Pune: The Jain community in Pune has raised strong objections to the Sheth Hirachand Nemchand Smarak Charitable Trust’s plan to sell three acres of land at Shivaji Nagar, which currently houses the Sheth Hirachand Nemchand Dingbar Jain Boarding facility for 250 students. Established in 1960, this boarding has long been a crucial support system for students coming from across the country to pursue their education in Pune.
The Trust intends to transfer the land to a private developer for commercial development. Given the prime location, the land’s market value is estimated to be in the hundreds of crores. However, the Trust has not disclosed any details about the sale, causing unease among the community members.
Despite the Trust’s assurances that the sale has followed proper legal channels and obtained necessary approvals, skepticism remains widespread. Former students and community members have voiced strong opposition, urging the Trust to cancel the proposed sale.
The boarding has historically accommodated 250 students and has been more than just a lodging facility. It has played a significant role in fostering academic, mental, and cultural growth. Many successful professionals in fields such as medicine, engineering, chartered accountancy, and entrepreneurship have emerged from this institution. The community argues that selling the land undermines the original educational mission of the Trust.
The proposed reduction in boarding capacity—from 250 to 150 students—is seen as a step backward, and the community insists that efforts should focus on building facilities that accommodate the maximum possible number of students rather than limiting access.
Concerns have also been raised about the opaque and rushed nature of the Trust’s decision to sell the land. Questions have been asked about why the Trust is opting to hand over the land to a private builder when the institution could potentially be managed more effectively with support from charitable donors and community participation.
In response to the situation, the Jain community has filed a formal representation with the Charity Commissioner, seeking an immediate halt to the land sale. They have also requested the formation of an independent inquiry committee to safeguard the Trust’s founding principles and ensure proper action is taken.
The community’s unified stance revolves around the motto: “We want development, not sale.” Key members, including Youth Congress Media Department President Akshay Jain and several Chartered Accountants and community leaders, have been actively involved in submitting the petition and voicing the community’s concerns.
On the other hand, the Trust maintains that due to limited funds and the deteriorating condition of the existing boarding building, redevelopment is necessary. The plan involves handing over the land to a private developer in exchange for redevelopment funds, which will be deposited back into the Trust. Alongside constructing a new boarding facility, the Trust also aims to renovate the old temple on the premises.
The Trust has reportedly secured all the necessary permissions to utilize the land for commercial and other purposes and intends to maintain boarding capacity at 250 students after redevelopment. The Trust has expressed its commitment to the institution’s interests and intends to clarify any misunderstandings with students and former residents regarding the sale and redevelopment plans.
