Ayodhya: A meeting of the trustees of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was held in Ayodhya on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, where several key administrative, financial and operational matters were discussed and important decisions taken.
According to the press release issued by the Trust, the meeting considered the filling of three vacant trustee positions, appointment of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO), approval of the Trust’s annual accounts for 2025–26, progress in a Special Investigation Team (SIT) inquiry and the latest developments before the Supreme Court concerning allegations of financial irregularities. (Google)
Three new trustees appointed
The Trust appointed Mahesh Bhagchandka, Madan Mohan Pandey and Dr Nirmala Yadav to fill three vacant positions on the trustee board.
Dr Nirmala Yadav’s appointment is particularly notable as she has become the first woman trustee of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The appointments are part of a broader organisational strengthening of the Trust. (Google)
The Trust also decided to reassign certain responsibilities among its office-bearers. Swami Govind Dev Giri will continue as Mahamantri (General Secretary), while newly appointed trustee Mahesh Bhagchandka will take charge as Treasurer.
The trustees also expressed their appreciation to Shri Krishna Mohan Ji for successfully discharging the responsibilities of Mahamantri during the past two months, described as a challenging period.
Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra appointed CEO
One of the most significant decisions was the appointment of Air Marshal (Retd) Jeetendra Mishra as the Trust’s first Chief Executive Officer. The decision was taken after considering the recommendations of the committee constituted to select the CEO.
The Trust said Mishra is expected to assume charge shortly. It highlighted his 39 years of service in the Indian Air Force and his extensive experience in different operational and administrative assignments.
The Trust also noted that Mishra has been awarded the Sarvottam Yudh Seva Medal, one of the highest military decorations for distinguished wartime service. The press release said that the successful Operation Sindoor last year was conducted under his leadership and guidance.
The selection committee comprised Justice (Retd) Pramod Kohli, Lieutenant General (Retd) Vishnukant Chaturvedi and Shri Hardeep Singh, with Shri Sameer Pandey serving as its secretary. The Trust thanked the committee for scrutinising around 5,500 applications and interviewing hundreds of candidates within a short period.
Trust welcomes Supreme Court order on financial irregularities probe
The trustees also took note of a recent Supreme Court order concerning a petition alleging financial irregularities. The Trust said the court has expanded the scope of the investigation being conducted by the Special Investigation Team, both in terms of the time period covered and the subjects under examination.
The Trust welcomed the order, saying that a comprehensive investigation would help establish the facts and remove any confusion or misconceptions among the public.
Importantly, the allegations remain the subject of investigation and should not be treated as established wrongdoing.
Technology to be used for counting cash offerings
The meeting also discussed efforts to reduce human intervention in the counting of cash donations offered at the temple.
The Trust said it has received proposals from two banks and an IIT regarding technology-based solutions for the process. The proposals will be evaluated, after which the Trust expects to move ahead with a technology-assisted system.
Trust reports ₹237 crore income and ₹91 crore expenditure
The trustees approved the Trust’s annual accounts for financial year 2025–26.
According to the figures presented at the meeting:
- Total income: ₹237 crore
- Total expenditure: ₹91 crore
- Capital expenditure on construction and related works: ₹425 crore
- Total funds available with the Trust as on March 31, 2026: ₹1,882 crore
The accounts were formally approved by the trustee board.
The latest decisions mark a significant administrative phase for the Trust as it strengthens its organisational structure, introduces a dedicated CEO-level administrative role and moves towards greater use of technology in temple operations and financial processes.