Ayodhya, July 17 -- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has received over 1,000 applications from across the country for the post of its first-ever CEO, far exceeding initial expectations, sources said on Friday.

Most applicants are retired IAS, IPS and other senior government officials. The overwhelming response has posed a major challenge for the search committee, which will now undertake a detailed scrutiny of all applications.

To facilitate the process, the committee will appoint a Secretary to verify the eligibility of applicants. A key meeting of the search committee is scheduled for July 19, where the scrutiny process and interview schedule will be finalised.

Following the initial screening, eligible candidates will be...