Ayodhya: Amid the controversy over alleged embezzlement of funds received through donations at Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Ram Janmabhoomi Temple Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Misra has demanded a complete overhaul of the shrine’s management system as serious lapses have been exposed in supervision, accountability and compliance with established procedures.
Misra, a retired IAS officer and former Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, said the alleged irregularities were a blow to devotees’ faith and also a reminder of vulnerabilities within the temple’s administrative framework.
“My firm opinion is that the entire management structure should be reorganised and entrusted to experienced professionals. I have not formally submitted any proposal, but I have shared my views publicly,” Misra told India Today TV.
He suggested that a professional, full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) should be appointed to manage the Ram Temple.
Political storm in UP, Yogi calls for restraint
The controversy, which has triggered a political storm in Uttar Pradesh, erupted after allegations of discrepancies in the accounting of temple donations. Claims have been made that donations ranging from Rs 7 crore to much higher unverified amounts have been misappropriated.
The row intensified after cash was recovered from the residence of a temple employee.
The UP government constituted a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) on June 13 to probe the allegations of funds embezzlement.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed confidence in the SIT, saying the probe will uncover the “absolute truth”, and urged people not to make baseless statements that could hurt the sentiments of devotees.
Misra said devotees’ offerings must be safeguarded.
“This incident is certainly a challenge to the faith of devotees and hurt them. At the same time, it is a question mark for all the different wings of the management system,” the bureaucrat said.
Misra said the controversy deeply distressed him, especially as it came at a time when the Ram Temple project is in its final stages of completion.
Explaining the current administrative system, Misra said much of the temple’s functioning is based on an informal volunteer-driven system.
“At present, the management functions in a different manner. Most of the people working there are volunteers. They are informally told how to perform their duties, but there are no written orders, no fixed responsibilities and no proper distribution of work,” he said.
With nearly 1,500 people engaged in various activities within the temple complex, a formal and accountable management structure was essential, Misra stressed.
