Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra has been appointed as the first chief executive officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The decision was taken at a trust meeting on Wednesday, September 2. Mishra retired from the Indian Air Force on April 30 after serving as chief of the Western Air Command. A veteran of the Kargil War, he also played a role in Operation Sindoor and was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal.
Appointment Follows Donation Controversy
Mishra, who is from Deoria in Uttar Pradesh, has been appointed at a time when the temple trust is restructuring its administrative system following allegations of theft and irregularities involving devotees’ donations.
The controversy emerged in May after allegations of irregularities in the handling and monitoring of temple donations. An SIT was formed to investigate the alleged theft. The probe resulted in the arrest of eight people and pointed to serious lapses in the management and supervision of donations.
Trust general-secretary Champat Rai and trustee Anil Mishra resigned in June, taking moral responsibility over the controversy. The trust later accepted their resignations and appointed Krishna Mohan as interim general-secretary.
SIT Report Flags Lapses, Clears Trust Officials
The SIT submitted its final report in August and found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing or financial impropriety against Champat Rai or Anil Mishra.
However, the report flagged “gross lapses” in the trust’s functioning. These included inadequate professional systems for handling donations, maintaining records and ensuring internal oversight.
The trust had begun the process of appointing a full-time CEO on July 6, shortly after accepting the resignations of its senior office-bearers. The move was intended to strengthen the trust’s administrative and operational systems.
Several names were reportedly considered for the post, including former IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, former IAS officer Dinesh Chandra, retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and former IPS officer Paresh Saxena. Jitendra Mishra was eventually selected.
Three New Trustees Appointed
The trust also appointed three new trustees on Wednesday — Delhi-based businessman Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya-based senior advocate Madan Mohan Pandey and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad.
Bhagchandka is reported to be a relative of late Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal.
The appointment of a full-time CEO marks a significant change in the administration of the Ram temple trust, which has so far largely been managed by its office-bearers and trustees.
The move comes amid increased scrutiny over the trust’s financial management, donation-handling systems and internal oversight.
