Self-Help Groups of about 10 to 15 rural women under NRLM (Aajeevika), built into Village and Cluster Federations.
27.4% of enterprises in Cuddalore are women-owned. 89.3% of women have their own bank account, better than the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹62,569 per lakh population. NRLM Self Help Groups are the vehicle through which women access credit like this to build livelihoods.
75% of registered enterprises are in services while 25% are in manufacturing. Only 3% of employment is in small and medium enterprises. 82% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12).
In Cuddalore, which ranks 19 of 38 in Tamil Nadu for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 50.8 out of 100. It runs ahead of the national picture on women in the labour force at 57.4%. On women's freedom of movement at 44.2% and women taking part in all major household decisions at 76.9%, it sits close to the national mark.