Ayodhya, Sep 21 — Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retired) on Monday assumed office as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which oversees the Ram temple in Ayodhya, marking a significant step in the Trust’s efforts to strengthen its administrative functioning.
Mishra, 62, arrived in Ayodhya on Sunday and spent the night at the Trust’s Teerth Kshetra Bhawan in the Ramkot area. On Monday morning, he offered prayers at the Ram temple before proceeding to his newly constructed office on the temple premises, where he formally took charge as CEO.
The Trust appointed Mishra as its first CEO on September 2 as part of a restructuring exercise which is aimed at improving administrative coordination and functioning. His appointment came amid allegations of donation theft, which prompted increased attention to the management and tight handling of temple-related affairs.
Significantly, Mishra’s selection followed a multi-stage recruitment process that attracted 5,585 applications. The search committee shortlisted 16 candidates for in-person interviews conducted in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.
According to the Trust, Mishra appeared in the first interview session on August 11 and was among the three candidates recommended by the search committee.
Mishra’s appointment is part of the Trust’s broader administrative restructuring. His responsibilities are expected to include coordinating the temple’s operational affairs and supporting the institutional management of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex.
According to officials, the CEO has started overseeing the temple's administrative functioning. He is expected to remain within the Ram Temple premises and Ayodhya. As CEO, Mishra will be strengthening administrative oversight and ensuring more effective management of temple-related activities, officials added.
The Ram Temple attracts a large number of devotees from across the country and abroad. Managing the growing visitor footfall, maintaining facilities and ensuring transparency in the handling of devotees' offerings remain important aspects of temple administration.
Mishra's decision to stay in Ayodhya and remain available at the temple premises is expected to facilitate closer monitoring of daily activities. His presence could also enable faster coordination among officials responsible for different aspects of temple management.