LUCKNOW: The search committee tasked with selecting the next chief executive officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is set to present a shortlist of six candidates before Trust members in Ayodhya on Tuesday, marking the final stage of one of the most extensive leadership searches undertaken by the temple body.According to a senior source associated with the process, the six candidates were shortlisted based on their national-level achievements, professional excellence, and ability to understand the religious and cultural significance of the Ram Temple. The source said all six possess credentials that have earned recognition beyond India.The committee will recommend three principal candidates along with three reserve names. However, the three primary candidates will not be ranked in any order of preference.“None of the three names will be treated as priority one, two, or three. All three are considered equally suitable for the role. The Trust will decide whom it wants to appoint after interacting with them,” the source said.Most Trust members are expected to attend the meeting, during which the committee will explain its evaluation methodology and the rationale behind each recommendation. Members will review the candidates’ complete profiles, including application forms, CVs, professional accomplishments, and performance during various stages of the selection process.The final shortlist comprises candidates from both government and private-sector backgrounds. Five have held government positions, while one comes from the private sector.“The candidates recommended for the final stage have handled assignments of national importance and demonstrated professional achievements at either the national or international level,” the source said.Professional competence remained the key criterion, though familiarity with the religious and cultural ethos of the institution was also considered essential, the source added.The Trust is unlikely to announce the appointment immediately after Tuesday’s deliberations. Discussions on compensation and remuneration packages with the shortlisted candidates have yet to take place.According to the source, the Trust will weigh factors such as relocation costs and professional commitments before finalising an offer.“If a person leaves an existing position to join the Trust, their basic expenses and professional requirements must be taken into account. The candidate should not feel burdened by the responsibility while incurring personal costs,” the source said.Trust members may decide on Tuesday which candidates should be approached first for compensation negotiations. If one of the three principal candidates agrees to join quickly, an announcement could follow soon. Otherwise, the process may take longer, making a formal declaration on Sept. 2 uncertain.The recruitment exercise began with 5,585 applications. Of these, 3,877 candidates submitted detailed CVs. After an assessment of 1,580 applications, 111 candidates were shortlisted for online interactions. The process culminated in face-to-face interactions with 16 finalists before the final six were selected for consideration by the Trust.
