The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust made a major administrative decision on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Trust members appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as the first full-time Chief Executive Officer of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. Officials took this decision during a Trust meeting held at Maniramdas Chhawani, the residence of Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das.
This appointment forms part of a broader restructuring at the Trust. Alongside naming Mishra as CEO, the Trust also elevated Swami Govind Dev Giri to General Secretary and appointed three new trustees, Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav, filling vacancies within its leadership structure.
Quick Facts: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra’s Appointment
- New position: First full-time CEO, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust
- Appointment date: Wednesday, September 2, 2026
- Selected from: 5,585 applications
- Final shortlist: 3 candidates
- Other shortlisted candidates: Major General Sanjay Pratap Singh Vishwasrao, Shruti Bhardwaj
- Search committee head: Justice (Retd) Pramod Kohli, former Chief Justice, Sikkim High Court
- Search process began: July 6, 2026
- Final interviews held: August 11-12, 2026, in Ayodhya
- Commissioned into IAF: December 6, 1986
- Military career span: Over 39 years
- Key military role: Chief of Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor
- CEO term: Initial 3 years, renewable based on performance
Why Did the Trust Create This New CEO Post?
The Trust created this CEO position in response to a serious controversy. Allegations surfaced regarding the alleged embezzlement of temple donations, and this triggered increased scrutiny of the Trust’s financial management. As a result, authorities arrested eight people connected to the case.
The fallout extended into the Trust’s own leadership too. Three officials stepped down following the controversy, including former Trust general secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra. Given this backdrop, Trust officials say the new CEO post aims to bring greater operational discipline, transparency, and professional management to an institution that now receives millions of devotees every year.
How Was Air Marshal Mishra Selected?
The Trust followed a detailed, months-long selection process before finalising its choice. It began on July 6, 2026, when officials formed a three-member search committee under retired Justice Pramod Kohli, former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.
From there, the search expanded quickly. The committee reviewed a total of 5,585 applications, an unusually large pool for a single institutional appointment. After multiple stages of screening, the committee narrowed this list down to 16 candidates, who were invited to Ayodhya for in-person interactions on August 11 and 12, 2026. During these interviews, the committee assessed each candidate’s professional background, experience, personality, and capability.
Ultimately, this process produced a final shortlist of three names: Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Major General Sanjay Pratap Singh Vishwasrao, and Shruti Bhardwaj. After reviewing all three profiles closely, the Trust selected Mishra for the newly created position.
Air Marshal Mishra’s Selection Process at a Glance
| Stage | Detail |
|---|---|
| Search committee formed | July 6, 2026 |
| Committee chair | Justice (Retd) Pramod Kohli |
| Total applications received | 5,585 |
| Candidates shortlisted for interviews | 16 |
| Final interviews held | August 11-12, 2026, Ayodhya |
| Final shortlist | 3 candidates |
| Candidate selected | Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra |
Who Is Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra?
Air Marshal Mishra brings a distinguished military background to this new civilian role. The Indian Air Force commissioned him into its fighter stream on December 6, 1986, and he went on to serve for more than 39 years. He is also an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, reflecting a career built on rigorous military training from an early stage.
His most prominent recent role came as Chief of the Western Air Command, a position he held during Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to Pakistan-sponsored actions. Over the course of his career, Mishra received several distinguished military honours, including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), and the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM).
What Will the CEO’s Responsibilities Include?
As CEO, Air Marshal Mishra will report directly to the Trust’s general secretary. He will serve an initial three-year term, which the Trust can renew based on performance. Notably, the role also requires him to reside in Ayodhya, ensuring close, hands-on oversight of temple operations.
Trust officials expect the CEO’s core responsibilities to centre on administration and financial management, the very areas that came under scrutiny following the donation controversy. Given the temple complex’s continued expansion in infrastructure and visitor services, this leadership role is likely to carry significant day-to-day operational weight going forward.
Mishra’s Reaction to the Appointment
Speaking shortly after his appointment, Air Marshal Mishra described the moment as a great fortune. He said, “I consider this a great fortune that they chose me from so many candidates.” He also attributed the opportunity to what he described as the blessings of Lord Ram.
The Trust’s interim general secretary, Krishna Mohan, confirmed that the decision followed detailed discussions during the Trust’s meeting. This measured, consultative process reflects the broader care the Trust appears to have taken in filling a role created specifically to restore confidence in its financial and administrative systems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
About the Appointment
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first full-time Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
The Trust announced the appointment on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, following a meeting at Maniramdas Chhawani in Ayodhya.
The Trust received 5,585 applications in total, from which a search committee shortlisted 16 candidates for interviews, before narrowing the field to a final three.
The final shortlist included Major General Sanjay Pratap Singh Vishwasrao and Shruti Bhardwaj, alongside Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra.
The Trust created the post following allegations of embezzlement involving temple donations, which led to eight arrests and the resignation of three Trust officials, including former general secretary Champat Rai.
About Air Marshal Mishra and His Role
He was commissioned into the Indian Air Force’s fighter stream on December 6, 1986, served for more than 39 years, and held the position of Chief of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor.
He has received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM), the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM), and the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM).
He will serve an initial three-year term, renewable based on performance, report to the Trust’s general secretary, and is required to reside in Ayodhya while overseeing administration and financial management.
Justice (Retd) Pramod Kohli, former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, chaired the three-member search committee.
The Trust elevated Swami Govind Dev Giri to General Secretary and appointed three new trustees, Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav, to fill existing vacancies.
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