New Delhi: Former Western Air Command chief of the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has got the big responsibility of Ayodhya Ram Temple. On Wednesday 2 September, Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed him as its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Mishra had commanded the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor and retired from the IAF on April 30, 2026.
Big administrative change after donation theft controversy
The appointment comes at a time when trust general secretary Champat Rai and member Anil Mishra had resigned from their posts following allegations of large-scale theft of donations in the temple.
After this, the Trust had decided to create the post of CEO to make the administrative functioning of the temple more transparent and professional. The Trust now wants to strengthen the financial and administrative system of the temple.
As CEO, Mishra will oversee the day-to-day functioning of the temple. His responsibilities will include management of pilgrim facilities, financial and administrative arrangements, coordination between staff, security and preparation for large religious events. He has been appointed for 3 years and during this period he will have to stay in Ayodhya.
Selected from 5,585 applications
The Trust received an overwhelming response for the post of CEO. A total of 5,585 people applied, of which 3,570 submitted complete forms. A three-member search committee was formed on July 6 for the selection, which included retired Justice Pramod Kohli, retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Suresh Haware.
The selection process used AI-based screening and manual assessment. The evaluation framework of 600 marks involved preliminary screening of 3,577 candidates, shortlisting of those with 470+ marks, virtual interaction with 108 and final interview of 16 candidates in Ayodhya on August 11-12. Other contenders also included former IPS Rajesh Pandey, former IAS Dinesh Chandra, retired IAS Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and former IPS Paresh Saxena.
Who is Jitendra Mishra and 3 new trustees?
Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has received the Best War Service Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal. He is a resident of Deoria, UP. Commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in December 1986, he has more than 3,000 flying hours, has been a Fighter Squadron CO, Chief Test Pilot at ASTE and Commander of two frontline air bases.
The trust also appointed three new trustees on the same day – Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, a relative of late VHP leader Ashok Singhal, Madan Mohan Pandey of Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad.