The New Members of the Ram Temple Trust
A chief executive officer to oversee the management of the temple
Synopsis
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed three new members to the Trust, one of whom is said to be a relative of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal. According to the reports, Delhi-based Mahesh Bhagchandka and Ayodhya-based Madan Mohan Pandey and Shikohabad-based Nirmala Yadav are among the three newly appointed Trustees.
Why the New Appointments?
The fresh appointment comes months after the donation theft controversy of the temple created nationwide uproar and triggered demands for an overhaul of the management, from day-to-day affairs to gifts and donations. The Ram Temple Trust is also set to pick its first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the temple administration, and the race for the top post has reportedly been narrowed down to three people.
The CEO Hunt
Those among the front-runners who have been actively considered for the CEO post include former Uttar Pradesh IPS officer Rajesh Pandey, retired IAS officer Yogeshwar Ram Mishra and senior Bihar Police officer Paresh Saxena, reports said.
The three shortlisted members for the CEO post have been picked from a wide pool of prospective candidates. More than 5,500 applicants had presented their bid for the post, which invited applications from all segments, without setting any conditions or restrictions.
The high-profile meeting comprising Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, newly appointed treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri and others is reportedly underway at the complex, where they will zero in on the prospective CEO and also finalise the name.
Who is the New CEO?
On Wednesday, September 2, 2026, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) was appointed the first CEO of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. He said that it is his great fortune to be chosen for the role and he considers it a blessing from Lord Ram.
In his first interview after being named CEO of the Ram Temple, Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) said that his greatest pleasure is to have the opportunity to serve Sri Ram Mandir and the devotees.
He said, “I consider this a great fortune that they chose me from so many candidates. I also consider this the blessings of Lord Ram that, after 43 years of service to the nation in the Air Force, He has allowed me to serve Sri Ram Mandir and Sri Ram bhakts."
He further added, "As I said, I would like to thank the selection committee, Sri Ram Mandir Trust and Lord Ram for having chosen me for this responsibility. I pray to God to grant me the capability so that I can shoulder it well."
Making the announcement, the Trust's interim general secretary Krishna Mohan said that the decision was taken after a discussion in the meeting. He also recalled that Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra was famously associated with Operation Sindoor.
Krishna Mohan informed, "A discussion was held, and it was decided that Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra (retd) will be the CEO (of the Trust). During Operation Sindoor, the Air Force played a significant role, and he was the Commander-in-Chief during the Operation."
The report for his appointment was submitted during a high-level meeting attended by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust members, including Treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri Ji Maharaj, Mahant Dinendra Das, Acting General Secretary Krishna Mohan, and Ayodhya District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi.
The three-member search committee comprised Lieutenant General Vishnu Kant Chaturvedi (retd), former Scientist Suresh Haware, and former Supreme Court judge Justice Pramod Kohli.
The First Female Member of the Trust
Meanwhile, another one of the newly appointed members of the trust, Nirmala Yadav, described her appointment as a "matter of joy and pride" and said she would work to ensure devotees do not face any inconvenience at the Ayodhya Ram Temple.
Yadav said she had not expected to be given the responsibility and expressed happiness at being the first woman member of the trust. She further added that she would focus on the management and security aspects of the temple and ensure that devotees have a smooth experience.