INSPIRE-MANAK and School-Based Innovation: A Case Study of District Kulgam, Kashmir
Abstract: The INSPIRE-MANAK Scheme seeks to cultivate scientific temper and innovation among school students. However, its effectiveness largely depends on awareness, mentoring, and institutional facilitation. The current study examines the outreach and implementation of INSPIRE-MANAK in District Kulgam (Kashmir Division) through responses collected from students, teachers, and Heads of Institutions. Descriptive analysis reveals that while a moderate proportion of students (53.84%) were aware of the scheme, only 16.23% had registered under INSPIRE-MANAK, indicating a substantial gap between awareness and active participation. Formal exposure to the scheme was limited, with merely 9.40% of students having attended any orientation programme, and satisfaction with such initiatives remaining modest. Teachers exhibited higher awareness levels (72%) but reported significant challenges in mentoring, primarily due to inadequate resources and limited structured guidance. Institutional leadership showed partial engagement, as only 40% of schools regularly organized orientation activities. Across all stakeholder groups, lack of resources, insufficient awareness, and limited mentoring emerged as dominant constraints. The findings highlight that INSPIRE-MANAK implementation in the district remains fragmented and episodic, underscoring the need for sustained awareness programmes, structured teacher training, and stronger institutional mechanisms aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020.
Keywords: INSPIRE-MANAK, School-Level Innovation, Experiential Learning, Creativity
How to Cite?: Sajad Hussain Mir, "INSPIRE-MANAK and School-Based Innovation: A Case Study of District Kulgam, Kashmir", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 390-393, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26206144318, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26206144318