Former Tripura's IFS Officer VK Bahuguna's Proposal Reflected in Ayodhya Temple Reforms as SBI Takes Over Donation Counting
By Our Correspondent
Agartala, July 22, 2026
A major overhaul in the cash donation management system at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya has drawn attention after the temple trust formally entrusted the State Bank of India (SBI) with supervising and conducting the counting of cash offerings following the recent donation embezzlement case. The new system introduces a two-shift cash-counting mechanism, dedicated supervisory teams, and stricter oversight aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability.
The development has gained significance in light of a letter written on July 9, 2026, by Tripura's former Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer Dr. VK Bahuguna to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In the letter, Dr. Bahuguna proposed a comprehensive bank-managed cash handling system for the Ram Temple and other major religious institutions to eliminate the possibility of theft or mismanagement of devotees' donations.
According to the proposal contained in the letter, SBI or another authorised bank should establish a permanent extension counter inside the temple premises, assume full responsibility for cash handling from the moment donation boxes are opened until the money is deposited into the temple's official account, deploy trained banking professionals instead of outsourced workers, strengthen CCTV surveillance, introduce biometric access control, and encourage digital donations through QR codes and UPI facilities. The proposal also recommended tamper-proof digital donation boxes and stricter institutional accountability.
Following the donation embezzlement controversy, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has now implemented several reforms that closely resemble key elements suggested in Dr. Bahuguna's memorandum. SBI has officially taken charge of supervising the counting of cash offerings, the process is now conducted in two shifts with dedicated teams of 10 to 12 personnel each, and additional supervisory mechanisms have been introduced to improve transparency and security.
Dr. Bahuguna's letter argued that professional banking oversight and technology-driven systems would protect devotees' offerings, restore public confidence, and prevent future financial irregularities at India's major temples.
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