Ayodhya, Sep 2026 : Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra is set to become the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ayodhya's Ram Temple, according to people familiar with the decision taken by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday.
Mishra, a former senior officer of the Indian Air Force (IAF), held several important command positions during his military career and served as the chief of the IAF's Western Command during Operation Sindoor.
The decision to appoint Air Marshal (Retd) Mishra to the newly created post was reportedly taken during deliberations at a high-level meeting of the temple Trust. The meeting was attended by Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, newly appointed treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri and other senior members.
His appointment brings to an end an extensive selection process that began on July 6 to identify the first CEO for the Ram Temple administration. The Trust received 5,585 applications from candidates seeking the position, following which a selection committee undertook a detailed screening process.
Of the thousands of applicants, 111 candidates were shortlisted for online interviews, while 16 candidates were subsequently called to Ayodhya for face-to-face interviews. Mishra emerged as the preferred candidate following the multi-stage selection process.
The appointment assumes significance as the Trust seeks to strengthen the temple's administrative framework amid controversy surrounding the alleged siphoning off of temple donations. The issue had triggered considerable attention and led to the arrest of eight people, besides the resignation of Champat Rai as General Secretary, according to reports.
The creation of the CEO's post is expected to bring greater institutional focus to the management of the temple and its growing administrative responsibilities. The Trust has maintained that the CEO will operate independently and without interference from the government.
According to the Trust's proposed administrative arrangement, the CEO will report to the General Secretary and will be responsible for helping formulate long-term strategies for the management of the temple complex and donations.
The CEO is also expected to play a key role in developing systems for the efficient administration of the temple as its activities and responsibilities expand. The appointment is being viewed as an important step towards establishing a professional and structured administrative mechanism for the shrine.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Trust also appointed three new members to its governing body. Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya-based Madan Mohan Pandey and Shikohabad-based Nirmala Yadav were named as new trustees. One of the newly appointed members is reportedly a relative of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal.
With the appointment of Mishra and the induction of three new trustees, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has taken significant steps to strengthen the temple's organisational structure and administration.
