In a major step toward digital inclusion and women-led entrepreneurship, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched the ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ scheme to establish 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The initiative, announced through G.O. MS. No. 117 by S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary, MA&UD, aims to digitally empower urban poor women and operationalize the government’s ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ (OF-OE) vision.
These CSCs will be managed exclusively by eligible Self-Help Group (SHG) women, facilitating their transformation into Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Designed as standardized ‘ATOM Kiosks’, each centre will deliver around 250 public services. SHG women aged 21–40, with a graduate degree, a minimum of three years of active SHG membership, and adequate technical aptitude, are eligible to operate these centres.
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The Mission Director of MEPMA has been authorised to implement the scheme, including the facilitation of training and financial support. Women operators will be eligible for loans ranging from ₹2 to ₹2.5 lakh. CSC e-Governance Services India Limited will conduct hands-on training for identified SHG members on centre operations and login protocols, ensuring smooth implementation.
