Tue Jul 01 05:07:08 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided information, along with a brief context about the source:

**Andhra Pradesh Launches ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ Scheme to Empower Women Through Digital Access**

*Amaravati, India – July 1, 2025* — The Andhra Pradesh government has launched the ‘Digi-Lakshmi’ scheme, a bold initiative aimed at digitally empowering urban poor women by establishing 9,034 Common Service Centres (CSCs) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state. The program was officially announced through G.O. MS. No. 117, issued by S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD).

The Digi-Lakshmi centers will be operated by vetted Self-Help Group (SHG) women, aligning with the government’s ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ (OF-OE) vision. This initiative seeks to transform SHGs into thriving Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The standardized ‘ATOM Kiosk’ centers will provide access to approximately 250 public services.

To qualify as Digi-Lakshmi operators, women must be active SHG members for at least three years, aged between 21 and 40, married, residents of their operational areas, and possess a graduate degree with demonstrated technical aptitude.

The Mission Director of MEPMA has been authorized to oversee the program. MEPMA will provide crucial training and financial assistance, enabling the selected women to secure loans ranging from ₹2 to ₹2.5 lakh to establish and operate their centers.

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