Ayodhya Ram Temple Gets First Full-Time CEO, Three New Members Appointed

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has appointed Air Marshal (retd) Jeetendra Mishra as the first full-time Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The appointments come months after a controversy surrounding alleged irregularities in temple donations and the resignation of former general secretary Champat Rai.

Mishra was selected from a shortlist of three candidates by a high-powered selection committee. The recruitment process began after the Trust received an unusually large 5,585 applications for the CEO position between July 11 and 18.

The selection panel comprised retired Justice Pramod Kohli, Lt Gen (retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi and nuclear scientist Dr Suresh Haware. Officials said the screening involved both AI-assisted evaluation and manual assessment. Of the applications received, 3,577 candidates submitted details for assessment under a 600-mark framework. The field was subsequently reduced to 108 candidates, before 16 were invited for in-person interviews in Ayodhya on August 11 and 12.

Alongside Mishra’s appointment, the Trust announced changes to other key positions. Govind Dev Giri has been appointed full-time General Secretary while continuing as Treasurer, with Mahesh Bhagchandka named the new Treasurer. Interim secretary Krishna Mohan also confirmed the induction of Madan Mohan Pandey, Mahesh Bhagchandka and Dr Nirmala Yadav as Trust members.

The Trust may also appoint a joint CEO or deputy CEO if required. Standard operating procedures defining the CEO’s powers and responsibilities are expected to be finalised soon.

The new CEO will become the highest executive authority overseeing the Trust’s officers, employees and staff. His responsibilities will include developing administrative systems and procedures, strengthening the organisation’s structure, ensuring efficient management of ongoing activities and overseeing future development.

The CEO will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, as well as the Trust Deed.

The leadership overhaul follows the donation controversy that resulted in the arrest of eight people and Champat Rai’s resignation as general secretary in June. The Trust’s latest appointments are therefore expected to bring greater administrative structure and oversight to the management of the Ram Temple.