Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) has been appointed the first CEO of the Ram Mandir Trust, alongside three new trustees, including its first woman member.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has carried out its biggest administrative restructuring since its formation in 2020. The Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first full-time Chief Executive Officer and inducted three new trustees.
The new trustees are Madan Mohan Pandey, Mahesh Bhagchandka and Nirmala Yadav. Yadav's appointment is particularly significant as she becomes the Trust's first woman member.
The restructuring comes months after allegations of theft involving donations at the Ayodhya temple and is intended to create a clearer separation between the Trust's policy-making role and the temple's day-to-day administration.
Jeetendra Mishra Named CEO
Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) was appointed the Trust's first full-time CEO on Wednesday, September 2.
Mishra described the appointment as an opportunity to serve the Ram Mandir and devotees after more than four decades in the Indian Air Force.
He joined the IAF's fighter stream on December 6, 1986, and completed nearly 40 years of military service before retiring in April 2026.
During his career, Mishra accumulated more than 3,000 hours of flying experience and operated more than 18 types of fighter and transport aircraft and helicopters.
Kargil War Role
Mishra's military career includes a significant role during the 1999 Kargil War.
As a Squadron Leader, he was part of the team that operationalised laser-guided bombs for Mirage 2000 fighter aircraft. The weapons were subsequently used during attacks on strategic Pakistani positions, including Tiger Hill and Muntho Dhalo, as part of Operation Safed Sagar.
He later held several operational, instructional and staff positions within the Air Force.
His experience in planning, coordination and managing complex operations is expected to be relevant to his new administrative responsibility at the Ram Mandir Trust.
Operation Sindoor Commander
Mishra also played a prominent role in India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
He was serving as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IAF's Western Air Command when India launched military strikes following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The Western Air Command is one of the IAF's most important operational commands, and Mishra was responsible for the command during the operation.
He later discussed aspects of the military operation in a podcast, including how Indian forces identified and targeted locations deep inside Pakistan.
For his role, Mishra received the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, one of India's highest military decorations for distinguished wartime operational planning and execution.
Three New Trustees Added
Along with appointing the CEO, the Trust has added three members to its governing body.
The new trustees are Madan Mohan Pandey, Mahesh Bhagchandka and Nirmala Yadav.
Yadav's appointment marks a notable change in the Trust's composition because she is its first woman trustee.
The additions come as the temple institution prepares to manage an increasingly large administrative and operational workload following the opening of the Ram Mandir to devotees.
CEO To Handle Operations
The creation of a full-time CEO changes the way the Trust will manage the temple's affairs.
Previously, trustees were directly involved in overseeing several operational functions. Under the new structure, the CEO is expected to take responsibility for routine administration and implementation.
The Trust itself can focus more heavily on policy, strategic decisions, oversight and long-term planning.
The move effectively creates a distinction between governance and daily management, similar to administrative structures used by large religious and public institutions.
Donation Allegations Prompt Scrutiny
The administrative overhaul comes months after allegations surrounding the theft of donations at the Ram Mandir triggered scrutiny.
The matter has reportedly been investigated by authorities, including a Special Investigation Team. The allegations have raised questions about security, donation management and accountability at the temple.
The appointment of a dedicated chief executive could strengthen administrative oversight and create clearer lines of responsibility for financial and operational matters.
However, the Trust's new structure will have to demonstrate that it can improve transparency while efficiently managing the temple's rapidly expanding operations.
Bigger Role For New Trust
The Ram Mandir has become one of India's most prominent religious destinations since its consecration in January 2024.
The number of devotees visiting Ayodhya has created growing demands involving crowd management, security, accommodation, donations, infrastructure and temple administration.
Against this backdrop, the appointment of an experienced former senior military officer as CEO represents a significant shift in the Trust's administrative approach.
Mishra's background in operational planning and leadership, combined with the induction of three new trustees, is expected to shape the next phase of the Ram Mandir's management.
The changes also signal an effort to build a more structured administrative system as the Ayodhya temple continues to expand its religious and public significance.
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