NEW DELHI: Amid the alleged Ram Temple donation embezzlement row, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications from eligible candidates for the post of chief executive officer (CEO) of the temple. The successful applicant will head the Ram temple’s administrative management and oversee its day-to-day operations.According to the Trust’s notification, applications must be submitted by 4 pm on July 18. The recruitment follows the finalisation of eligibility criteria by a selection committee. As reported earlier, applicants must be graduates with at least 20 years’ experience in administration or finance. Candidates with prior temple management experience will be given preference, while applicants must also be followers of the Hindu faith.The development comes as the Supreme Court issued notices to the Centre, the Uttar Pradesh government and the Ayodhya Ram Mandir trust on petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored probe into the alleged misappropriation of Ram Temple donations. The apex court also directed the UP government’s Special investigation team (SIT) to file a status report and disclose its composition.The selected CEO will initially be appointed for a three-year term and will be required to reside in Ayodhya during the tenure. The committee has also decided to appoint a Secretary to assist with the recruitment process. Sources quoted by ANI said that the selection process is expected to be completed within the next month after shortlisted candidates are interviewed.The move assumes significance amid the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged embezzlement of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is being investigated by the SIT.Speaking on Sunday, Ram Mandir construction committee chairman Nripendra Misra clarified that the CEO would function as the administrative head of the temple’s management while remaining accountable to the Trust.“As the name suggests, the Chief Executive Officer will be the head of management. They will work under the Trust and oversee the management tasks. It depends on the Trust as to what kind of delegation of power they give to the CEO. Based on that delegation, the CEO will manage their staff,” Misra told ANI.He added, “Whatever the Trust decides is their matter, but believe me, any changes in sub-committees will follow the bylaws.”