Maharashtra’s Information Technology Minister, Ashish Shelar, highlighted that the recently approved AI policy by the state cabinet aims to position Maharashtra as a leader in the digital-technology realm. This policy marks a significant step towards embracing innovation and leveraging AI’s transformative potential in various sectors. The state envisions creating new avenues for employment, industry growth, and innovation through this initiative.
The AI policy targets the generation of a substantial number of jobs, aiming to create about 1.5 lakh AI-based employment opportunities. Moreover, the plan includes training around two lakh individuals in AI to cultivate a skilled workforce for the future. The establishment of 50 AI tools/use cases and six Centers of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence across Maharashtra is also part of the policy’s agenda.
To drive AI adoption in industries, the state plans to promote the Applied AI Accelerator initiative, particularly focusing on the manufacturing sector. Additionally, Maharashtra aims to develop a robust computing infrastructure, including the provision of 2,000 GPUs, to support the implementation of AI technologies. Financial aid will be extended to 5,000 MSMEs to enhance productivity and profitability through AI integration.
Minister Shelar emphasized the state’s commitment to nurturing AI-based startups and fostering unicorns through the establishment of a Rs 500 crore venture capital fund, with a significant contribution from the government. Various incentives, such as subsidies for machinery procurement and concessions in electricity tariffs, power subsidies, and stamp duty, will be offered to promote AI adoption in education, employment, innovation, and industry.
The government’s focus also extends to developing AI-based agents to facilitate better communication between citizens and the administration. Maharashtra plans to create investment regions to attract more investments and provide financial support for the development of data ecosystems in local languages, including Marathi. Notably, the state will pioneer the creation of a dedicated framework for Ethical AI, with financial assistance allocated to promote indigenous AI research.
