Andhra Pradesh Launches Digi-Lakshmi to Empower Urban Women

The Government of Andhra Pradesh has started a new scheme called ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ on June 30, 2025, to help urban poor women become digital service providers. The State plans to set up 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This is an important step to promote digital jobs and women-led businesses.

What is the Digi-Lakshmi Scheme?

The Digi-Lakshmi scheme is designed to help women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) become small business owners. These women will run digital kiosks, called ATOM Kiosks, which will offer nearly 250 public services like bill payments, certificates, and applications for various schemes. This scheme is part of the larger plan called ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ (OF-OE) which aims to support women in becoming entrepreneurs.

Who Can Run These Centres?

To manage these service centres, women must meet certain conditions,

• Be aged between 21 and 40 years
• Be married and settled in their area
• Have been an active SHG member for at least 3 years
• Hold a graduate degree and have basic technical knowledge

Each woman will receive training and support from the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). They can also take loans between ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh to set up the centres.

Government Involvement and Future Plans

The scheme was officially launched by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department. The order (G.O. MS. No. 117) was issued by S. Suresh Kumar, the Principal Secretary. The Mission Director of MEPMA will take charge of running the scheme. These centres will not only provide services to the public but also create digital job opportunities for urban poor women.

The plan is to make SHG women self-reliant and promote women-led small businesses in cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh.