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

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Misra said the State government had acted promptly after concerns were raised by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

“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) had been asked to submit both a preliminary and a final report and if any evidence of financial wrongdoing emerged during the inquiry, the matter could proceed to the stage of a First Information Report (FIR).

“Whatever the government of Uttar Pradesh had to do, they have done,” Mr. Misra added.

Mr. Misra, who in the past had described that becoming chairman of Ram Temple Construction Committee as divine intervention, termed the allegations of financial irregularity there “painful”. He added that any misuse of donations would damage public faith in the institution.

Rough estimate

“If even a pie of devotees’ contributions has gone to individuals, devotees will feel cheated,” he said, sharing a rough estimate that had gone into the temple construction since 2019, which, according to him, is around ₹1,800 crore.

Using the controversy to underline what he sees as the next challenge before the Trust, that is strengthening governance after the completion of the temple’s construction, Mr. Misra said there was a need to formalise the administrative structure, introduce stronger vigilance mechanisms and establish clear operating procedures for the temple’s expanding operations.

“I have said it before and I am repeating. A CEO should be appointed. He can be serving or retired officer. I will suggest, someone who has prior work experience in Uttar Pradesh,” Mr. Misra said, praising the management model of the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple.

“I am not saying you bring the Act. But large religious institutions increasingly require professional administrators capable of handling complex operations, infrastructure and pilgrim services.

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

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

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