The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has invited applications for the post of the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, with 18 July set as the deadline for submitting applications.In a post on X on Monday, the trust said applications would be accepted until 4 pm on the closing date.The announcement comes amid recent allegations relating to the alleged embezzlement of temple funds and valuables, even as the trust moves to strengthen its administrative structure.Ram Temple Trust opens applications for first CEOSharing the announcement on X, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust invited eligible candidates to apply for the newly created CEO position.According to the trust, applications will be accepted until 4 pm on 18 July.— ShriRamTeerth (@ShriRamTeerth) The appointment will mark the first time the Ayodhya Ram Temple has a dedicated Chief Executive Officer responsible for overseeing its administration.'Primary responsibility of the CEO will be to uphold devotees' faith'Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Ram Temple Construction Committee Chairman Nripendra Mishra said the trust would determine the CEO's powers and responsibilities."The primary responsibility of the CEO will be to uphold the faith of devotees in the trust," Mishra said.He added that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust alone would define the scope of the CEO's role after the appointment.Three-member panel to scrutinise applicationsEarlier this month, the trust constituted a three-member committee to examine applications and recommend suitable candidates.The panel comprises:Retired Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod KohliRetired Lieutenant General Vishnukant ChaturvediFormer NIT Raipur Chairperson Suresh HawareThe committee will review applications before recommending candidates to the trust.Nripendra Mishra says he is not part of selection panelMishra clarified that he is not a member of the selection committee responsible for choosing the CEO.He also said he would decide whether to attend the trust's meeting scheduled for 22 July after reviewing its agenda."I will decide on attending the trust's July 22 meeting after knowing its agenda," Mishra said.Construction committee members have no voting rights, says MishraClarifying the governance structure of the trust, Mishra said members associated with the Ram Temple's construction serve as ex officio members.He added that these members do not have voting rights within the trust.The trust is expected to complete the selection process after scrutinising applications received before the 18 July deadline.Inputs from PTI