The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has introduced a comprehensive overhaul of its donation management system at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, bringing in advanced surveillance and stricter monitoring to ensure complete transparency in handling devotees’ offerings. The revamped system includes the installation of 360-degree cameras, videography of the donation collection process, and the formation of an eight-member monitoring committee to supervise every stage of counting.
Under the new arrangement, donation boxes (daan patras) will be opened only in the presence of the designated monitoring team. The entire counting process will be recorded on video, while high-resolution 360-degree cameras will provide uninterrupted coverage from multiple angles. These measures will enhance accountability, eliminate any scope for irregularities, and reinforce public confidence in the management of temple donations.
The changes come in the wake of concerns raised over the handling of donations after reports of discrepancies in the collection and counting process. 8 people were also arrested after allegations of missing cash and questions surrounding transparency. This prompted the Trust to review its existing mechanisms. While the Trust has maintained that devotees’ offerings are handled with utmost sincerity, it decided to strengthen institutional safeguards to prevent any future controversies and ensure that every contribution is properly accounted for.
The eight-member monitoring team will oversee the opening of donation boxes, counting of cash, documentation, and reconciliation of records. The use of videography and digital surveillance will also create an auditable record, making the process more transparent and easier to verify whenever required.
The Ram Mandir receives donations worth crores of rupees from devotees across India and abroad every month. Given the enormous volume of offerings and the temple’s national significance, maintaining impeccable standards of financial transparency is essential. The Trust’s decision reflects an effort to adopt modern governance practices while safeguarding the faith of millions of devotees.
