Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Trust CEO Hopefuls Face Tough Interview in Ayodhya

Candidates who were interviewed for the post of first full-time chief executive officer (CEO) of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Tuesday were asked a wide range of questions – from their religious practices and eating and drinking habits to their vision for the Ram Temple, people familiar with the matter said.

HT Images

The 18 candidates who were shortlisted from a pool of 5,200 applicants were also asked about their work experience and their families, and practices of the Hindu religion, in an exhaustive 34-point Google form that was required to be filled before the interview held in Ayodhya. Besides, the interviewees were asked about their leadership abilities and religious-social engagements, the people cited above said.

The decision to appoint a full-time CEO was taken after the allegations of embezzlement of donations came to light. The allegations have led to scrutiny of the Trust's financial management even as eight accused have been arrested in the case while three officials, including the Trust's former general secretary Champat Rai, stepped down from their posts.

All the 18 candidates earlier faced an online interview. On Tuesday, a face-to-face interview was held for only eight candidates, including four former IAS officers.