Pillar: Connectivity
36.5% of households in Malda fall in the poorest wealth quintile, behind the typical district. 25.4% of women own a house in their name, behind the typical district. The Social Welfare Office administers pensions, aid, and support schemes aimed at this poorest segment.
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 trails the national picture on women who own land at 23.3% and children under five who are stunted at 40.5%. On women with a bank account at 78%, it sits close to the national mark.
Mandated services and how to locate the Social Welfare Office 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.