Over 50% of Ram Temple Donation Counting Employees Resign, Cite Increased Workload Amid Probe

More than half of the employees involved in counting donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya have resigned in the wake of the ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of devotees' offerings , according to sources associated with the temple trust.

The resignations have significantly reduced the number of personnel available for the counting exercise. While around 40 workers were earlier engaged in the process, attendance had already fallen to 15-20 after the investigation began. Sources said nearly 20 employees have now formally stepped down, leaving only about a dozen workers to handle the task.

Those who resigned reportedly cited an increased workload . They said the counting operation, which was previously conducted in two shifts , has been compressed into a single shift lasting nine to 10 hours without any corresponding increase in wages. Workers also complained that the counting, earlier carried out at tables and chairs, is now being conducted while sitting on the floor.

Following the emergence of the alleged theft case, security at the counting centre has been tightened considerably. Employees are subjected to multiple rounds of frisking and are allowed to enter only barefoot, without mobile phones or personal belongings. Additional screening has also been introduced inside the temple complex.

The trust is preparing to introduce QR code-enabled identity cards , a common uniform for outsourced staff , and a digital entry-exit tracking system . Four personnel have been deployed exclusively to monitor the counting process.

The case concerns the alleged siphoning off of devotees' offerings before they were deposited in banks. So far, eight people have been arrested , including individuals associated with counting and handling the donations. The police investigation and the trust's internal review are continuing as authorities work to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of temple offerings.