Deendayal Jan Aajeevika Yojana (Shehari): MoHUA's urban livelihoods mission, in pilot in 25 cities, replacing DAY-NULM.
587 jobs have been generated through self-employment loans in Mandla. 76.4% of jobs overall are self-employment, behind the typical district. The D-JAY(S) Urban Livelihoods unit works this ground, helping urban youth set up and sustain small enterprises.
85% of registered enterprises are in services while 15% are in manufacturing. Only 3% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. 61% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Mandla, which ranks 6 of 55 in Madhya Pradesh for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 46.6 out of 100. On women-owned enterprises at 17%, it sits close to the national mark. The district has 16,948 registered service enterprises.