Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
19.3% of enterprises in Purnia are women-owned. 74.2% of women have their own bank account, close to the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹13,655 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
79% of registered enterprises are in services while 21% are in manufacturing. Only 5% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. Only 41% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Purnia, which ranks 33 of 38 in Bihar for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 39.1 out of 100. It trails the national picture on women in the labour force at 41.6%. On women's freedom of movement at 39.5% and women taking part in all major household decisions at 71.6%, it sits close to the national mark.