AYODHYA, India – The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, responsible for the construction and management of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, has introduced enhanced transparency measures for donation handling and established a nine-member panel of seers. These actions come amid reports of alleged irregularities concerning temple donations and are intended to address public concerns.

To bolster transparency in the counting of donations, the Trust has decided that an Assistant General Manager from Indian Bank will now be present during the process. Additionally, a representative from Swarna Rajat Finance will also be in attendance. These measures are being implemented with immediate effect and will be supplemented by the deployment of CCTV cameras to monitor the counting area.

In a parallel development, a nine-member committee of saints has been formed to oversee religious affairs at the temple. This panel is expected to manage various aspects, including rituals, festivals, and arrangements related to worship. The committee will also be responsible for coordinating with other seers in Ayodhya. The appointment of a spokesperson for this new body is anticipated.

The formation of this committee and the new donation protocols are widely viewed as efforts to regain public confidence following the controversy surrounding alleged donation irregularities. Leaders from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) are scheduled to meet with Ayodhya seers, a gathering seen as part of a broader strategy to mitigate the political fallout from these issues.

The timing of these initiatives is also considered significant, occurring ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, which are scheduled for early 2027. Observers suggest that the measures are partly aimed at containing any negative political repercussions that might arise from the ongoing controversies.