The Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has given the green light to the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy 2026, targeting an investment exceeding Rs 10,000 crore and the generation of 1.5 lakh job opportunities. This policy envisions the establishment of 6 AI Centers of Excellence and 5 AI Innovation Cities across the state to bolster AI infrastructure.
Recently, CM Fadnavis unveiled the ‘MahaChatur AI Chatbot’ to facilitate the transition from education to employment, offering a unified platform for skill development, job prospects, and entrepreneurial guidance. The chatbot, accessible through WhatsApp, aims to bridge the gap between industries seeking skilled labor and the youth in search of employment.
The Cabinet also approved initiatives to enhance green energy utilization and transmission capacity through the MAGESTIC project, funded by a World Bank loan. Additionally, in line with the ‘Social Equality and Harmony Year,’ the state plans to establish the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Chair at the London School of Economics and Political Science, providing doctoral scholarships in Dr Ambedkar’s name.
Furthermore, a special commission will oversee the ambitious campaign to plant 300 crore trees in Maharashtra, emphasizing environmental sustainability. The Cabinet has also raised scholarship amounts for students with disabilities pursuing higher education and allocated land for a new school in Ratnagiri district to improve educational facilities in the Konkan region.
Moreover, the Cabinet has revised the assured career progression scheme for non-teaching staff in tribal schools, extending benefits to non-teaching staff in government-aided Ashram schools after 12 and 24 years of service.
