Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
30.4% of enterprises in Karaikal are women-owned. 95.1% of women have their own bank account, better than the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹71,203 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
82% of registered enterprises are in services while 18% are in manufacturing. Only 5% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. Only 58% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Karaikal, which ranks 2 of 2 in Puducherry for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 57.6 out of 100. It trails the national picture on women in the labour force at 37.5% and women's freedom of movement at 31.4%. On women taking part in all major household decisions at 68.3%, it sits close to the national mark.