Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra on Monday, 21 September 2026, formally assumed charge as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya, marking a landmark moment in the institutional management of one of India's most prominent religious sites. The appointment is part of a wider administrative restructuring aimed at strengthening coordination and governance of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex.

How Mishra Took Charge

Mishra, 62, arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday and spent the night at the Trust's Teerth Kshetra Bhawan in the Ramkot area. On Monday morning, he offered prayers at the Ram temple before proceeding to his newly constructed office on the temple premises, where he formally assumed his responsibilities as CEO. According to officials, Mishra is expected to remain within the Ram Temple premises and Ayodhya as a matter of protocol, enabling closer day-to-day oversight of administrative operations.

A Rigorous Recruitment Process

The Trust appointed Mishra on 2 September following one of the most competitive selection exercises the institution has conducted. The position attracted 5,585 applications, from which a search committee shortlisted 16 candidates for in-person interviews held in Ayodhya on 11 and 12 August. Mishra appeared in the first interview session on 11 August and was among three candidates subsequently recommended by the search committee. The multi-stage process underscores the Trust's intention to professionalise its leadership structure.

Context: Why a CEO Was Needed

The creation of the CEO role comes amid allegations of donation theft that drew heightened scrutiny to the temple's internal management. The Trust has faced calls for greater transparency in handling devotees' offerings and in the administration of the vast Ram Janmabhoomi complex. Notably, the Ram Temple — consecrated in January 2024 — now draws a large number of pilgrims from across India and abroad, making systematic management of visitor footfall, facility maintenance, and financial accountability a pressing institutional requirement.

What Mishra's Role Entails

As CEO, Mishra is expected to oversee the temple's day-to-day operational affairs, coordinate between officials responsible for different aspects of temple management, and support the Trust's broader institutional governance. His background as a senior officer of the Indian Air Force brings a structured, process-driven approach to an organisation managing one of the country's highest-footfall pilgrimage sites. His on-site presence is expected to facilitate faster decision-making and more effective monitoring of daily activities.

What Comes Next

With Mishra now formally in office, the Trust's focus is likely to shift to implementing the administrative reforms that prompted his appointment. Observers will watch whether the new CEO structure delivers measurable improvements in transparency, particularly around the management of donations and visitor services at the Ram Temple complex. His appointment signals that the Trust is moving toward a more corporate governance model for managing a site of immense religious and national significance.