A Study of Effective Management of Religious Institutions and its Impact of Regional

Development (with Special Reference to Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon and Shri Siddhi
Vinayak Mandir Prabhadevi, Mumbai).
S.V.Daptardar
Research Scholar
Chetana College Research Center
Reg. Number: 05 Dt.30/06/2017.

ABSTRACT
Abstract

Introduction:

It is estimated that in India around 550 million people perform pilgrimage every year (NCAER, 2002).
India has always respected the God-men, Gurus and disciples. Not only India, but the whole world
respects people who have spurned the world, who have risen above the world. There are many
‘temples’ of deities as well as the ‘Ashrams’ of great leaders from various religions in India. Their
selfless contribution and foresightedness have enlightened the masses and impressed the hearts of
the people, carving an indelible impression. Even in the modern times, there is no dearth of such
temples, saints and places of pilgrimage which are supposed to be the centers of solace. Hindu temples
served as nuclei of important social, economic, artistic and intellectual functions in ancient and
medieval India.

South Indian temples managed regional development function through irrigation projects, land
reclamation, post-disaster relief and recovery. These activities were paid for by the donations
collected from devotees, which would provide employment to the poorest. These donations came
from a wide spectrum of the Indian society, ranging from kings, queens and officials in the kingdom to
merchants, priests and shepherds. Some temples had large treasury, with gold and silver coins, and
these temples served as banks. Therefore, management of fund created through donations becomes
an important aspect of temple management in particular and religious institutions in general.

Hypothesis & Scope of Study:

‘A Study of Effective Management of Religious institutions and its impact on regional development.
Two religious Trusts viz; Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan Shegaon and Shri Siddhi Vinayak Mandir
Trust Prabhadevi, Mumbai were studied. The study focuses on administration and financial
management of the Trusts in creating socio-economic development of that region. The financial
analysis for the two Trusts is conducted for three years viz: 2016-17, 2017-18, and 2018-19, besides a
detailed fivefold management analysis.

Emerging Issues of Management of Religious Institutions:

Various studies, nationally and internationally reveal the significance of pilgrimages and religious
institutions in building the society. It is now established that the institutions of different religions can
play a significant role in the promotion of education, culture, medical relief and advancement of
welfare for public.

Empirical studies of sacred towns by Tamney (1992), Guiterrez (2005), Shinde (2018) etc. revealed
that majority of the prevailing functions are handled by a charitable public Trust and the role played
by the different stakeholders in creating the situations for fostering of communities is important.

There are many religious institutions which have a huge collection of donations. It is therefore
necessary to know the use of these funds, which has high potential value to develop institutions of
social welfare. A wide range of institutions also revealed the problem of management of the funds. It is
relevant to know how public at large gets in return benefits of the funds collected at institutions and
what way these institutions impact the surrounding areas of its location. Therefore, it is necessary to
assess the effectiveness of management of such institutions from socio-economic development point
of view.

Management is a set of activities directed at effective and efficient utilisation of resources in the
pursuit of one or more goals (Van Fleet and Peterson, 1994). Effectiveness is the top management’s
primary responsibility through strategic direction. To be effective is to do the right things. Therefore,
any organization which wants sustenance needs to be more effective. Sustainability in the business
can be assured only through sustainable thinking by considering the Social, economic and
environmental impact of their business.

Research Objectives:

1. To study the present system of management of selected Trusts of temples.

2. To evaluate the management of pilgrimage Trusts as nuclei in the socio-economic changes in that
particular region.
3. To analyse the various financial support systems provided by the Trusts to different beneficiaries.
4. To review the steps taken by Trusts in bringing socio-economic development.
5. To compare the management styles of both these Trusts and find out lacunae if any for effective
way of functioning of the Trusts.
6. To suggest suitable changes in the style of trusteeship management for betterment of society.
Observations, Findings & Conclusions:

