Jeetendra Mishra Named First CEO of Ram Mandir Trust
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed the first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The decision was announced after a meeting of the Trust on September 2, 2026.
The appointment marks a major change in the administrative structure of the Trust. Mishra brings nearly four decades of experience in the Indian Air Force, including senior command responsibilities and operational leadership.
His selection comes at an important time for the Trust, which has faced increased public and administrative scrutiny in recent months.
Who Is Jeetendra Mishra?
Jeetendra Mishra is a decorated former Indian Air Force officer who retired in April 2026. Before his retirement, he served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, one of the IAF’s major operational commands.
Mishra also served as a fighter combat leader and experimental test pilot. His career included important responsibilities in operational planning, command and military management. He was associated with the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
Reports also note his involvement in the Kargil War, adding to his long record of military service.
The Trust is expected to benefit from his experience in managing large organizations and complex operations.
Why Was Mishra Chosen?
The selection process for the new CEO was extensive. According to reports, the search committee received 5,585 applications for the post. After scrutiny, 1,580 applications were considered eligible, while 108 candidates were moved to an online interaction stage.
The process was later narrowed to 16 candidates for further evaluation. Face-to-face meetings were conducted in Ayodhya before the committee recommended a final panel of three candidates to the Trust.
The selection committee was headed by retired Justice Pramod Kohli. Retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and scientist Suresh Haware were also part of the committee.
The Trust said the process involved technology-enabled screening and detailed evaluation of leadership, management ability, integrity and vision.
CEO Post Created During Administrative Restructuring
The creation of the CEO position comes amid a broader restructuring of the Ram Mandir Trust. The Trust has faced controversy over allegations involving the handling of temple offerings and donation collections. Multiple investigations have been reported in connection with those allegations.
Reports said several people were arrested in the donation-related case, while some Trust officials stepped down from their positions. The allegations remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as established facts unless proven through due process.
Against this backdrop, the appointment of a senior military veteran has been viewed as an effort to strengthen administration, oversight and management within the organization.
Other Major Appointments
The leadership changes did not stop with the CEO appointment. Govind Dev Giri, who had been serving as the Trust’s treasurer, was appointed as the full-time general secretary. He replaced Krishna Mohan, who had been holding the post on an interim basis.
Mahesh Bhagchandka was appointed the new treasurer. The Trust also added three new trustees: businessman Mahesh Bhagchandka, former additional advocate general Madan Mohan Pandey, and Dr. Nirmala Yadav.
Yadav’s appointment is particularly notable because she is the first woman to join the Trust as a trustee, according to reports.
These changes indicate a wider effort to reorganize the Trust’s leadership and administrative responsibilities.
What Will Jeetendra Mishra Do as CEO?
As the Trust’s first full-time CEO, Mishra will have an important administrative role in the management of the Ram Mandir and its related activities.
His responsibilities are expected to include organizational coordination, operational planning and administrative supervision. His military background could prove useful in areas that require structured decision-making, logistics and coordination across different teams.
The Trust manages a major religious and cultural site that attracts large numbers of visitors. Efficient crowd management, infrastructure planning, security coordination and financial oversight are therefore likely to remain important areas of focus.
Mishra’s experience in handling large-scale operations is one reason his appointment has attracted considerable attention.
Mishra Says New Role Is Another Opportunity to Serve
Following his appointment, Mishra described his new responsibility as another opportunity to serve the nation. He also referred to the appointment as a responsibility given to him at an important stage of his life.
His transition from a senior military command to temple administration is unusual. However, his decades of experience in leadership and organizational management could shape the Trust’s approach in the coming years.
A New Chapter for Ram Mandir Administration
The appointment of Jeetendra Mishra as Ram Mandir Trust CEO represents a significant development in the administration of the Ayodhya temple. It comes as the Trust reorganizes its leadership and faces pressure to strengthen transparency and management.
For Mishra, the new role marks a transition from nearly four decades of military service to civilian institutional leadership. His performance will now be closely watched as the Ram Mandir Trust continues to manage one of India’s most prominent religious sites.
The coming months are likely to show how the new leadership structure performs and whether it can improve administrative efficiency, oversight and public confidence.
Also Read | Bombay High Court Orders CBI Probe Into Disha Salian Death
Leave a comment