02 September,2026 06:02 PM IST | Ayodhya | mid-day online correspondent
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra. PIC/PTI
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, a decorated former Indian Air Force officer who was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal in 2025 for his role in Operation Sindoor, has been appointed the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya, news agency IANS reported.
Mishra, who retired after serving as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IAF's Western Air Command, was selected for the key administrative position on Wednesday from a pool of more than 5,000 applicants.
The decision to appoint Mishra as the Trust's first CEO was taken during deliberations involving Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, newly appointed treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri, and other members.
The selection process began on July 6, with 5,585 applications screened by the selection committee. A total of 111 candidates were shortlisted for online interviews, while 16 were called to Ayodhya for face-to-face interviews.
The Trust has said the CEO will function independently, without government interference, and report to its General Secretary. The official is expected to formulate long-term plans for the temple complex and oversee the management of donations.
The appointment comes amid controversy surrounding allegations of embezzlement of temple donations, which led to the arrest of eight people and the resignation of Champat Rai as General Secretary, according to IANS.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed three new members - Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka, Ayodhya-based Madan Mohan Pandey, and Shikohabad-based Nirmala Yadav.
One of the newly appointed members is a relative of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal.
The appointments come as the Trust strengthens its administrative structure as the Ram Temple complex enters a crucial phase of development and management.
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who served as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the IAF's Western Air Command during Operation Sindoor, was awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal on Independence Day 2025.
He had earlier received the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2024 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 2013, and played a role in the operationalisation of laser-guided bombs on Mirage 2000 aircraft under Operation Safed Sagar during the Kargil War. The weapons were subsequently used against strategic targets including Tiger Hill and Muntho Dhalo.
A veteran of more than 38 years in the Indian Air Force, Mishra was commissioned into its fighter stream on December 6, 1986. He is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy, the Air Force Academy and the Air Force Test Pilots School.
He also attended the Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama, in the US, and the Royal College of Defence Studies in the United Kingdom.
Mishra accumulated more than 3,000 hours of flying experience across more than 18 types of fighter and transport aircraft and helicopters during his career. His appointments included commanding a fighter squadron, serving as chief test pilot at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE), and commanding two frontline air bases.
He also held several senior positions at Air Headquarters, including Director of the Operational Planning and Assessment Group, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Projects, Commandant of ASTE and Deputy Chief of Integrated Defence Staff for Doctrine, Organisation and Training and Operations.
On January 1, 2025, Mishra took charge as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of Western Air Command, succeeding Air Marshal Pankaj Mohan Sinha.
(With IANS and ANI inputs)
