(Photo) Curtesy : The Print
NEW DELHI: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Monday accepted the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra, appointed newly inducted trustee Krishna Mohan, a Dalit leader and former Indian Forest Services in Maharashtra, as the Interim General Secretary and announced a fresh administrative review as it sought to address the fallout from the alleged donation theft case.
The decisions were taken during a meeting that lasted for more than three hours inside the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya. The Trust also announced that it would meet again on July 22, when it expects to review the Special Investigation Team’s final report and appoint new trustees and office-bearers.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Trust treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri admitted that the controversy had deeply hurt the organisation.
“We are all hurt and saddened by this. Whether the theft was small or large is secondary. What pains us is that such an atmosphere was allowed to develop here,” he said.
Govind Giri said Champat Rai and Anil Mishra had submitted their resignations before the meeting.
According to him, Rai felt it would not be appropriate to continue as General Secretary until those responsible for the alleged theft were identified and punished.
“Champat Rai was deeply pained. He felt that until the culprits are caught and receive appropriate punishment, it would not be proper for him to continue,” Govind Giri said.
He said the Trust had little discretion in the matter because its constitution treats a resignation as effective the moment it is submitted.
Govind Giri said Champat Rai and Anil Mishra had submitted their resignations before the meeting.
According to him, Rai felt it would not be appropriate to continue as General Secretary until those responsible for the alleged theft were identified and punished.
“Champat Rai was deeply pained. He felt that until the culprits are caught and receive appropriate punishment, it would not be proper for him to continue,” Govind Giri said.
He said the Trust had little discretion in the matter because its constitution treats a resignation as effective the moment it is submitted.
“Once the resignation had been tendered, the decision to accept or reject it was no longer in our hands. Under the Trust’s constitution, it is deemed accepted immediately. We had no other option,” he said.
Govind Giri also praised Rai’s contribution to the Ram Mandir movement.
“He has worked for the construction of the Ram Mandir from the very beginning. We accepted his resignation with respect for his years of service and the magnanimity he displayed in these circumstances,” he added.
KRISHNA MOHAN MADE INTERIM GENERAL SECRETARY
The Trust entrusted the responsibilities of General Secretary to newly appointed trustee Krishna Mohan until further arrangements are made.
Govind Giri said administrative appointments would be taken up at the next meeting after examining the SIT’s findings.
Krishna Mohan is a retired Indian Forest Service officer from the Maharashtra cadre. A native of Chandrapur village in Hardoi district of Uttar Pradesh, he has been involved in social work since his retirement.
His appointment also ensures the continuation of Dalit representation within the Trust following the tenure of former trustee Kameshwar Chaupal.
