Air Marshal (retd.) Jeetendra Mishra appointed first CEO of Ram Temple trust

Air Marshal (retd.) Jeetendra Mishra. Photo: Special arrangement.

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday (September 2, 2026) appointed Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Retd.) as its first Chief Executive Officer, as it moved to strengthen its administrative structure amid recent allegations of theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The appointment was announced after a meeting of the Trust was held at the Maniram Das Chawani in Ayodhya, where the trustees also filled three vacant positions on the Board.

The vacancies arose following the resignations of senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and general secretary Champat Rai, and trustee Anil Mishra. They quit in July following allegations of embezzlement. The third vacancy arose after the death of trustee Vimlendra Pratap Mishra, a member of Ayodhya’s erstwhile royal family.

According to a communique issued by the Trust, Air Marshal Mishra was appointed following the recommendations of a committee constituted to select the Trust’s CEO. The selection process involved the scrutiny of about 5,585 applications, and interviews with hundreds of candidates over a period of nearly two months.

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (Retd.) served in the Indian Air Force for 31 years, holding positions across different departments and gaining extensive leadership experience, the Trust said. It added that the new CEO was also awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, one of the highest military decorations for distinguished service in wartime, and he was also part of Operation Sindoor.

He had not been aware of his selection prior to the announcement made to the media on Wednesday evening, Air Marshal Mishra told The Hindu.

“I also got to know about my selection through television. I am elated for the same,” he said.

The trustees also appointed three new members — Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav — to fill the vacant positions.

Mr. Bhagchandka is associated with Ashok Singhla Foundation while Mr. Pandey is an advocate. Ms. Yadav will be the first woman to hold a trusteeship in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.

Swami Govind Dev Giri will continue as the Trust’s general secretary, while Mr. Bhagchandka will take charge as treasurer. The Trust’s annual accounts for 2025-26 have also been approved.

The Trust recorded a total income of about ₹237 crore, and expenditure of about ₹99 crore during the financial year. It also incurred about ₹425 crore in capital expenditure on construction and related works. As of March 31, 2026 the Trust had total funds of about ₹1,882 crore.

The VHP hailed the appointment of the CEO. VHP president Alok Kumar described Air Marshal Mishra as a senior and respected personality, adding that his extensive experience would help the Trust function more effectively and transparently.