Ayodhya: In a bid to restore faith and transparency, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has rolled out reforms in the Ram Temple's donation counting system, introducing strict security protocols after allegations of embezzlement.
At the heart of the new measures is a mandatory pocketless uniform, dark blue attire designed to eliminate the possibility of concealing cash or valuables. Every staff member involved in counting donations must now wear this uniform and undergo a two-tier security screening before entering the hall.
The process itself has been overhauled: employees will sit on the floor instead of tables, and all personal belongings including mobile phones, cameras, and bags are banned. Footwear must also be removed before entry.
The reforms come as a Special Investigation Team (SIT) continues its probe into alleged misappropriation of temple donations. The SIT is preparing a fresh audit of the Trust's accounts spanning five years, covering cash, jewellery, gold, silver, and construction-related expenditure.
The scandal surfaced on June 7, leading to an FIR on June 25. So far, eight individuals linked to the donation process have been arrested.