Ayodhya, India — The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, tasked with the construction and ongoing administration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, has appointed Jagdish Aphale, an alumnus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, as its inaugural secretary. This significant administrative restructuring by the trust aims to bolster operational management and enhance financial oversight amidst the temple's expanding activities.

Mr. Aphale will also assume the critical responsibility of serving as a joint signatory for financial transactions. This new duty is specifically designed to strengthen accountability within the trust's financial dealings, a measure introduced following recent reports concerning alleged donation irregularities and prior resignations among its personnel. The establishment of this dedicated secretary position reflects the trust's proactive approach to addressing administrative challenges and ensuring transparent governance over its substantial resources.

His appointment is built upon extensive prior involvement with the temple project. Mr. Aphale has supervised construction activities at the complex for nearly four years, providing him with an intimate and practical understanding of the temple's infrastructure and its ongoing development needs. For approximately two weeks leading up to his official designation, Mr. Aphale had already been integrated into the trust's internal processes, indicating a deliberate and planned transition into his new leadership role. This period allowed for a seamless handover and familiarisation with the trust's existing operational frameworks.

The decision to create the secretary's post is a direct response to the increasing scale and complexity of managing the newly constructed Ram temple. As the institution grows in prominence and its operations become more multifaceted, encompassing daily worship, visitor management, and continued development, the trust identified a clear need for dedicated administrative leadership. This role is intended to streamline internal workings, manage expanding public engagement, and ensure that all financial dealings are conducted with the highest degree of probity and transparency.

The emphasis on robust financial controls, particularly through Mr. Aphale's authority as a joint signatory, is a key aspect of his mandate. This measure seeks to rebuild and maintain public trust, especially in light of past controversies surrounding the handling of donations. By centralising and fortifying financial oversight, the trust aims to prevent future discrepancies and assure donors of the responsible utilisation of their contributions.

This strategic appointment underscores the trust's commitment to establishing a resilient and transparent administrative framework for the long-term management of the Ayodhya Ram temple. Mr. Aphale's background in engineering, combined with his direct experience in the temple's construction, positions him as a valuable asset in navigating the administrative and financial complexities inherent in overseeing such a monumental and culturally significant national project. His role is poised to be central to the temple's ongoing development, its daily operational efficiency, and its continued standing as a revered spiritual landmark.