Major changes in Ram Mandir Trust: Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra will be the first CEO, 38 years of military experience will come.

A major administrative change has come to the fore regarding the arrangements of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya. Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has been appointed as the first CEO of the Ram Mandir Trust. The new post of CEO has been created to make the trust arrangement more systematic and professional.

Who is Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra?

Jitendra Mishra, a resident of Deoria, has completed a glorious career of more than 38 years in the Indian Air Force. He retired on 30 April 2026. During his military career, he held a number of highly important command and staff positions.

Jitendra Mishra has served as the chief of the Indian Air Force's Western Air Command. He has also served as the Commanding Officer of a fighter squadron, Chief Test Pilot of Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), Air Officer Commanding of two frontline air bases and Commandant of ASTE.

He also held the posts of Director (Operational Planning and Assessment Group), Principal Director (ASR) and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Projects) at Air Headquarters. He also held the senior position in the Integrated Defence Staff dealing with Doctrine, Organisation and Training.

Prior to his current assignment, he was the Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).

Experience of Operation Sindoor and Kargil

The highlight of Jitendra Mishra's military career is his vast operational experience. He also played a key role in the Kargil War and Operation Sindoor.

He has been awarded the Best Yudh Seva Medal (SYSM), Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM) for his services.

That is, the responsibility of the new administrative arrangement of the Ram Temple Trust has been given to an officer who has a long experience of leadership, strategic planning, operation and large-scale administration.

Why is the Ram temple trust system being changed?

The need for a change in the functioning of the trust was felt after serious allegations surfaced regarding donations and administration related to the arrangements of the Ram temple. In order to make the system of trust more effective, it was decided to appoint a CEO.

Now, on September 2, 2026, the name of retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has been confirmed.

Several names were considered for the post of CEO. Former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former IAS officer Dinesh Chandra, retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and former IPS officer Paresh Saxena were also named in the FIR. However, Jitendra Mishra's name was finally decided.

Three new trustees inducted in Ram Mandir Trust

Before the appointment of the CEO, three new trustees were also appointed in the trust. These include Mahesh Bhagchandka from Delhi, Madan Mohan Pandey from Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav from Shikohabad.

According to reports, Mahesh Bhagchandka belongs to the family of late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal. The appointment of the three new members was discussed at the crucial meeting of the trust.

What will change after the appointment of the CEO?

The appointment of the CEO in the Ram Mandir Trust is being considered a big step towards making the administrative system more professional, accountable and orderly. Jitendra Mishra's long military leadership and administrative experience is expected to give a new direction to the vast arrangements, operations and future plans of the temple.

All eyes are now on how the new administrative set-up of the Ram temple trust, headed by retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra, shapes up.