Religious leaders and temple officials have expressed support for the recent decision to abolish the special pass system for visiting the Ram Darbar at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The move, announced earlier this week, removes VIP privileges and aligns with efforts to promote equal access for all devotees.

Kalki Ram, president of the Ramadal Trust, described the decision as a positive step and called on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust to eliminate all forms of VIP treatment within the temple premises. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that every visitor is treated equally, so that no individual waiting in the general queue feels discriminated against. Kalki Ram noted that the arrangements for persons with disabilities were satisfactory and should continue to be maintained.

“At least one temple in India, the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, should exist without any VIP culture,” he said, underlining the symbolic significance of the move within the broader cultural and religious landscape of the country.

Another priest, Divakar Acharya, also welcomed the decision, recalling the inclusive spirit integral to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. He highlighted that those who contributed to the cause were not differentiated on the basis of Aadhaar cards, caste, religion, or economic status, and suggested that this ethos should be preserved in the temple’s operational approach.

The abolition of the VIP pass system is viewed by supporters as a measure to foster unity among devotees and reinforce the temple’s role as a place of equal worship, free from social distinctions. While it remains to be seen how the new arrangement will affect visitor flow and security protocols, the decision marks a significant shift away from previously entrenched practices that afforded certain individuals preferential access.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the management of the temple, has not issued detailed remarks beyond confirming the removal of the VIP pass system. However, the change aligns with broader calls from religious and community leaders for more inclusive and egalitarian practices at major pilgrimage sites across India.