Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command and played a significant role during Operation Sindoor, has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, September 2, is part of a major administrative restructuring of the trust. Mishra will be responsible for strengthening the temple's administrative framework and overseeing its expanding day-to-day operations.
In his new role, Mishra is expected to coordinate the functioning of the Ram Temple, including pilgrim facilities, administrative and financial arrangements, staff management, security coordination and preparations for major religious occasions. His appointment brings an experienced military administrator into the management of one of India's most prominent religious institutions.
Mishra was among several senior professionals considered for the position. Other contenders included former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former IAS officer Dinesh Chandra, retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and former IPS officer Paresh Saxena.
The appointment of the CEO came on the same day that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust inducted three new trustees.
The newly appointed members are Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya resident Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad. Bhagchandka is reportedly related to late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal.
The appointments form part of a broader effort to reorganise the trust's administrative structure as the Ram Temple's activities and responsibilities continue to expand.
The changes also follow the stepping down of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra from the body amid allegations concerning donation-related irregularities at the temple. The developments have brought renewed attention to the need for robust administrative and financial systems for the trust.
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra is a decorated former Indian Air Force officer whose career spanned more than 38 years. He served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command before retiring from the IAF on April 30, 2026.
Mishra has been honoured with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his distinguished service.
A native of Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, Mishra held several important operational, command and staff positions during his military career. His assignments included commanding a fighter squadron, serving as Chief Test Pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and commanding 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).
Before taking charge of the Western Air Command, Mishra served as Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
His experience in strategic planning, operations, personnel management and coordination across multiple agencies is expected to be useful in his new civilian administrative role.
The selection of the Ram Temple CEO followed an extensive screening exercise involving both technology-assisted evaluation and manual assessment.
A 600-mark evaluation framework was used to assess applicants. According to the details released about the process, 5,585 people applied for the post, while 3,570 candidates completed and returned their application forms.
An initial assessment involved 3,577 candidates. Those securing 470 marks or more were shortlisted for virtual interactions. This process resulted in 108 candidates being considered further, before 16 finalists were called for personal interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.
A three-member search committee was constituted on July 6 to oversee the selection. It comprised retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Haware.
With Mishra's appointment, the temple trust now has a dedicated executive head for its administrative operations. His mandate is expected to become increasingly important as the number of pilgrims visiting Ayodhya grows and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex expands its religious, cultural and public-facing activities.
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