Pune: Seth Hirachand Nemchand Memorial Trust Clarifies Redevelopment Plans, Denies Sale Rumours
Pune: Seth Hirachand Nemchand Memorial Trust Clarifies Redevelopment Plans, Denies Sale Rumours
Pune, September 25, 2025: The Seth Hirachand Nemchand Memorial Trust in Pune has clarified reports regarding the redevelopment of its hostel in Model Colony, emphasizing that rumors about handing over the property to private developers are false.
Trustees and Chakor Gandhi, a long-time member of the Digambar Jain community, have assured the public that the redevelopment aims solely to provide modern facilities for students. Chakor Gandhi stated that the hostel was originally built around 1962–63 to accommodate Jain students coming to Pune for education. Since then, the Trust has been led by members of a single family for three generations, with Gandhi himself serving for over 45 years. Alumni who stayed at the hostel have gone on to successful careers. He emphasized that the Trust has not accepted donations from external sources and functions purely as a public charitable trust.
The existing building, over six decades old, is in poor condition, prompting the trustees to consider redevelopment on the same site. The new facility will include a world-class hostel, while the Jain temple will remain unchanged with a separate entrance for the hostel and temple. Gandhi also highlighted the need for two or three additional hostels in the growing Pune suburban region and assured that funds received by the Trust will be used for these purposes.
Social media rumors suggesting mismanagement or sale of the property to private developers have been described as unfounded. Trustees have repeatedly clarified the situation to the public, including at alumni gatherings on January 11, 2025, and during Mahavir Jayanti in April 2025.
Trust Background and Redevelopment Process:The Trust was established in 1958 to promote education, provide hostels, dharmashalas, health centers, medical aid for the poor, and other charitable objectives.The Trust purchased the property on July 29, 1958, and is the sole legal owner.
The current building was constructed about 60 years ago and is being redeveloped due to its age.A trustee meeting on December 16, 2024, discussed potential redevelopment. Public notices were published on December 20, 2024, in Business Standard (Mumbai), Dainik Pudhari (Mumbai), Financial Express (Pune), and Dainik Prabhat (Pune). Gokhale Landmarks LLP submitted the highest and most suitable bid.
Legal approval under Section 36 of the Bombay Public Trusts Act was obtained from the Charity Commissioner, Mumbai, with Order No. CC/24/2025 dated April 4, 2025.The new hostel will feature modern amenities, and the redevelopment will preserve the temple as it is. Some vested-interest groups have spread false rumors attempting to malign Gokhale Landmarks LLP.
Trustees assure the public that the redevelopment will benefit students and the community, maintaining transparency and honoring the legacy of the Trust.
