Daijiworld Media Network - Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Sep 2: Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra is set to become the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, people familiar with the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s decision said on Wednesday.

Mishra held several key commanding positions in the Indian Air Force and served as chief of its Western Command during Operation Sindoor.

The decision to finalise the former Air Marshal’s name for the top post was taken during deliberations at a high-profile meeting attended by Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, newly appointed treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri and other members.

The appointment brings the curtain down on a month-long selection process to identify a CEO from more than 5,000 applications for the key post.

Mishra is expected to take charge at a time when the temple administration has faced controversy over allegations of siphoning off donations.

The process to appoint the CEO began on July 6, with the selection committee screening a total of 5,585 applications. Of these, 111 candidates were shortlisted for online interviews, while 16 candidates were called to Ayodhya for face-to-face interviews.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust appointed three new members to the Trust, including a relative of former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal.

Mahesh Bhagchandka, based in Delhi, Madan Mohan Pandey of Ayodhya and Nirmala Yadav of Shikohabad were appointed as the new Trust members.

The appointment of the temple CEO comes amid a controversy over alleged embezzlement of temple donations, which led to the arrest of eight people and the resignation of Champat Rai as General Secretary.

The Trust has maintained that the CEO will function independently, without government interference, and will report to its General Secretary.

The temple’s top executive is expected to formulate long-term plans for the management of the temple and its donations.