Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who served as chief of the Indian Air Force's Western Command during Operation Sindoor, is set to become the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, according to people familiar with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's decision. The appointment was confirmed on Wednesday, 2 September, bringing to a close a month-long selection exercise that drew over 5,000 applicants.

How the Selection Unfolded

The recruitment process was formally launched on 6 July, with the selection committee screening a total of 5,585 applications. Of these, 111 candidates advanced to online interviews, and 16 were subsequently called to Ayodhya for face-to-face rounds. The final decision in favour of Air Marshal (Retd) Mishra was reached during deliberations at a high-profile Trust meeting attended by Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, newly appointed treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri, and other senior members.

Why the Post Was Created

The appointment of a CEO comes directly in response to a raging controversy over the alleged embezzlement of temple donations, which resulted in the arrest of eight individuals and the resignation of Champat Rai as General Secretary of the Trust. Critics had argued that the absence of professional oversight left the temple's finances vulnerable to mismanagement. The Trust has maintained that the CEO will function independently, free from government interference, and will report to the General Secretary. The incoming official is expected to formulate long-term frameworks for both temple administration and donations management.

Air Marshal Mishra's Profile

During his tenure in the Indian Air Force, Mishra held several commanding positions before rising to head the Western Command — a posting that placed him at the centre of Operation Sindoor. His selection is seen as an effort by the Trust to bring military-grade discipline and institutional credibility to the temple's administrative structure at a moment when public trust in its finances is under scrutiny.

Three New Trust Members Appointed

Separately, the Trust on the same day inducted three new members: Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya-based Madan Mohan Pandey, and Shikohabad-based Nirmala Yadav. Notably, one of the new appointees is reportedly a relative of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal, a detail that is likely to attract scrutiny given the Trust's ongoing efforts to project transparency.

What Comes Next

With a CEO now in place, the Trust faces the immediate task of restoring donor confidence and establishing verifiable financial controls. The broader question of how the CEO's authority will interact with the Trust's existing governance structure — particularly in the wake of high-profile resignations — remains to be seen. All eyes will be on the operational reforms Mishra initiates in his first months in charge.