Ram Temple Security Overhaul: Police Checks, Character Certificates Mandatory for All Staff

Ayodhya’s Ram Temple Trust has ordered 100 per cent verification of all staff, including police checks, character certificates and family details, following a theft of offerings reported in June.

Ayodhya: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has decided to conduct 100 per cent verification of all employees working at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, including police verification, character certificates and detailed information about their families and relatives, sources said.

The move is part of a wider security and administrative overhaul at the temple following the theft of offerings that came to light in June this year. Eight people were arrested in connection with the case and remain in jail, while a 70,000-page chargesheet was filed last week.

What will 100% staff verification involve?

Under the new system, the Trust has sought comprehensive information about every employee, including details of family members and relatives. Police verification will be mandatory, along with character certificates issued by the police.

The verification exercise is aimed at strengthening oversight of personnel working within the temple complex and ensuring that the administration has detailed records of those entrusted with various responsibilities.

The initiative is being carried out under the leadership of newly appointed Chief Executive Officer retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, who assumed charge last month.

The staff verification drive comes alongside other measures aimed at tightening internal monitoring and improving administrative accountability at the temple.

Temple administration undergoes restructuring

The security measures are being introduced at a time when the temple administration has also undergone a significant restructuring.

Former general secretary Champat Rai and Trust members Anil Mishra and Gopal Rao have been relieved of their responsibilities as part of the changes.

The new leadership has also focused on strengthening staff monitoring and improving facilities for devotees visiting the temple.

The measures follow the June theft case, which resulted in the arrest of eight people. All the accused are currently lodged in jail, while investigators have submitted a 70,000-page chargesheet in the case.

Trust says temple activities continue smoothly

Trust member Dinendra Das said the decisions taken by the Trust would be accepted by everyone associated with the temple.

"Whatever decision the Trust takes will be accepted by everyone. The worship rituals are proceeding smoothly, donations are being received properly and a large number of devotees are visiting the temple for darshan and aarti," Das said.

Das’s remarks came as the Trust pressed ahead with changes to the temple’s internal administration and security arrangements.

Along with employee verification, the Trust has stepped up monitoring of staff and is working on improving facilities for devotees.

The latest measures indicate a greater focus on documenting the backgrounds of temple personnel and strengthening accountability within the administration.

The 100 per cent verification process, including police checks, character certificates and family details, is expected to give the Trust a more comprehensive record of employees working at the temple.

The broader administrative overhaul is being implemented under the new CEO as the Trust seeks to strengthen security and streamline the functioning of the Ram temple while maintaining regular worship, darshan and other activities.