Ayodhya: Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra has been appointed as the first chief executive officer of the Ram Temple Trust, marking a major administrative overhaul of the body overseeing the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Mishra, a former Indian Air Force fighter pilot who retired in May 2026 after more than 38 years of service, was selected from 5,585 applicants for the newly created post. He previously served as the chief of the IAF’s Western Command during Operation Sindoor.
His appointment comes as the trust seeks to strengthen its administrative systems, financial oversight and accountability following a donation theft controversy that triggered significant changes within the organisation.
The trust has also inducted three new members — Madan Mohan Pandey of Ayodhya, Mahesh Bhagchandka of Delhi and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad. Eight people, most of them associated with the counting of donations, have been arrested in connection with the controversy.
The trust’s general secretary, Champat Rai, also resigned following the row.
How Was Mishra Selected?
The trust received 5,585 applications for the CEO’s position. A three-member search panel led by retired judge Pramod Kohli shortlisted candidates for the post. The panel also included retired Lt. Gen. Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware.
Applicants were assessed through a 600-mark evaluation process, with the final interviews of 16 candidates held in Ayodhya on Aug. 11 and 12.
According to a trust official cited by PTI, three highly qualified professionals were ultimately recommended for consideration. Candidates were assessed on institutional leadership, management expertise, integrity and their vision for an institution with national and international significance.
Mishra emerged as the successful candidate after meeting the required criteria.
Mishra’s Distinguished IAF Career
Mishra was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot in December 1986. During his career, he held several senior operational, command and strategic positions.
His assignments included Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations), commanding officer of a fighter squadron, chief test pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases.
He also served as Director of the Operational Planning and Assessment Group, Principal Director (ASR), assistant chief of Air Staff (Projects) at Air Headquarters, Commandant of ASTE and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Doctrine, Organisation and Training).
Mishra is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy in Pune, the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru, the Air Command and Staff College in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.
His service record includes some of the country’s highest military honours, including the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
As the first CEO of the Ram Temple Trust, Mishra will now be tasked with bringing greater institutional discipline and financial accountability to the management of one of India’s most prominent religious institutions.
