Janata Shikshan Mandal: A Bird’s Eye-view
Established in 1960 by late Padmabhushan Shriman Devchandji Shah, the great visionary leader in Nipani region, Janata Shikshan Mandal has become a beacon of light in the lives of thousands of socially and economically disadvantaged people. On 4th September, 1960 Janata Shikshan Mandal was formed and was registered on 6th September, 1960. Since Nipani is a small town surrounded by a number of villages on both sides of Maharashtra and Karnataka border, there was no higher education institution to cater to the needs of Marathi speaking people of the region. Hence, Janata Shikshan Mandal took the decision to establish an Arts, Commerce and Science college at Arjunnagar. On 18th June, 1961, Devchand College was inaugurated at the auspicious hands of the then Chief minister, Hon’ble Shri Yashwantraoji Chavan. Initially it was affiliated to Savitribai Phule Pune University (University of Pune) and when Shivaji University was established in 1962, the affiliation was shifted to Shivaji University, Kolhapur. It has been catering to the higher education needs of the students of 40 villages in the region.
Under the auspices of Janata Shikshan Mandal, a number of educational institutions are rendering noble service for the cause of education:
- Devchand College, Arjunnagar
- Devchand College, Arjunnagar (Junior)
- Mohanlal Doshi Vidyalaya, Arjunnagar
- Marathi Convent Primary School, Arjunnagar
- Kiranbhai Shah Vidya Niketan, Arjunnagar
- Sharadabai Vitthalrao Chavan Girls’ High School, Nittur
- Janata Shikshan Mandal’s Private ITI College, Arjunnagar
- Devashish Law College, Arjunnagar
Two Distance Education Centres
- Centre of Yashwantrao Chavan Open University (YCMOU)
- Centre for Distance Education, Shivaji University, Kolhapur