Interviews with CEO of Ram Temple Become Personal and Bring Up Controversy Over Candidate Criteria

 Looking for a CEO for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust located in Ayodhya, a city in India, became a very personal business because the shortlisted candidates were interviewed not only about their administrative skills but also about their beliefs, diets, and family.

Eighteen shortlisted candidates out of more than 5,300 had to fill out Google form about their religious practices before going to their interview. Some of the questions included whether they have a shikha or janeu, whether they are strict vegetarians or eat meat, whether they drink alcohol, etc., in addition to common interview questions.

According to reports, the Trust has stated that the selected candidate must be a practicing Hindu who adheres to Hindu traditions, avoids meat and alcohol and is 50 to 70 years of age.

There were interviews held inside a green house at the temple campus, which lasted for two rounds on Tuesday with around 25-30 minutes spent per candidate. This list comprises three former IAS officers, one retired IPS officer and four former military and educational officers. The selection process is being conducted by a three member committee comprising a former judge, a retired lieutenant general and a scientist, with the interim general secretary of the Trust also being there.

It is the first instance where the Trust is trying to appoint a CEO, as it is after the revelation of the case of theft and embezzlement regarding the temple offerings, which came to light this year. The ongoing police investigation regarding the matter will come up with a chargesheet within the next month.