Hyderabad: The Jain International Trade Organisation (JITO) Hyderabad Chapter installed B L Bhandari as its chairman for 2026–28, alongside a new managing committee that will focus on business networking, economic empowerment, education and community service.
The installation coincided with announcements about JITO’s plans to invest an estimated ₹2,000 crore in student hostels across India and expand into 12 additional countries.
The JITO Hyderabad new chairman succeeded Rohit Kothari, who led the outgoing committee with Chief Secretary Lalith Chopra. Senior national office-bearers administered the oath of office to the incoming committee, which will serve for two years.
JITO Hyderabad new chairman sets membership target
Bhandari announced plans to increase the Hyderabad Chapter’s membership from 748 to 1,008 during his tenure. He identified business opportunities, affordable housing and organisational development as key priorities.
The new chairman also emphasised JITO Awas Yojana, an initiative focused on affordable housing. The four vice-chairmen are Goutam Sehlot, Anil Bohra, Rahul Pokarna and Varun Munot.
Rahul Surana assumed charge as Chief Secretary, supported by Sudhir Sethia, Lalit Bhandari, Tapasvi Deora, Nikhil Shah and Ajit Shrishrimal. Vishal Anchaliya became Treasurer, while Amit Sancheti and Rahul Shyamsukha took charge as Joint Treasurers.
JITO plans ₹2,000 crore investment in student hostels
Former JITO Apex Chairman Ganpatji Choudhary outlined plans to develop student hostels with 10,000 rooms across India. The proposed project would involve an estimated investment of ₹2,000 crore over eight years.
According to Choudhary, the estimate assumes a construction cost of approximately ₹20 lakh per room. He linked the proposal to increasing demand for affordable accommodation among students moving from rural areas to towns and cities.
The organisation intends to address accommodation needs as students pursue educational opportunities away from their hometowns. JITO Secretary General Hemant N Shah said the organisation had expanded from its first chapter in Ahmedabad to 156 chapters across India.
It also operates 38 overseas chapters in 20 countries. Shah announced plans to extend JITO’s international presence to another 12 countries. The organisation reported a corpus exceeding ₹700 crore, supporting activities across business, education, entrepreneurship and philanthropy.
JITO Apex Chairman Sanjay Dangi urged greater participation from the Jain business and professional community. He stressed stronger connections among members, increased involvement of women and greater attention to education.
Dangi said JITO had disbursed ₹5 crore in educational loans to Jain youth. Meanwhile, JITO Apex President Himanshu Shah described the organisation as a “network ka khazana”, referring to its extensive professional connections.
Vice Chairman Pramod Chordia described Hyderabad as “diamonds ka khazana”, citing the city’s historical association with Golconda diamonds. He highlighted opportunities for business collaboration and entrepreneurship in Hyderabad.
JATF reports 37 successful civil services candidates
JITO Administrative Training Foundation (JATF) President Mayur Jain outlined the organisation’s work in preparing candidates for competitive examinations. He said JATF had helped 37 Jain youth enter the civil services.
Of these, ten candidates secured ranks among the top 100 in Union Public Service Commission examinations. Jain described the foundation as an educational initiative focused on developing future administrators and leaders.
The foundation’s activities form part of JITO’s wider focus on education and professional development. JITO’s Shraman Arogyam initiative has spent more than ₹96 crore providing healthcare support to Jain Sadhus and Sadhvis across India.
Initiative Chairman Jaswant Munoth said the programme had registered more than 10,700 religious practitioners from different Jain sects. It had also facilitated 10,850 medical treatments through its healthcare network.
The initiative reported partnerships with more than 12,000 hospitals to facilitate cashless medical treatment. Additionally, more than 8,000 Guru Bhagwants received Ayurvedic, Panchakarma and physiotherapy treatments through specialised Jivanand Ayurveda centres.
Munoth said the programme drew on the Jain tradition of Vaiyavachch, which emphasises care and service. The initiative provides organised healthcare support for Jain religious practitioners through a nationwide network.
Hyderabad chapter appoints Ladies and Youth Wing leaders
The JITO Hyderabad new chairman will also work alongside the chapter’s dedicated Ladies and Youth Wings. Tina Shah will lead the Ladies Wing as Chairperson, focusing on women’s leadership, networking and community engagement.
The Youth Wing will be headed by Nilesh Nahar as Chairman. Darshan Lunawat will serve as Chief Secretary, while Girish Bothra will take charge as Treasurer.
The Youth Wing will focus on participation by young entrepreneurs and professionals. The installation ceremony was attended by JITO Apex Chairman Sanjay Dangi, Vice Chairman Pramod Chordia and President Himanshu Shah.
Members of the JITO Executive Council and other national office-bearers also attended. JITO brings together Jain businesspeople, industrialists, entrepreneurs and professionals through programmes centred on economic empowerment, knowledge and seva, or service.