BARAMULLA, Jammu & Kashmir (India CSR): PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited (PNB MetLife), one of India’s leading life insurers, is expanding access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education for girls in Jammu & Kashmir through its flagship CSR initiative, Damini. Implemented in partnership with the Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW), the initiative focuses on strengthening STEM learning, which is increasingly important in equipping young people with critical thinking, problem solving, and digital skills for the future. Through Damini, PNB MetLife is creating greater educational opportunities for girls across the region to enhance their ability to engage in the country’s growth.
As part of the programme, a STEM Lab was inaugurated at Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kunzer, Baramulla. The inauguration was attended by representatives from Jammu & Kashmir Bank, JKASW and PNB MetLife.
The initiative reflects a recent baseline assessment conducted across 10 government schools in Baramulla and Pulwama districts to understand existing learning levels and measure programme impact. Covering 2,054 students from Classes 6 to 10, the assessment evaluated proficiency in Science, Mathematics and General Knowledge (GK)/Reasoning.
The study found that most students were performing at foundational and basic learning levels, with over 70% falling below the proficient benchmark in Science and Mathematics. This highlighted the need for stronger STEM interventions and hands-on learning support. The findings will serve as a benchmark for measuring learning progress and programme impact over the three-year initiative.
Speaking at the STEM Lab launch, Mohit Bahuguna, Chief Distribution Officer, Partnership and Group, PNB MetLife said, “At PNB MetLife, we believe that education is one of the strongest enablers of long-term social and economic progress. As India’s digital economy continues to grow and technology transforms the nature of work, STEM skills are becoming increasingly important for future career opportunities. With the country’s digital economy projected to contribute nearly one-fifth of national income by 2030 and demand for technology talent continuing to rise, it is important to equip young minds with the confidence, curiosity and problem-solving abilities needed to navigate a changing world and become a generation and inclusive growth.”
Speaking on this Ashfaq Ahmad Mattoo, Executive Director , Jammu and Kashmir Association of Social Workers said, “Working closely with schools, teachers and communities, we have seen tremendous enthusiasm among students to engage with science and technology, when learning is made interactive and relevant to their everyday lives. There is a significant gap in conceptual understanding and application-based learning across STEM subjects. Through these STEM Labs, we aim to transform how students learn by connecting classroom concepts with practical experimentation, enabling deeper understanding, stronger problem-solving abilities and sustained interest in STEM subjects.”
Adding to this, Tanveer Ahmad, DGM and Zonal Head, J&K Bank said, “Education is one of the most powerful enablers of social and economic development. Ensuring that young students have access to quality learning opportunities, particularly in STEM subjects, is essential to preparing them for a rapidly evolving world. We appreciate PNB MetLife for taking up this noble cause and making a meaningful contribution towards strengthening STEM education in the region. By establishing these STEM Labs, the initiative will help students develop curiosity, problem-solving abilities and the confidence to pursue new opportunities in education and beyond.”
The Kunzer lab has been established as part of a broader three-year programme being implemented by PNB MetLife in partnership with the JKASW. The programme established 10 STEM Labs across Baramulla and Pulwama districts, expanding access to quality STEM education for approximately 2,000 girls in the initial phase, with a long-term goal of reaching nearly 6,000 girls across 30 government schools in Jammu & Kashmir.
