Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
24.9% of enterprises in Rayagada are women-owned. 86.9% of women have their own bank account, close to the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹29,470 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
77% of registered enterprises are in services while 23% are in manufacturing. Only 3% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. 73% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Rayagada, which ranks 5 of 30 in Odisha for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 48.5 out of 100. The district runs ahead of the national picture on women in the labour force at 78%, while it lags on women's freedom of movement at 18.3%. On women taking part in all major household decisions at 75.7%, it sits close to the national mark.