Ram Temple Trust to hold key meeting today amid donation theft row; THESE things on agenda

Will the Ram Temple Trust accept Champat Rai's resignation? Will the SIT's findings trigger major changes? All eyes are on today's crucial meeting in Ayodhya, where key decisions on the donation theft controversy are expected.

Ram Temple Trust to hold key meeting today (Img: IANS)

Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust will hold a crucial meeting at 3 pm on Sunday amid the alleged Ram Temple donation theft controversy, with key decisions expected on the resignations of senior office-bearers and the Special Investigation Team's (SIT) interim findings.

The meeting comes as the Trust faces growing scrutiny over alleged irregularities in the counting of donations received at the Ayodhya temple.

Champat Rai, Anil Mishra Resignations on Agenda

The first item on the agenda is expected to be the resignations of Trust General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Dr Anil Mishra, who are understood to have stepped down on moral grounds following the controversy.

The Trust is expected to decide whether to accept the resignations and discuss appointments to any posts that may fall vacant.

SIT Report to Be Reviewed

Members will also review the SIT's interim report on the alleged embezzlement of donations from the temple's donation boxes.

The probe is examining alleged irregularities in cash counting and handling, and the Trust is expected to deliberate on measures to strengthen transparency and oversight.

Possible Changes in Trust Administration

Apart from the donation theft case, the meeting is likely to discuss future arrangements for temple management and consider structural or administrative changes, if required.

Other issues may also be taken up with the permission of the Trust president.

Members Can Join Virtually

Trust members unable to attend the meeting in person will be allowed to participate through video conferencing. The Trust generally meets once every three months. Its previous meeting was held on March 21 to review preparations for Ram Navami.

How the Trust Functions

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, constituted in February 2020 following the Supreme Court's Ayodhya verdict, functions independently of both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments.

While government representatives are part of the Trust as ex-officio members, only permanent trustees have voting rights. Any major decision, including the appointment of new permanent trustees or changes to the Trust's functioning, requires approval by a majority of the permanent members.