The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Temple Trust, bringing a former senior Indian Air Force officer into the top administrative role at the Ayodhya shrine.
Mishra, who previously served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, took charge of the new responsibility on Wednesday. He had also headed the command during Operation Sindoor, making his appointment particularly significant.
The CEO will be responsible for strengthening the administrative functioning of the temple as visitor numbers and the Trust’s operations continue to expand. His role is expected to cover areas such as pilgrim facilities, administration, finances, staff management, security coordination and arrangements for major religious occasions.
The appointment follows a period of organisational changes within the Trust. General Secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra stepped down from their positions amid allegations concerning the alleged theft of donations and offerings at the temple.
Three new trustees appointed
The Trust also announced the appointment of three new trustees earlier on Wednesday as part of the wider administrative restructuring.
The new members are Mahesh Bhagchandka, based in Delhi, Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad.
Bhagchandka is reportedly related to late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal. The appointments were discussed during a meeting of senior Trust office-bearers in Ayodhya.
Who is Jeetendra Mishra?
Mishra is a decorated former Indian Air Force officer who retired on April 30, 2026, after a career spanning more than 38 years.
He has received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his service.
During his military career, Mishra held several important operational and staff positions. His assignments included commanding a fighter squadron, serving as Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft & Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), commanding two frontline air bases and holding senior positions at Air Headquarters.
He also served as Commandant of ASTE and held positions related to operational planning, projects and integrated defence operations. Before becoming Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, he served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
Mishra is originally from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh.
How was the Ram Temple CEO selected?
The Trust followed a multi-stage recruitment process to select its first CEO. Applications were assessed through a combination of AI-assisted screening and manual evaluation under a 600-mark assessment system.
According to the selection process, 5,585 candidates applied for the position, while 3,570 completed and submitted their application forms. An initial assessment involved 3,577 candidates.
Applicants who secured 470 marks or more moved to the next stage. The process subsequently included virtual interactions with 108 candidates, followed by final interviews involving 16 candidates in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.
A three-member search committee was constituted on July 6 to oversee the selection. It comprised retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Haware.
With Mishra’s appointment, the Trust has now created a dedicated top executive position to oversee the expanding administrative requirements of the Ram Temple complex.
