The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant change in the administrative structure of the body responsible for managing the Ayodhya Ram temple.

The decision was taken at a Trust meeting on Wednesday as part of a wider exercise to professionalise and restructure its administration.

Alongside Mishra's appointment, Mahesh Bhagchandka has been given charge as treasurer. The Trust also inducted three new members — Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Dr Nirmala Yadav — while Swami Govinddev Giri will no longer serve as general secretary.

The changes come at a time when the Trust is reviewing its systems and financial processes, including measures aimed at reducing human intervention in the handling and counting of cash donations.

A Former Air Force Commander Takes Charge

Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra brings more than 38 years of military experience to the newly created position.

Commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986, he went on to become a Fighter Combat Leader and experimental Test Pilot, logging more than 3,000 flying hours during his career.

Mishra studied at the National Defence Academy in Pune and later trained at the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru. His academic and professional training also included programmes at the Air Command and Staff College in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.

Over the course of his military career, he commanded a fighter squadron, served as chief test pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment and headed two frontline Air Force bases.

His senior assignments included positions at Air Headquarters, command of the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment and leadership roles within the Integrated Defence Staff.

In January 2025, he took command of the Indian Air Force's Western Air Command. The Trust has highlighted his leadership role during Operation Sindoor, India's military operation targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

He has been awarded military honours including the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. The Trust also credited him with receiving the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.

Mishra, who has since retired from service, is from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh, near the Ayodhya region. He comes from a middle-class family, with his father having worked as a lecturer.

Over 5,500 Applied For The Post

The Trust said the selection process began in July this year with the formation of a three-member Search Committee.

The panel was headed by Justice (retd) Pramod Kohli, former Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court. Retired Lieutenant General B K Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Avaran were the other members.

The committee finalised the eligibility conditions and selection process at its first meeting on July 11.

A total of 5,585 candidates applied for the CEO position from across the country.

After screening the applications, the committee shortlisted 16 candidates for personal interactions in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12. Candidates were assessed on their professional background, experience, personality and ability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

The final shortlist included Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, Major General Sanjay Pratap Singh Vishwasrao and Shruti Bhardwaj.

Following deliberations, the trustees selected Mishra for the top executive position.

CEO To Oversee Administration And Finances

The Trust is now working to formally define the CEO's authority and responsibilities through amendments to its governing deed.

The proposed role is expected to cover statutory compliance, administration and financial management.

The CEO will also be responsible for developing systems and procedures suited to an organisation of the Trust's scale and overseeing its future operational requirements.

Strengthening internal governance, ensuring regulatory compliance and improving the efficiency of the Trust's administrative structure will form key parts of the position.

Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, had earlier stressed the need for a full-time executive to bring greater professionalism and transparency to the temple's administration.

The Trust has said the CEO will function independently of government interference and report within the organisation's existing governance structure.

Donation Investigation Also Discussed

The restructuring comes against the backdrop of an investigation into allegations concerning donations made to the shrine.

Trust members reviewed developments related to the Special Investigation Team probe as well as proceedings connected to the matter before the Supreme Court.

Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra had resigned on June 26, a day after Uttar Pradesh Police registered a case involving alleged irregularities in connection with temple donations.

The Trust welcomed the Supreme Court's decision to widen the scope of the SIT investigation, saying a broader inquiry would help establish the facts and address public concerns.

Members also discussed ways to minimise manual involvement in counting cash offerings. Proposals submitted by two banks and an IIT are expected to be examined.

Trust Reports ₹1,882 Crore In Available Funds

The meeting also approved the Trust's financial accounts for 2025-26.

According to the figures presented, the Trust recorded an income of ₹237 crore during the year against expenditure of ₹11 crore.

Construction and related capital spending amounted to ₹425 crore.

As of March 31, 2026, the Trust reported total available funds of ₹1,882 crore.

The appointment of its first CEO and the accompanying administrative changes signal a shift towards a more formal management structure as the Trust prepares for the long-term administration, development and financial oversight of the Ram Mandir.