Ayodhya Ram Temple / Operation Sindoor Veteran Retd Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra Named First CEO of Ram Temple

Ayodhya, Sept 1: In a landmark move, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has chosen retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, to serve as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, officials said on Wednesday.

The former officer held several commanding positions in the IAF and was chief of its Western Command during Operation Sindoor. His name was finalised during deliberations at a high-profile meeting attended by Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, newly appointed treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri and other members.

The appointment concludes a month-long process that screened more than 5,500 applications. Of these, 111 candidates were shortlisted for online interviews, while 16 were called to Ayodhya for face-to-face interactions. Mishra’s selection comes as the temple grapples with allegations of embezzlement of donations, which led to the arrest of eight people and the resignation of General Secretary Champat Rai.

Earlier in the day, the Trust also appointed three new members—Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya-based Madan Mohan Pandey and Shikohabad-based Nirmala Yadav, a relative of former VHP leader Ashok Singhal.
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The Trust has clarified that the CEO will function independently, without government interference, and report to the General Secretary. The role is expected to involve formulating long-term plans for temple management and ensuring transparency in donations.

Mishra’s appointment is seen as an effort to restore confidence among devotees and strengthen governance at one of India’s most significant religious sites.
(With inputs from IANS)