Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra likely to be named CEO of Ram Temple Trust: Sources

A retired Air Marshal is among the names in contention to become the first CEO of the Ayodhya Ram temple Trust, as a key meeting also weighs sweeping changes to the post.Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra emerging as the likely choice, sources said.The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust is likely to name its first chief executive officer (CEO) on Wednesday, with retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra emerging as the likely choice, sources said, as the body managing the Ayodhya Ram temple meets amid a controversy over alleged donation irregularities.The Trust is also expected to take up an amendment to its deed at the key meeting, which will have a 12-point agenda. The proposed changes are likely to lay down new rules, regulations and powers for the CEO.This will be the third meeting of the Trust since the alleged theft of donations came to light. It will also mark the first amendment to the Trust deed since the body was created on February 5, 2020, according to sources.The meeting comes after the controversy over alleged theft of offerings at the shrine and the resignation of former Trust general secretary Champat Rai. CEO TO GET WIDE ADMINISTRATIVE POWERSThe Trust is expected to define the CEO's powers through the proposed amendment to its deed.Nripendra Mishra, chairman of the Ram Mandir Construction Committee, has called a full-time CEO critical for bringing professional administration and transparency to the temple's functioning. The Trust has maintained that the CEO will function without government interference and report to its general secretary. The official is also expected to formulate long-term plans for the organisation.The CEO will handle statutory, administrative and financial responsibilities and develop systems, procedures and operational practices suited to the scale and nature of the organisation.The post is also expected to oversee the strengthening of the Trust's organisational structure and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements as well as the Trust deed.The CEO will serve as the highest executive authority responsible for efficient management and the future development of the organisation.TEMPLE SECURITY PANEL ALSO ON AGENDAThe Trust is also expected to form a permanent Local Security Coordination Committee under its general secretary to oversee security arrangements at the temple.The appointment of an official press spokesperson, which has been pending for several months, is also on the agenda.DONATION THEFT CASE TO COME UPThe Trust meeting will also review the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into the alleged donation theft and the status of proceedings pending before the Supreme Court.Champat Rai and Trust trustee Anil Mishra had resigned on June 26, a day after the Uttar Pradesh Police registered a case over alleged irregularities linked to donations for the shrine.The latest meeting therefore comes at a crucial juncture for the Trust, with the proposed CEO appointment and deed amendment expected to shape how the administration of the Ram temple is run in the future.- EndsPublished By: Shipra ParasharPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 16:34 IST