Pillar: Opportunity Infrastructure
49.6% of enterprises in Malda are women-owned. 78% of women have their own bank account, close to the typical district. Small business loans in the district run at ₹35,754 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. 74% of school-age children are enrolled in higher secondary school (classes 9–12). Only 16% of ITI trainers are certified.
In Malda, which ranks 19 of 23 in West Bengal for youth opportunity, the overall opportunity score is 41.8 out of 100. It runs ahead of the national picture on women in the labour force at 56.7% and women's freedom of movement at 63.2%. On women taking part in all major household decisions at 73.4%, it sits close to the national mark.
Mandated services and how to locate the NRLM Self-Help Group in Malda are in the Malda district course and the English reference guide (Hindi). See the Malda youth opportunity scorecard for the full district picture.