New Delhi: The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), marking a major change in the administrative structure of the body managing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The decision was taken during the Trust’s meeting on Wednesday as it moves towards a more structured and professionally managed administrative system.
Along with Mishra’s appointment, the Trust has made several other organisational changes. Mahesh Bhagchandka has been given charge as treasurer, while Swami Govinddev Giri will no longer serve as the general secretary. The Trust has also inducted three new trustees — Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Dr Nirmala Yadav.
Who Is Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra?
Jeetendra Mishra is a former senior Indian Air Force officer with more than three decades of military experience. He was commissioned into the IAF as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986, and completed more than 38 years of service.
A Fighter Combat Leader and experimental Test Pilot, Mishra has accumulated over 3,000 hours of flying experience during his career.
He received training at several prominent institutions, including the National Defence Academy in Pune, the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru, the Air Command and Staff College in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.
During his service, Mishra commanded a fighter squadron and worked as chief test pilot at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE). He also served as Air Officer Commanding at two frontline air bases.
His senior appointments included roles related to operational planning, aircraft systems and projects at Air Headquarters. He later served as Commandant of ASTE and held important positions within the Integrated Defence Staff.
In January 2025, Mishra became the head of the Western Air Command, one of the Indian Air Force’s important operational commands. He subsequently led the command during Operation Sindoor.
Mishra has been recognised with several military honours, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. The Trust has also highlighted his leadership and contribution during his military career.
According to the Trust, Mishra is originally from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, an area relatively close to Ayodhya. He comes from a middle-class family, with his father having worked as a lecturer.
How Was the Ram Temple Trust CEO Selected?
The appointment followed a formal selection process that began in July 2026.
On July 6, the Trust constituted a three-member Search Committee headed by retired Justice Pramod Kohli, former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.
The committee also included retired Lieutenant General B K Chaturvedi and former nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Avaran.
The panel held its first meeting on July 11 and finalised the eligibility requirements and selection procedure for the new post.
The response was significant, with 5,585 applications received from across the country.
After reviewing the applications, the committee shortlisted 16 candidates. These candidates were subsequently called to Ayodhya for personal interactions on August 11 and 12.
Their professional backgrounds, experience, personalities and suitability for the position were considered during the selection process.
Three candidates were eventually recommended for the CEO position:
- Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra
- Major General Sanjay Pratap Singh Vishwasrao
- Shruti Bhardwaj
After reviewing the profiles, the Trust selected Jeetendra Mishra as its first CEO.
What Will Be the CEO’s Role?
The newly created CEO position is expected to become an important part of the Trust’s administrative system.
The Trust is working on amendments to its deed to clearly define the powers, responsibilities and authority of the CEO. These changes form part of a broader 12-point agenda being considered by the organisation.
The CEO is expected to oversee several key areas, including:
- Administrative operations
- Statutory and regulatory compliance
- Financial management
- Development of organisational systems
- Operational procedures
- Institutional planning
- Future expansion and development
The objective is to create a more organised administrative framework capable of managing the growing scale of activities connected with the Ram Temple.
Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, had earlier stressed the importance of having a full-time CEO for professional administration and greater transparency.
The Trust has said that the CEO will function independently of government interference and report to its general secretary.
Donation Irregularities Also on the Trust’s Agenda
The administrative restructuring comes at a time when the Trust is dealing with scrutiny surrounding alleged irregularities related to temple donations.
During its meeting, the Trust reviewed the ongoing Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into alleged donation theft and proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Trust members Champat Rai and Anil Mishra resigned on June 26, shortly after Uttar Pradesh Police registered a case concerning alleged irregularities involving donations.
The Trust has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to expand the scope of the SIT investigation, saying that a detailed inquiry would help establish the facts and address concerns surrounding the issue.
Trust Looks to Modernise Cash Donation Management
The Trust is also examining ways to reduce direct human involvement in counting cash offerings received at the temple.
Proposals have reportedly been received from two banks and an IIT, which will now be evaluated by the Trust.
The move is aimed at improving the handling of cash donations and strengthening transparency and financial management.
Ram Temple Trust Reports Strong Financial Position
The Trust also approved its annual accounts for the 2025-26 financial year.
According to the figures presented during the meeting, the Trust recorded ₹237 crore in income, while its expenditure stood at around ₹11 crore.
Capital expenditure related to construction and associated work was reported at ₹425 crore.
As of March 31, 2026, the Trust had total funds of approximately ₹1,882 crore.
The financial figures come as the Trust continues to manage construction, temple operations, donations and other activities associated with the Ram Mandir complex.
A New Administrative Phase for the Ram Temple Trust
The appointment of Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the first CEO represents a significant step in the Trust’s efforts to build a more formal administrative structure.
With a former senior military commander taking charge of the executive role, the Trust is expected to focus on stronger systems, financial oversight, compliance and efficient management.
The latest appointments and proposed administrative reforms come as the Ram Temple continues to attract millions of devotees and the organisation prepares for the increasing operational responsibilities associated with the temple and its wider development.
