Ram Mandir Appoints Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra As CEO; Approves 3 New Trustees

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO), according to sources. The appointment comes as the Trust moves to strengthen its administrative and financial oversight of the Ram temple. Mishra, who served in the Indian Air Force for 38 years, has held key roles as a fighter pilot, combat instructor and test pilot.

After becoming CEO, Jeetendra Mishra spoke about the selection process, saying, “I think the selection committee had earlier shared its selection process on the media and the internet, and details of the process and timeline were repeatedly reported on television. The selection committee itself will be able to explain the process.”

He further said, “First and foremost, I am grateful to the selection committee, the Ram Mandir Trust and Lord Ram for selecting me for this responsibility.”

When asked about the alleged theft of offerings at the Ram Mandir, Mishra did not directly address the issue. Instead, he said, “Rather than talking about the past, I would like to focus more on the future. Let us forget the past. With Lord Ram's blessings, we will be able to carry out this work very well in the time ahead.”

Asked about his plans after becoming the new CEO of the Ram Mandir, Jitendra Mishra said, “I was selected as the CEO only recently. So, I do not think this question is relevant at this point. Once I take charge as CEO, with the efforts of the Trust and the support of my team, I will make every effort to do whatever is best for the Ram Mandir.”

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra brings nearly four decades of experience in the Indian Air Force to the newly created post.

The CEO position was created as the Trust looks to establish a more structured administrative system and strengthen oversight of the temple's financial and operational affairs. Mishra's appointment is expected to give the Trust a dedicated senior official responsible for managing its day-to-day administration.

The decision was taken during an important Trust meeting in Ayodhya on Wednesday (2 September). Several members attended the meeting in person, while others joined virtually.

Alongside the CEO appointment, the Trust has approved three new members-Madan Mohan Pandey, Mahesh Bhagchandka and Nirmala Yadav.

Pandey, a resident of Ayodhya, represented the Hindu side in the long-running legal dispute over the site. Bhagchandka is from Delhi, while Yadav is from Shikohabad.

The appointments come amid wider changes within the Trust following allegations of financial irregularities involving donations at the Ram temple. Eight people have been arrested in connection with the alleged misappropriation of donations.

The controversy has also resulted in the resignation of former Trust general secretary Champat Rai, trustee Anil Mishra and another office-bearer.

The Trust is considering further changes to its administrative structure, including defining the powers and responsibilities of the new CEO and improving coordination among its various committees.

Financial and administrative matters, along with security coordination with local authorities, are also expected to remain key areas of focus as the Trust works to strengthen its management framework.