Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
24.8% of enterprises in Bastar are women-owned. 71% of women have their own bank account, behind the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹18,180 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
84% of registered enterprises are in services while 16% are in manufacturing. Only 4% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. 62% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Bastar, which ranks 23 of 33 in Chhattisgarh for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 42.8 out of 100. It runs ahead of the national picture on women in the labour force at 68.8% and women's freedom of movement at 54.9%. On women taking part in all major household decisions at 79.5%, it sits close to the national mark.