Department of Economics
The Department of Economics was established in 1922 and the subject was taught to the undergraduate classes. In 1926, postgraduate classes were started. It can be proudly said that it was one of the oldest postgraduate departments in the Rajaram College, Kolhapur. With the establishment of Shivaji University, Kolhapur the privilege of postgraduate classes of Rajaram College, Kolhapur was deprived off. Principal Dr. B. R. Dhekane, B. R. Vankundre, Shri. Namjoshi, Shri. P. N. Pitre and Shri. B. S. Kulkarni were the dynamic personalities who contributed immensely to the department. The Economics department also enjoyed the expertise showered by the Contemporary Economist like Prof. Dr. V. M. Dandekar and Dr. Chaudhri.
Dr. Balkrishna, an eminent principal of Rajaram College, did his Ph. D in Economics from London University. Dr. B. R. Dhekane, a member of the department and graced the chair of the Principal of Institute and later became the first Registrar of Shivaji University, Kolhapur. Prof. S. D. Bal, an Economist also became Principal of this college and later on retired as Director of Higher Education, Govt. of Maharashtra, Pune.
The Department of Economics has produced many extraordinary students and social reformers who worked for the upliftment of society Hon. Gopal Krishna Gokhale, who had a deep interest in the Indian Economic problems and who delivered several speeches on Budget before Welby Commission was a student of this department. His emphasis was on curtailing public expenditure and reduction of tax.
At present Shri. T. K. Udgirkar, is the Head of the Department and Dr.H.N.Kathare is his colleague.