on their leadership capabilities, social engagement, and vision for managing the temple, as reported by ThePrint.
Candidates and Selection Committee Details
Out of 5,200 initial applicants, the Trust shortlisted 18 candidates. On the first day of interviews, eight individuals appeared before the panel, including former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey and former Jaunpur district magistrate Dinesh Chandra, according to The New Indian Express. Other shortlisted contenders include former IAS officers Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and Sameer Pandaya.
The three-member selection committee charged with zeroing in on three final names comprises former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lt Gen Vishnukant Chaturvedi, and Suresh Haware. The interview schedule, initially planned for two days, was extended to four additional days to accommodate the process.
Trust Restructuring Following Financial Scrutiny
The decision to appoint a full-time CEO stems from allegations of embezzlement regarding donations made to the Ram temple. The financial controversy prompted increased oversight of the Trust’s administration, leading to the arrest of eight individuals and the departure of three officials, including former Trust general secretary Champat Rai.
Following their sessions, the candidates were instructed not to speak with the media before returning to Delhi and traveling to their respective destinations. The selection panel will review the interviews to shortlist three candidates for a final decision by the Trust.
Keep reading