The Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is undergoing significant administrative changes in response to allegations of donation theft at the Ayodhya temple. To enhance the efficiency of the counting process, the Trust is considering a shift towards technology, aiming to minimize human involvement.
During a meeting held on Wednesday, Trust members reviewed proposals from an Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and two banks regarding the implementation of a technology-driven system for counting cash donations at the Ram Temple. An official from the Trust indicated that these proposals would be thoroughly evaluated before any decisions are made about their adoption, and additional financial topics were also covered during the meeting.
This initiative arises as the Ram Temple, which has been attracting a substantial number of devotees since its opening in January 2024, faces a growing influx of offerings. The integration of technology into the cash-counting operations is part of the Trust’s broader strategy to reinforce its administrative and financial frameworks in light of the donation theft controversy.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), established by the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate the embezzlement, identified significant oversights that contributed to the theft of cash and valuables by personnel responsible for counting donations in its report.
In response to the allegations that surfaced in June regarding the misappropriation of donated funds, the Trust has implemented several security measures for those involved in counting, such as pocketless gowns, designated changing areas, repeated security checks, and enhanced CCTV monitoring.
To date, Ayodhya police have arrested eight individuals, including six counting agents, a driver associated with the former general secretary of the Trust, Champat Rai, and a retired bank employee responsible for overseeing the donation counting shifts.
Furthermore, the Trust has expressed its support for the Supreme Court’s order issued on July 27, which mandates the Uttar Pradesh government to appoint an independent forensic auditor to assist with the SIT’s investigation into the alleged theft of donations. The Trust noted that the court’s directive clarifies the scope and timeline of the SIT’s inquiry, as well as the specific issues to be examined. “This will aid in uncovering the truth and alleviating any public confusion,” the Trust stated.
The three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, emphasized the need for an “impartial and transparent” investigation, allowing the SIT access to the Trust’s financial records while focusing on the investigation’s integrity and credibility.
Additionally, the Trust has approved its financial accounts for the fiscal year 2025-26. The records indicate that the Ram Temple generated an income of Rs 237 crore, with expenses amounting to Rs 99 crore during the same period. Further expenditures of Rs 425 crore were incurred for construction and related activities. As of March 31, 2026, the Trust reported total available funds of Rs 1,882 crore.
Maulshree Seth serves as an Assistant Editor with The Indian Express in Lucknow. With over 15 years of experience in journalism, she is known for her in-depth reporting across Uttar Pradesh. Her focus areas include state politics, governance, the judiciary, and rural development.
Her work is distinguished by its thoroughness and historical context, particularly regarding significant state elections and landmark judicial decisions, establishing her as a credible authority on the interplay between law and politics in Northern India. She is recognized for her ability to access primary sources and her deep understanding of the socio-economic dynamics within the region.
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