Ram Mandir Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Misra on Sunday, 12 July said the appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) answerable to the temple trust will add a critical governance layer to the Ram Mandir administration in Ayodhya, following the recent donation controversy that drew widespread attention. Misra expressed confidence that devotee faith in the shrine remains unshaken despite the row.

The CEO's Role and Mandate

According to Misra, the incoming CEO will oversee the temple's complete state of affairs, taking guidance from the General Secretary and operating under the mandate of the temple trust. He was careful to clarify that the existing hierarchy will remain intact. 'The temple trust is supreme and its decisions will be final,' he said, framing the CEO's position as 'an additional chain in the system' rather than a replacement of existing authority.

The move is widely seen as a structural response to the donation row, which raised questions about financial oversight at one of India's most prominent religious sites. Misra indicated it was time to 'add another layer to strengthen the system' to prevent a recurrence of what he called a 'regrettable' episode.

Devotee Footfall Remains Strong

On the question of whether the controversy had dented public trust or reduced visitor numbers, Misra said personal feedback from devotees suggested their focus remained firmly on Lord Ram and offering prayers. He noted that footfall continues to rise on Saturdays and Sundays, with sizeable crowds reported even at Hanuman Garhi. No formal estimates of donations received were provided.

'Lord Ram is the soul of our ethos and religious identity and the devotees continue to offer prayers as before,' Misra said, adding that there were 'no signs of distrust in the system' among pilgrims.

Devotees to Remain Central to Administration

Misra emphasised that every aspect of the Ram Mandir's administration must revolve around the needs of devotees. He reiterated that a temple exists for its devotees, and that all decisions — including the CEO appointment — should keep the devotee 'at the centre of our thoughts and actions.' This principle, he said, would guide any changes the new executive brings to facilities and operations.

Construction Enters Final Phase

On the status of the ongoing construction, Misra said the Ram Mandir complex project has entered its final phase, with two major tasks remaining. The first involves the old temple and its memorial, where most work is complete but the arrangement for a 24-hour 'jwala' (eternal flame) is still pending. The second is the completion of the memorial itself, which is expected to be finished by the end of July.

Misra said he expects construction companies to complete all pending work within the complex by 15 August — a symbolically significant deadline coinciding with India's Independence Day. The broader complex, inaugurated earlier this year, continues to draw millions of pilgrims from across the country.