Ram temple needs CEO, says Nripendra Misra; supports the Uttar Pradesh Government action in a number of donations

File image of Nripendra Misra. | Photo credit: The Hindu

As allegations of financial irregularities involving donations received by the Ram Temple in Ayodhya come under scrutiny, the Chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee and former Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister of India, Nripendra Misra, has defended the Uttar Pradesh government’s response to the matter. He also called for a more professional management structure, including the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to oversee the administration of the temple and transparency in the use of every penny of the devotees.

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Misra said the state government acted immediately after 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.

He added that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been asked to submit both a preliminary and a final report and if any evidence of financial wrongdoing emerges during the investigation, the matter may proceed to the First Information Report (FIR) stage.

“Whatever the Uttar Pradesh government had to do, it did,” Misra added.

Mr Misra, who has in the past described his becoming chairman of the Ram Temple Construction Committee as a divine intervention, called the allegations of financial irregularities there “painful”. He added that any misuse of donations would damage public confidence in the institution.

Rough estimate

“If even a pie of devotees’ contributions goes to individuals, devotees will feel cheated,” he said, sharing the rough estimate that has been used for the construction of the temple since 2019, which he said is about ₹1,800 crore.

Using the controversy to highlight what he sees as the next challenge before the Trust, that of strengthening governance after the construction of the temple is complete, Mr. Misra said there is a need to formalize the administrative structure, put in place stronger vigilance mechanisms and lay down clear operational procedures for the temple’s expanding operations.

“I have said it before and I will say it again. A CEO should be appointed. He can be serving or retired. I will suggest someone who has previous work experience in Uttar Pradesh,” Mr Misra said, praising the governance model of the Tirumala Venkateswara temple.

“I’m not saying you’re bringing in the law. But large religious institutions increasingly require professional administrators capable of handling complex operations, infrastructure and pilgrimage services.”

He also argued for greater transparency in the handling of donations and expenses.

“The temple requires the highest level of integrity,” Mr Misra said, adding that contributions should be accounted for openly and expenditure records should be available for public scrutiny.

“Every pie should be billed transparently. Let people see it,” he said.

Published – 18 Jun 2026 22:25 IST