The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as it undertakes a major overhaul of its administrative setup.
The decision was taken at the Trust’s meeting on Wednesday. The appointment is expected to bring a more structured approach to the management of the organisation, particularly as the scale of activities surrounding the Ayodhya Ram Temple continues to grow.
The Trust has also made changes to other key positions. Mahesh Bhagchandka has been appointed treasurer, while Swami Govinddev Giri will step down from the post of general secretary. Three new trustees — Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Dr Nirmala Yadav — have also been brought into the Trust.
Jeetendra Mishra’s IAF Career
Mishra joined the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on December 6, 1986, and served for more than 38 years before retiring.
A Fighter Combat Leader and experimental Test Pilot, he has more than 3,000 hours of flying experience.
His professional education includes 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 military career, Mishra commanded a fighter squadron and served as chief test pilot at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment. He also held command positions at two frontline air bases.
He later served in several senior positions at Air Headquarters, including roles associated with operational planning, assessment and projects. He was also the Commandant of ASTE and held senior responsibilities within the Integrated Defence Staff.
Mishra took charge of the Western Air Command in January 2025. He later led the command during Operation Sindoor, the military operation conducted by India against terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
His service record includes honours such as the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
The Trust said Mishra is from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh and comes from a middle-class family. His father was a lecturer.
Over 5,500 Applications Received for CEO Post
The selection process for the newly created CEO position began in July.
On July 6, the Trust formed a three-member search panel headed by retired Justice Pramod Kohli, former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. Retired Lieutenant General B K Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Avaran were the other members.
The panel finalised the eligibility criteria and selection procedure at its first meeting on July 11.
As many as 5,585 applications were received from candidates across India. Following an initial screening, 16 candidates were shortlisted and invited to Ayodhya for interviews and interactions on August 11 and 12.
The candidates were assessed on their professional experience, background, personality and suitability for the role.
The committee eventually recommended three names: Jeetendra Mishra, Major General Sanjay Pratap Singh Vishwasrao and Shruti Bhardwaj.
After reviewing the recommendations, the Trust selected Mishra for the newly created position.
CEO to Oversee Administration and Finances
The Trust is also planning to amend its deed to formally establish the CEO’s powers and responsibilities.
The proposed changes are part of a wider 12-point administrative agenda.
The CEO is expected to oversee statutory, administrative and financial functions while developing systems and procedures for the organisation. The position will also focus on regulatory compliance, organisational development and efficient management of the Trust’s operations.
Ram Mandir Construction Committee chairman Nripendra Mishra had earlier described the creation of a full-time CEO position as important for professional administration and transparency.
According to the Trust, the CEO will function without government interference and will report to the general secretary.
Donation Probe and Financial Management
The restructuring comes amid an ongoing controversy concerning alleged irregularities linked to temple donations.
The Trust reviewed the SIT investigation into alleged donation theft as well as proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned on June 26, shortly after Uttar Pradesh Police registered a case concerning alleged irregularities related to donations.
The Trust has backed the Supreme Court’s decision to widen the scope of the SIT investigation, saying that a detailed probe would help establish the facts.
The management of cash offerings was also discussed. The Trust is considering proposals from two banks and an IIT aimed at reducing human involvement in the counting of cash donations.
Trust Reports ₹237 Crore Income
The Trust approved its accounts for the 2025-26 financial year during the meeting.
The organisation reported ₹237 crore in total income against expenditure of approximately ₹11 crore.
Construction and related capital expenditure stood at around ₹425 crore, while the Trust’s total available funds were approximately ₹1,882 crore as of March 31, 2026.
The latest changes are part of a broader effort to strengthen the Trust’s administrative and financial systems as the Ayodhya temple’s operations continue to expand.
What the New Appointment Means
The creation of the CEO position marks a new phase in the functioning of the Ram Temple Trust. With Jeetendra Mishra bringing extensive experience from senior military leadership and administration, the Trust is looking to establish stronger systems for managing its growing responsibilities.
The coming months are likely to focus on defining the CEO’s authority, improving financial processes and implementing the organisational reforms approved by the Trust.
