Former Indian Air Force (IAF) officer Jitendra Mishra was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on Wednesday. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust convened a meeting at Shri Maniramdas Chhawni in Ayodhya to select a candidate from a shortlist of three, drawn from 5,585 applications.
Trust president Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, Swami Kamalnayan Das, former interim general secretary Dr Krishna Mohan, trustee Mahant Dinendra Das and treasurer Swami Govind Dev Giri were among those who attended the meeting.
As Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Air Command, Mishra directed air operations during Operation Sindoor. A veteran of the IAF, Mishra served for nearly four decades before retiring on 30 April this year. During his career, he also served as Deputy Chief of the Integrated Defence Staff (Operations).
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Jitendra Mishra is a former Indian Air Force officer who served as the first CEO of the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir Trust. He has nearly four decades of military experience and led operations during Operation Sindoor.
The selection process involved AI-based screening and manual evaluation, where candidates were assessed on a 600-mark framework, leading to a final shortlist of three highly qualified professionals.
Mishra was appointed due to his extensive leadership skills, operational experience in the Indian Air Force, and his commitment to overseeing the temple's management effectively.
The appointment marks a pivotal step in strengthening the management of the Ram Mandir, ensuring organized operations and dedicated service to the temple, which holds national and international importance.
The Trust is facing issues related to the alleged misappropriation of donations, leading to the arrest of individuals involved and a review of its financial handling.
Mishra accumulated more than 3,000 flying hours across over 18 types of aircraft, reflecting his extensive operational experience. His service has been recognised with several honours, including the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal.
The Trust’s meeting came amid a controversy surrounding the alleged misappropriation of temple donations, which resulted in the arrest of eight people and Champat Rai stepping down as general secretary. Govind Dev Giri is the new full-time General Secretary of Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust.
Mahesh Bhagchandka will be the new Treasurer of the Trust. Trust is yet to appoint its spokesperson.
The CEO selection process involved both AI-based screening and manual evaluation. Applications were assessed using a 600-mark framework, with 3,577 candidates appearing for the initial screening. Those who secured at least 470 marks were shortlisted, resulting in virtual interactions with 108 candidates. The process culminated in face-to-face interviews with 16 applicants in Ayodhya on 11 and 12 August.
A three-member search panel led by retired Justice Pramod Kohli submitted its final report to Trust treasurer Govind Dev Giri on Tuesday. The committee also included retired Lieutenant General Vishnukant Chaturvedi and former scientist Suresh Haware.
Committee secretary Sameer Panda said the panel arrived at a shortlist of "three highly qualified professionals" following an extensive assessment of the applicants. The evaluation considered factors such as leadership capabilities, management experience, integrity and the vision needed to oversee an institution of national and international importance.
Meanwhile, Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust member Raj Kumar Das said the temple’s CEO would be expected to possess strong organisational capabilities and remain deeply committed to serving Shri Ram Lalla.
"It will certainly be someone with organisational competence, someone who is fully dedicated to the service of Shri Ram Lalla. This will further strengthen the management and ensure the temple's operations are well-organised," ANI quoted Das as saying.
