Ayodhya, India – The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust on Wednesday appointed Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra (Retd.) as its first Chief Executive Officer, a significant administrative move amid recent allegations of theft of donations at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. The appointment, made after a meeting at the Maniram Das Chawani, comes as the Trust fills three vacant positions on its Board, following the resignations of senior VHP leader Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra in July, and the death of trustee Vimlendra Pratap Mishra.
Air Marshal Mishra was selected from over 5,585 applications, with hundreds interviewed over nearly two months. He served in the Indian Air Force for 31 years, holding various leadership roles and was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal. He was also part of Operation Sindoor. Unaware of his selection until the announcement, Mishra told The Hindu, “I also got to know about my selection through television. I am elated for the same.” The Trust also appointed three new trustees: Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav, the first woman to hold a trusteeship. Swami Govind Dev Giri will continue as general secretary, with Bhagchandka as treasurer.
The Trust’s annual accounts for 2025-26 were approved, showing a total income of ₹237 crore and expenditure of ₹99 crore, with an additional ₹425 crore in capital expenditure. Total funds stand at ₹1,882 crore. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad hailed the appointment, with president Alok Kumar stating that Mishra’s experience would help the Trust function more effectively and transparently. The appointment marks a new chapter in the Trust’s administration as it seeks to address recent controversies and strengthen its governance.
