India, June 28 -- Faith, transparency and governance shape India's intensifying debate over temple administration.

Temples are not merely places of worship; they have historically served as some of India's oldest centres of culture, education, social service and economic activity. Today, the country is once again witnessing an intense debate over whether Hindu temples should remain under government control or be handed over entirely to independent trusts. The issue extends far beyond religion and touches upon constitutional principles, governance, transparency, the faith of millions of devotees and assets worth thousands of crores of rupees.

The construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya and developments that followed have further intens...