The Council of Education's

About Institute

The Council of Education was established under the auspicious leadership of Late Dr. Ratnappa Kumbhar. We take pride in being guided by late Dr. Ratnappa Kumbhar, who was a reputed Freedom Fighter social reformer, notable senior political leader, and educationist and honored as “Sahakar Maharshee”. He was awarded by Doctorate by Poona University and Padmashree by Government of India.

At present, the Council of Education runs the following colleges

  • Shahaji Law College (Estd.1931)
  • D.R.K. College of Commerce (Estd.1957)
  • Night College of Arts and Commerce (Estd.1971)


The Council of Education played a pioneering role in imparting Law, Commerce and Management Education in this region of Maharashtra to tap the talent from this area.

Shahaji Law College was started in 1933 when no facility for Law Education was available from Pune to Belgaum. D.R.K. College of Commerce was established in 1957 when there was no commerce college from Pune to Belgaum M.B.A. course was started in 1971, when management education facility was not available from Pune to Bangalore. The Council of Education was the first to start Night College with a view to provide on opportunity of learning to people employed.

Vision -

To impart holistic value legal education to Social Engineers and empower the citizenry for just and human society. Our vision includes not only to produce socially sensitive eminent lawyers but also to become stellar legal institute of Social Justice.

Mission -

To fulfill the long felt and emerging need of Legal Education in Southern Maharashtra and create Legal Awareness through quality and relevant legal education.

Objectives -

  1. To impart legal education and to inculcate the principles of Justice, Equity, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Dignity in the minds of the students and to promote National Integration.
  2. To impart high sense of Legal, Social, Moral values among students and to discover and develop overall personality in disciplined environment.
  3. To create Legal Awareness especially in the weaker sections of the society by providing free legal services.
  4. To sensitize the students regarding socio-legal issues of the country and to foster Rule of Law enshrined in the Constitution of India.
  5. To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and applied practice.

Silver Jubilee

The college celebrated Silver Jubilee in 1985. The programme consisting of various attractive sessions was organized for full 3 days. It was graced by the then Vice President of India Honorable Shri Venkatraman. The college was renamed as Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar College of Commerce on this occasion. The Computer Department was inaugurated on the same occasion in the presence of Honorable Ex-Vice President of India Late Shri B. D. Jatti. The Past Students Association was formed, they arranged a program a full session as a part of the Silver Jubilee. We propose to celebrate Golden Jubilee also in due course.

Golden Jubilee

Shri K.D. Kamat Ex- President (Council of Education) honoring Nikanth Kalyani Founder Member of Kalyani Forge on the eve of 2nd death anniversary of Padmashree Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbar.

Inaugural Ceremony of Boys Hostel by Late Vice- President of India- Shri B.D. Jatti

Foundation Ceremony of Multipurpose Hall by then Vice-Chancellor of Shivaji University, Kolhapur

Rajanitai Magdum, daughter of Deshbhakt Ratnappa Kumbhar with Shri Ashok Chavan – Former Chief Minister of Maharashtra sharing views about the education facilities provided by the council of education