The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in Ayodhya has appointed Retired Air Marshal Jitendra Mishra as its first Chief Executive Officer, marking a major administrative shift for the Ram Mandir. The Trust holds over Rs 1,882 crore in bank accounts as of March 21, 2026, and recorded a surplus of Rs 146 crore in the last financial year.
Five Key Responsibilities for New CEO
The new CEO will oversee five critical areas of temple management. Mishra will implement a proper accounting system with chartered accountants and financial experts to prevent irregularities in donations and offerings. He will supervise approximately 1,500 to 2,000 personnel deployed for security, sanitation, and temple management.
Infrastructure and Devotee Management
Mishra will complete the remaining construction work within the Ram Mandir complex and maintain the CCTV network. He will manage crowd movement for millions of devotees, especially during festivals, in coordination with police and administration. The CEO will also serve as a coordinator between the Trust board, the state government, and administrative authorities.
SIT Report Raises Monitoring Concerns
The appointment follows a preliminary SIT report that revealed monitoring gaps and irregularities in the counting room. The report pointed to lapses in CCTV surveillance and process-related weaknesses regarding entry of personnel into the counting area. These findings strengthened calls for a full-time professional executive structure.
Financial Health of the Trust
During a meeting at Maniram Das Chhavani, the Trust presented its annual accounts for FY 2025-26. The Trust earned approximately Rs 237 crore in income while spending Rs 91 crore. Various construction and other works accounted for about Rs 425 crore in expenditure. Bank accounts held around Rs 1,882 crore as of March 21, 2026.
New Era of Professional Management
The CEO system brings a clear separation between policy and execution, departmental accountability, financial monitoring, and centralized operations. Mishra, who hails from Bhopatpura village in Deoria district, Uttar Pradesh, will report to the Trust board and its chairman. His appointment is seen as a historic step toward professionalizing the management of one of India’s most significant religious institutions.
