The Ram Temple Trust held crucial meetings on Wednesday amid a controversy over alleged fund theft, officials said. The Trust decided to overhaul its administrative structure, including appointing a professional chief executive officer, following the row.
Trust Overhauls Administration After Fund Theft Allegations
According to officials, the Trust's decision to restructure comes after allegations of misappropriation of funds surfaced. The new CEO will be tasked with ensuring transparency and accountability in the Trust's operations.
The meetings were held in Ayodhya and attended by key members, including representatives from the Vishva Hindu Parishad and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The Trust also reviewed its financial records and discussed measures to prevent future irregularities.
Details of the Controversy
The fund theft allegations were first reported last month, with claims that a significant amount of money meant for temple construction was diverted. The Trust has denied any wrongdoing but agreed to an external audit to restore public confidence.
“We are committed to transparency and will take all necessary steps to ensure that the temple construction proceeds smoothly,” a Trust official said. The official added that the appointment of a professional CEO is a step towards better governance.
Impact on Temple Construction
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a major project for the Indian government and Hindu groups. Construction has been ongoing, with the foundation stone laid in August 2020. The controversy has raised concerns about delays, but Trust officials assured that the project remains on track.
The Trust also decided to strengthen its internal audit mechanisms and involve independent financial experts. These measures are expected to prevent any future controversies and ensure the timely completion of the temple.
