Lucknow, July 14 -- The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday invited applications for the post of the first chief executive officer (CEO), asking for practising Hindu applicants between 50 and 70 years of age with at least a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university. The trust, which oversees the management of the Ram temple, announced the vacancy on X, setting a July 18 deadline. It has already constituted a three-member panel to look for a new CEO. The trust said the appointment will be for three years, with preference to candidates with experience in managing large religious institutions, public administration, or corporate governance, along with a clean record and commitment to the values of the temple. The trust prescribed at least 20 years' managerial experience in a large public organisation, institution, government department or company. Applicants should have experience in general administration, finance and accounts, human resources, public relations, IT, security and legal matters. The trust made it clear that the CEO will function under its overall guidance and report to the trust's general secretary - a position held in the interim by Krishna Mohan. Salary and benefits will be decided by mutual discussion. "Preference will be given to candidates who have served as chief administrative officer or have experience in managing a temple or Hindu religious institution. Retired officers meeting the eligibility criteria may also apply," it added. The post further stated that the applicants must be "actively practising Hindus", while "being a devotee of Lord Ram belonging to the Vaishnava tradition will be considered desirable". Ram temple construction committee chairman Nripendra Mishra had earlier said appointing a full-time CEO was a priority to ensure better administration and transparency in temple affairs. The development comes amid a swirling controversy around donations at the temple and allegations that collections were siphoned off by trust employees. Already, eight people - all members of the counting staff - are behind bars and two prominent former trust members, Champat Rai and Anil Mishra, have resigned....