Deoria/ Uttar Pradesh | ENewsxpress Desk :
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who comes from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh has been named the first Chief Executive Officer of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya. This decorated Indian Air Force veteran, who played a role in Operation Sindoor was chosen from more than five thousand five hundred applicants in a strict multi‑stage selection process.
A Historic Appointment for the Ram Temple Trust
On Wednesday, September 2 the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust formally appointed Air Marshal (Retired) Jeetendra Mishra as the full‑time CEO in the temple’s history. The decision came as part of an administrative overhaul of the trust, which also saw three new trustees inducted the same day. Delhi‑based Mahesh Bhagchandka Ayodhya‑based senior advocate Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad.
Creating a CEO position aims to bring professional and transparent management to one of the world’s most famous temple sites especially as it handles large seasonal crowds, security needs and ongoing building work.
Who Is Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra?
Jeetendra Mishra comes from a middle‑class family in Deoria district not from Ayodhya, where his father worked as a lecturer. Jeetendra Mishra was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot on December 6 1986. Served for almost forty years before retiring on April 30 2026.
During his career Jeetendra Mishra logged more than 3,000 flying hours and worked as a fighter combat leader and experimental test pilot. Jeetendra Mishra is also a Kargil War veteran. Jeetendra Mishra’s academic and training record includes time at the National Defence Academy in Pune the Air Force Test Pilots School in Bengaluru the Air Command and Staff College in the United States and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.
In his role Jeetendra Mishra served as Air Officer Commanding‑in‑Chief of the Western Air Command, a position in which he led operations during India’s Operation Sindoor. For his service Jeetendra Mishra received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. One of the country’s highest honours for wartime service awarded only a few times in recent decades. As well as the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and the Vishisht Seva Medal.
A Rigorous Multi‑Stage Selection Process
The trust began its search for a full‑time CEO on July 6 2026 after General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned over allegations of irregularities in donation handling at the temple.
The selection process was led by a three‑member search committee made up of retired Justice Pramod Kohli, Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi (Retired) and nuclear scientist Dr. Suresh Haware. Out of 5,585 applications received 3,577 candidates were evaluated using a 600‑point framework. This group was cut down to 108 candidates who scored 470 points or higher and were called for interviews. After shortlisting 16 candidates appeared for in‑person interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12 where they were evaluated on leadership, strategic vision and their understanding of the administrative and logistical demands of managing the temple complex.
Other candidates who were in the running included former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former IAS officer Dinesh Chandra, retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and former IPS officer Paresh Saxena.
Mishra’s Reaction to the Appointment
After the announcement of his appointment Jeetendra Mishra said he was grateful to have been chosen among applicants and he sees the role as a chance to serve Lord Ram after many years of service to the nation in the Air Force.
Why This Appointment Matters
This move signals a shift toward management, for India’s major religious institutions. With Jeetendra Mishra’s command experience and operational background leading day‑to‑day administration the trust hopes to improve governance restore public confidence after the donation controversy and manage Ayodhya’s growth as a major pilgrimage destination better.
Note: This article uses multiple independent news sources that confirm the appointment.
