Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) (formerly known as Shramik Vidyapeeth) is one of the popular schemes in non-formal education sector crafted by Government of India. Initially the focus of scheme was to cater the needs of the industrial workers and urban slum dwellers. The polyvalent (multifaceted) approach to adult education of workers represents an attempt to provide knowledge and impart skills simultaneously and in an integrated manner.

With the emergence of million of neo-literates through the Total Literacy Campaigns launched across the length and breadth of the country and the transformation that has taken place in the economic and social set up over the years, the role and scope of these polyvalent educational institutions have widened manifold. In the changed scenario, the focus of Shramik Vidyapeeth (SVP) has been shifted from industrial workers in urban areas to the numerous neo-literates and unskilled and unemployed youth throughout the country especially underprivileged people in the rural areas.

JSS-ADRI established in march, 2000 for Patna district is managed by 12 members Management Committee. Within its broadened agenda of promoting literacy in Bihar, ADRI, is now running a Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) which aims at providing opportunities for continuing education to the people. Moving beyond the narrow perspective of organizing it as a centre for vocational training alone, Jan Shikshan Sansthan (JSS) ADRI is planned to be different one, capable of meeting varied needs of the people, particularly those who are new- or moderately literate. While identifying the agenda of Jan Shikshan Sansthan ADRI, some of the hard facts about economic scenario in Patna and Bihar that have been kept in view are — the fast drying absorption capacity of the government sector, and secondly, the non-existence of an industrial sector around Patna or even in Bihar in general.

While working out a concept for JSS-ADRI, the following have been identified as the points of emphasis which together are expected to lend the Institution a distinct character :

• Emphasis on self-employment rather than employment.
• Integration of inputs in communication skill, inter-and intra-personal relations, information gathering and dissemination, self-management, time-management, achievement, orientation and citizenship for wholesome development of the recipients of the courses.
• Selection of courses that have social relevance and are in tune with emerging environments.
• Inclusion of the latest technology as a part of and to impart the course curriculum.
• Programme conducted at Blocks and Panchayats to ensure widest coverage.
• Tie-ups with specialist organizations in particular area of activity.
• Provisions for consultancy, support and placement services to the recipients as mandated by the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India, JSS-ADRI covers the following three dimensions of programmes and activities.
• Vocational skill development courses.
• Training programmes both for trainers as well as income-generating activities for specific target groups.
• Distance learning programmes intonated with at-the-doorstep contact courses.

The Jan Shikshan Sansthan will concentrate on the socio-economically backward and educationally disadvantaged groups of urban/rural population such as men, women and youth, employed, self-employed, neo-literates, prospective workers and their family members as well as unemployed youth.

Priority is to be given to adult neo-literates/semiliterates, SC and ST, women/girls, oppressed, migrants, slum/pavement dwellers and working children.