Ayodhya, September 2, 2026 — The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first full-time Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Trust held at Maniramdas Chhawani, the residence of Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.
The appointment marks a significant step in professionalising the administration of the temple complex, which has seen a substantial increase in pilgrim footfall since its consecration. Mishra was selected from a shortlist of three candidates recommended by a high-powered search committee after a comprehensive evaluation of 5,585 applications.
The Trust simultaneously inducted three new trustees: Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, a relative of the late Vishva Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal; Ayodhya-based former Additional Advocate General Madan Mohan Pandey; and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad.
The restructuring follows a controversy over alleged embezzlement of temple donations that led to the arrest of eight persons and the resignation of Champat Rai as general secretary in June. The creation of a full-time CEO post is intended to strengthen financial oversight, operational systems and day-to-day management.
Military Career and Credentials
Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra, SYSM, AVSM, VSM, was commissioned into the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force on 6 December 1986. He served for nearly 40 years and retired on 30 April 2026 as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command. He logged more than 3,000 hours of flying on over 18 types of fighter, transport and rotary-wing aircraft.
Mishra commanded the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025. President Droupadi Murmu conferred the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on him in recognition of his leadership during the operation. He earlier served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations) and held key appointments including Commandant of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment and Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases. He is a fighter combat leader, experimental test pilot and alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Air Force Test Pilots School, the Air Command and Staff College (United States) and the Royal College of Defence Studies (United Kingdom).
During the 1999 Kargil conflict, as a Squadron Leader he formed part of the team that operationalised laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 aircraft, weapons subsequently employed in strikes on Tiger Hill and Muntho Dhalo. He hails from Bhopatpura in Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh, approximately three hours by road from Ayodhya.
Selection Process
The three-member search committee comprised retired Justice Pramod Kohli, Lieutenant General (Retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Haware. Applications were screened through an AI-enabled process combined with a 600-mark evaluation framework. Candidates scoring 470 marks or above proceeded to virtual interactions; 16 candidates were subsequently interviewed in Ayodhya on 11 and 12 August. The committee recommended three highly qualified professionals on the basis of institutional leadership, management expertise, integrity and vision.
Responsibilities of the CEO
The CEO will report to the Trust’s general secretary and serve an initial three-year term, renewable on the basis of performance, with a requirement to reside in Ayodhya. Responsibilities include developing systems and operational practices commensurate with the scale of the institution, strengthening organisational structure, coordinating pilgrim facilities, financial management, staff administration, security liaison and the conduct of large religious events.
Trust officials stated that the appointment is intended to bring greater operational discipline, transparency and professional management to an institution of national and international significance that now receives millions of devotees annually.
The Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya continues to expand its infrastructure and visitor services.
