Financial Governance and Social Service Expenditure Patterns in Religious Institutions: An Exploratory Case Study of Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Sansthan, Koradi

Abstract

Religious institutions in India play a significant role not only in spiritual life but also in social and community development activities. Temple trusts manage substantial financial resources collected through donations and offerings, which necessitates responsible governance, transparency, and accountability (Jena, 2018). While financial governance has been widely examined in corporate and public sector institutions, limited academic attention has been directed toward temple trusts and faith-based organizations. This study presents an exploratory case study of Shri Mahalaxmi Jagdamba Sansthan, Koradi, focusing on its governance structure and perceived patterns of social service expenditure. The research is primarily based on stakeholder interactions, structured interviews, and perceptionbased questionnaires administered to trustees, staff members, and beneficiaries. Due to restricted access to detailed financial statements, the study emphasizes governance practices, accountability mechanisms, and transparency perceptions rather than quantitative financial ratio analysis. The findings indicate that the Sansthan follows traditional governance mechanisms, including periodic auditing practices, which align with institutional accountability principles (Pillai, 2004). However, structured public disclosure systems and formal social impact measurement frameworks appear to be limited. Stakeholders generally express trust in institutional management, though awareness regarding detailed financial allocation remains moderate. The study highlights the need for standardized reporting formats, improved documentation, and enhanced transparency mechanisms in religious institutions. By situating temple governance within broader stakeholder and accountability frameworks, the research contributes to the discourse on institutional transparency and social responsibility in faith-based organizations.