Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra Appointed First CEO of Ram Temple Trust

Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the construction and administration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. His appointment comes after an extensive selection exercise and amid renewed focus on the Trust’s financial and administrative functioning following allegations related to the theft of temple donations.

Mishra, a former senior Indian Air Force officer, played a significant role during Operation Sindoor and previously headed the Western Air Command. His selection is being viewed as an effort to bring greater organisational discipline, management expertise and operational efficiency to the Trust. Members of the selection process said his experience in handling large-scale operations made him a strong candidate for the newly created position.

The CEO selection process reportedly attracted 5,585 applications. After an initial assessment, 16 candidates were shortlisted for detailed evaluation. The shortlisted applicants participated in online discussions between August 3 and 6, followed by face-to-face interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12. The selection committee subsequently prepared a final list of three candidates for consideration by the Trust.

The committee said the process combined artificial intelligence-based assessment with human evaluation. Candidates were assessed on leadership capabilities, managerial expertise, integrity and their ability to provide long-term strategic direction to an institution of national and international importance.

Along with Mishra’s appointment, the Trust is also undergoing organisational changes. Three new trustees have been named: Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav. Bhagchandka is associated with the Ashok Singhal Foundation, while Pandey, a lawyer, had been involved in the Ram Janmabhoomi legal case at the local court level.

The appointments follow resignations and controversy surrounding allegations of donation theft at the temple. The developments have also triggered political reactions. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed hope that there would be no further misappropriation of temple funds, while alleging that ordinary employees had faced action in the earlier controversy.

Mishra will now face the challenge of strengthening the Trust’s administration, improving financial oversight and maintaining public confidence as the Ram Temple project enters a crucial phase.