Andhra Pradesh Launches Digi-Lakshmi to Empower Urban Women
The Andhra Pradesh Government launched an initiative – ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ – on June 30, 2025 to assist the urban poor women who want to establish themselves as digital service providers. The state plans to set up 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). This is a significant move towards establishing digital employment and women-owned businesses.
What is the Digi-Lakshmi Scheme?
Digi-Lakshmi is aimed at providing women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) a path to become small businesses. These women will establish digital kiosks (ATOM Kiosks) by delivering nearly 250 public services – bill payments, certificates, application for various schemes, etc. Digi-Lakshmi is part of a broader plan namely ‘One Family, One Entrepreneurs’ (OF-OE) focused on encouraging urban women to become entrepreneurs.
Who will run the Centres?
In order for these services centres to be developed, women must meet specific criteria:
• Be within the age of 21 – 40 years
• Be married and settled in the area
• Have been an active SHG member for at least 3 years
• Be from a graduate background along with a basic understanding of technology
Each women would receive training and handholding from the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). They can also avail loans between ₹2 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh to initiate running the centres.
Government Participation and Future Action
The scheme was officially launched by MA&UD Department. The order (G.O. MS. No. 117) was issued by S. Suresh Kumar, PP. The Mission Director, MEPMA is going to be in charge the execution of the scheme. These centres will create digital jobs for urban poor women and deliver services to the public.
The objective is to make SHG women self-sustaining and facilitate women’s small businesses in cities and towns throughout Andhra Pradesh.