In a major administrative overhaul, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed retired three-star Air Force officer Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra as its first-ever Chief Executive Officer. Moving away from traditional choices of career bureaucrats or priests, the trust has entrusted its sprawling day-to-day operations to a veteran commander.
Mishra brings over 38 years of distinguished military experience to Ayodhya, having recently served as the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, alongside previous roles as Chief Test Pilot and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff. Originally from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, and decorated with the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, he retired from service in April 2026.
As the inaugural CEO, Mishra’s core mandate involves managing the massive logistical and administrative machinery surrounding one of India’s busiest religious sites. His responsibilities encompass:
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Crowd & Event Management: Coordinating massive preparations and security for major religious festivals that draw millions of pilgrims to Ayodhya.
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Infrastructure & Facilities: Overseeing daily administration, staff coordination, and pilgrim amenities.
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Financial Governance: Managing finances and institutional operations amid expanding operational scales.
This structural shift coincides with a broader leadership transition within the trust, following the resignations of General Secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra amid donation-related allegations. Alongside the CEO appointment, three new trustees—Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey, and Nirmala Yadav—were inducted into the governing body to steer the institution forward.
