Maharashtra Cabinet’s Wednesday approval of the state’s first AI policy marks a watershed in India’s tech landscape. IT Minister Ashish Shelar hailed it as a game-changer, vowing to position the state as the nation’s AI vanguard amid rapid technological shifts.
‘AI is revolutionizing economies and industries,’ Shelar noted. ‘Maharashtra is ready to lead by embracing this technology and its immense potential.’ The policy’s ambition? Forge ahead in digital realms, spawning jobs, industries, and breakthroughs.
Job generation takes center stage, with a goal of 1.5 lakh AI-centric roles. Complementing this, 2 lakh youths will undergo AI skilling programs, creating a ready talent pool for tomorrow’s demands.
Practical rollout includes crafting 50 AI tools and models to spur industry uptake. Six AI Centers of Excellence will anchor research hubs statewide. Manufacturing gets ‘Applied AI Accelerator,’ backed by 2,000 GPUs in advanced computing setups.
Support for MSMEs is robust: 5,000 units will receive funding to adopt AI, driving efficiency gains. For startups, a Rs 500 crore VC fund—with Rs 250 crore from the state—targets unicorn creation. Machinery subsidies for AI firms add momentum.
A suite of concessions—electricity discounts, subsidies, stamp duty waivers—will incentivize AI integration in key sectors. AI-driven digital platforms will enhance governance-citizen interfaces. Investment zones and local-language data systems, including Marathi, will broaden access.
Ethical AI leads the way: Maharashtra aims to be India’s first with a dedicated framework, plus funding for homegrown AI R&D. This forward-thinking blueprint could redefine the state’s economic trajectory.
