GCW MA Road bags Rs 15 lakh grant to lead Psychology-driven STEM education in Kashmir’s border districts

Government College for Women (GCW) MA Road Srinagar, has secured a two-year research grant of `15 lakh from the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKST&IC) to roll out an innovative STEM education initiative across border districts of Kashmir.

The project titled “Psychology-Driven STEM Learning to Build Scientific Temper in the Border Villages of Kashmir" is sanctioned under JKST&IC’s Sponsored Research and Extension Programme 2025–26.

The project aims to blend behavioural science with hands-on technology learning to foster scientific curiosity among students in Bandipora (including Gurez), Kupwara and Baramulla, with Srinagar as the pilot hub.

The initiative is jointly spearheaded by Dr Eshrat Ara, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, GCW MA Road (Principal Investigator), and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Rajendran, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, NIT Srinagar (Co-PI).

Around 120 teachers and student mentors will be trained in interactive STEM modules including drone basics, microcontrollers, low-cost sensors and 3D printing.

The project will host pop-up innovation camps expected to directly engage nearly 600 students and indirectly benefit over 6,000 learners in border-area schools.

The programme is designed to boost confidence and resilience among students in remote regions.

Principal GCW MA Road, Prof. (Dr.) Yasmeen Farooq said the initiative aligns with the institution’s commitment to expanding access to quality learning as it completes 75 years.