 Both the Trusts are religious Trusts and are registered under Charity Commissioner. While the
ownership & management of SGMSS is in the hands of Directors or Board of trustees, the
ownership of SVT lies with the government and the management is in the hands of Board of
Directors appointed by the government as per the Shri Siddhi Vinayak Ganapati Temple Trust
(Prabhadevi) Act, 1980. SGMSS is located in the remote areas of Maharashtra, rather a small town,
while SVT is the Trust situated in a metropolitan city, the financial capital of India.
 The decision making process which is the ‘key’ to the management is totally different for both the
Trusts. Both the Trusts manage their funds scrupulously by following stipulated system and taking
utmost care of maintaining transparency and undertake various operations which are planned,
executed in a systematic manner to maintain the flow of activities and to realise the expected
output.
 SGMSS has its own factory / workshop of vehicles body building and it also undertakes
construction work on large scale. Thus, SGMSS is a source of employment to many.
 Donation is a source of income for both the Trusts. SGMSS is creating social assets out of the same
while SVT is creating investment fund out of the same. The social assets created by SGMSS have
long lasting value for social welfare while investment fund of SVT is an interest earning asset.
 A good work and progress of SGMSS was seen as a result of complementarity between the
Sansthan and local government. Similar complementarity with educational institutions, medical
institutions was experienced is case of SVT also, which is working for noble cause of social service.
 Both the Trusts display a high level of commitment to the society in which they exist to offer
various services to the society in a qualitative manner. Their updatedness in technology and
systems and hygienic and systematic organisation and inclusiveness for social need appreciation.
 The beneficiaries of both these Trusts have expressed that the services in terms of education and
medical assistance are highly useful and make an indelible impression on their lives. In case of
both the Trusts, businessmen / vendors expressed their gratitude towards the Trust and accepted
the fact that their businesses have flourished only because of the presence of Shri Siddhi Vinayak.
Thus, both the Sansthans have helped growth of businesses in the vicinity.

Conclusions:

 Religious institutions believe in equality of human beings. Generally it is assumed that educated
people are not religious but our study revealed that maximum number of devotees are from
educated group for both the Trusts. Primary data collected corroborates with the earlier literature
observation that devotees believe in the existence of God or Saints.
 Conclusions based on Multivariate testing of main hypothesis with Chi Square, ANOVA and T- Test:
1. There is no difference of whatsoever type in the perception of the devotees across the Trusts about
Mandir Management and facilities.
2. All the five management aspects were found highly significant except for SVT’s financial
management. This confirms that both the institutions have good and effective system of
management.
3. The impact analysis carried out using secondary data (and primary data in chapter V and VI)
clearly established that both the Sansthans have proven their existence beyond doubt for social
cause. The projects of both the institutions are quite admirable. This has also been supported by
the businessmen and vendors in nearby areas of the Sansthan. Their concurrence with the view
that business grows because of the Sansthan. Services of the Sansthan is having impact on their
services, ethical practices of Sansthan fetch good business to them is found statistically significant
in further analysis also.

Suggestions:

In the light of above assessment, this study suggsts five point agenda for each of these Trusts to
make them more fruitful in socio-economic development.

Key Words:
Religious Trusts, Effective Management, Socio-economic development, Sustainability, object heads,
Governance, Impact on vicinity, T test, P values, Chi Square Test.

Chapter Scheme:

Chapter I: Introduction

This Chapter introduces the backdrop of Mandirs, Trusts, role of SGMSS and SVT Mandirs and
Trusts for the economic and social development of the region. It clarifies the Social
responsibility and the role of religious Trusts in society.

Chapter II: Review of Literature

Chapter II presents the study of the literature, theories and views of ancient and modern
thinkers, philosophers & researchers from India as well as abroad, Besides, it provides
 description of the management of a few religious Trusts, after giving the framework of
principles of effective management. The conceptual framework is also covered in this chapter.

Chapter III: Shri Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon (SGMSS)

This Chapter deals with SGMSS Vision, Mission, its working and the efforts of the management
to follow the path laid down by Shri Gajanan Maharaj, besides reviewing the projects
conducted by the Sansthan.

Chapter IV: Shri Siddhi Vinayak Temple Trust (SVT)

This Chapter enumerates the study of SVT from the time of its inception and after taking over
the management of the Trust by the Maharashtra Government in1980 till the date and its social
services.

Chapter V: Secondary Data Analysis of SGMSS and SVT

In this Chapter, analysis of secondary data is undertaken of SGMSS and SVT with respect to
various aspects of management of both the Trusts. Analysis is conducted on the basis of Annual
Statements like balance sheets and P& L accounts, and other published literature related to
management of Mandir, operations, HR and stakeholders’ relationship and overall
management of the Trusts.

Chapter VI: Primary Data Analysis of SGMSS & SVT

Primary data collected through structured questionnaires offline / online separately prepared
along with interviews and personal interactions from the functionaries, stakeholders,
beneficiaries and devotees of both these Sansthans and analysed using SPSS and statistical
tools like Mean, ANOVA, T Test, Chi square test and presented in Bar and Pie Diagrams and
Range Charts.

Chapter VII: Comparative Analysis of SGMSS & SVT

This Chapter compares the findings from both the Trusts presented in Chapter 5 and 6 i.e.
related to Secondary and Primary analysis. It takes account of the shortfalls or deviations and
looks for areas of improving effectiveness of the Trust.
Chapter VIII: Conclusions and Suggestions

Based on the findings of management of these two Trusts and after comparing their
functioning for socio-economic impact, conclusions are drawn w.r.t. each of these Trusts;
alongwith a few suggestions.

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