The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed Jagdish Aphale, an alumnus of IIT Bombay, as its first secretary. This appointment is part of a broader administrative restructuring aimed at enhancing accountability and managing the expanding operations of the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Information available with The Chenab Times indicates that Aphale, an engineer with a background in construction supervision, will be responsible for overseeing the daily administration of the temple. His appointment is set to be formally ratified at the Trust’s executive meeting scheduled for September 2, 2026. He will function as an office bearer, reporting to the interim general secretary Krishna Mohan, but will not be a member of the Trust itself.
The creation of the secretary post follows recent controversies concerning alleged irregularities in the handling of donations to the temple. Sources indicate that the Trust is seeking to infuse greater transparency and financial oversight into its functioning. Aphale’s role will include being a joint signatory for financial transactions, a move intended to bolster accountability in banking operations.
Jagdish Aphale, a resident of Pune, is reportedly associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He holds a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Technology (M.Tech) from IIT Bombay. Prior to his current role, Aphale served as an honorary project manager for the Ram Mandir construction, having supervised the work for several years. He has also held positions in multinational corporations abroad before returning to India.
The Trust’s administrative overhaul includes the pending appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and an official spokesperson. These positions are also envisioned as roles for office bearers who will not be inducted as members of the Trust, reflecting a strategic decision to manage operational expansion while maintaining the structure of the governing board.
The decision to appoint a dedicated secretary and to introduce dual signatories for financial operations comes in the wake of allegations of donation embezzlement. The Trust had previously sought an investigation into these claims, which led to the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT), the registration of a First Information Report (FIR), and the arrest of several individuals. The Trust deed mandates that bank accounts be operated by two designated individuals, making the appointment of a co-signatory crucial for seamless financial dealings.
Public sector banks, including the State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, and Bank of Baroda, had previously expressed reservations about accepting Aphale as a co-signatory without a formal change in the Trust’s constitution. The current appointment and the ongoing process to update signatory details are expected to address these banking requirements.
Aphale’s familiarity with the temple project, having been involved in its construction, is seen as a significant advantage. His continuous presence at the Teerth Kshetra Bhavan in Ayodhya since his deputation as project manager post-Supreme Court verdict further integrates him into the temple’s operational framework. The Trust aims to demonstrate strengthened administration and improved oversight in managing the substantial public donations received for the Ram Temple.
The Chenab Times News Desk