In a significant move towards realizing the ‘Viksit Maharashtra’ goal under the ‘Viskit India 2047’ vision, the Maharashtra Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, has sanctioned the formation of a new independent department focusing on Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence. The existing Directorate of Information Technology will be revamped into the Directorate of Electronics, IT, and AI. A dedicated IT Cadre will be established to drive IT, AI, and digital governance across ministerial departments, the Commissioner’s office, and all districts.
CM Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s pioneering role in AI startups during a recent state legislature session. Emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering fintech and AI startups, he aims to propel Maharashtra towards becoming a trillion-dollar economy. Technology is poised to underpin this economic growth, with the government positioning the state as a frontrunner in the startup and technology domain.
The state Cabinet has also greenlit the financial restructuring of Mahavitaran, the state power distribution company, through the issuance of government bonds worth Rs 32,679 crore in the capital market. Additionally, an Agri Demerger will segregate the agricultural distribution business, with plans for Mahavitaran to be publicly listed.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech) to enhance administrative efficiency using geospatial technology. This center will focus on technological advancements, research, geospatial innovation, and entrepreneurial initiatives, offering educational programs for students, professionals, and researchers.
Additionally, the restructuring of the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) has been endorsed, transitioning it into a company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013. This transformation will expedite various projects related to road information systems, urban planning, watershed development, hilly area development, e-Panchnama, Maha Agri Tech, mangrove studies, groundwater management, and mineral/mining studies.
Moreover, the state Cabinet has given the go-ahead for the Maharashtra Resilience Development Program (MRDP) implementation, aimed at raising disaster management funds with private capital assistance, including a Rs 165 crore fund from the World Bank. The program will extend relief on home loans for disaster-affected individuals, provide credit concessions and insurance security to MSMEs, and develop flood prevention strategies for the Krishna Basin encompassing Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ichalkaranji.
