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The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as its inaugural CEO, aiming to bolster administrative transparency following recent donation theft allegations.
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, officially appointed Air Vice Marshal Jitendra Mishra (Retd.) as its first Chief Executive Officer. This strategic move comes as the organization seeks to fortify its administrative framework amid recent controversies surrounding the alleged theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
The appointment was confirmed following a trustees' meeting held at the Maniram Das Chawani in Ayodhya. During this gathering, the board also moved to fill three critical vacancies on its Board of Trustees, addressing recent personnel changes that included resignations linked to embezzlement allegations and a death.
The vacancies in question arose from significant changes within the Trust's leadership. Two positions were left vacant due to the resignations of senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader and general secretary Champat Rai, as well as trustee Anil Mishra. Their exits in July followed serious allegations of embezzlement. The third vacancy occurred following the death of trustee Vimlendra Pratap Mishra, a member of Ayodhya’s erstwhile royal family.
According to a communique issued by the Trust, Air Vice Marshal Mishra was selected following the recommendations of a dedicated committee formed to oversee the CEO selection. The rigorous process involved the scrutiny of approximately 5,585 applications and interviews with hundreds of candidates over nearly two months.
Air Vice Marshal Jitendra Mishra brings 31 years of service in the Indian Air Force, having held various positions across different departments. The Trust highlighted his extensive leadership experience, noting his award of the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, one of the highest military decorations for distinguished wartime service. He was also part of Operation Sindoor.
Mr. Mishra expressed surprise at his selection, telling The Hindu that he only learned of his appointment through television reports. “I also got to know about my selection through television. I am elated for the same,” he stated.
In addition to the CEO appointment, the trustees appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav to fill the vacant trustee positions. Mr. Bhagchandka is associated with the Ashok Singhla Foundation and will take charge as treasurer. Mr. Pandey is an advocate, while Ms. Yadav becomes the first woman to hold a trusteeship in the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust.
Swami Govind Dev Giri continues as the Trust’s general secretary. The board also approved the annual accounts for the 2025-26 financial year, revealing a total income of about ₹237 crore and expenditure of about ₹99 crore. The Trust incurred approximately ₹425 crore in capital expenditure on construction and related works. As of March 31, 2026, total funds stood at about ₹1,882 crore.
The VHP hailed the CEO appointment, with President Alok Kumar describing Air Marshal Mishra as a senior and respected personality. He added that Mishra's extensive experience would help the Trust function more effectively and transparently.
The appointment of Air Vice Marshal Jitendra Mishra marks a pivotal moment for the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, signaling a definitive shift toward professionalized administration and heightened accountability. By filling the CEO role through a rigorous selection process involving thousands of applicants, the Trust aims to distance itself from the embezzlement allegations that triggered recent resignations. The inclusion of a first woman trustee and the approval of substantial financial records suggest a move toward greater structural transparency. Looking ahead, the Trust’s large capital expenditure of ₹425 crore and remaining funds of ₹1,882 crore indicate ongoing expansion, which will require robust oversight to maintain public trust. The long-term impact of this leadership change will likely hinge on the new CEO’s ability to restore confidence through clear financial management and operational efficiency, ensuring the organization’s stability amidst growing scrutiny.
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