Maharashtra To Roll Out First AI Policy, IT Dept To Unveil Draft Later This Year

Last Updated:January 01, 2025, 16:10 IST

Information and technology minister Ashish Shelar said the draft policy will incorporate stakeholder input, while aligning with Maharashtra’s economic and social priorities

In a move to position Maharashtra as the frontrunner in technological innovation, information and technology minister Ashish Shelar has directed his department to draft the state’s first independent AI policy.

This policy will incorporate stakeholder input, while aligning with the state’s economic and social priorities. It will be reviewed by experts and industry leaders before being finalised, and is expected to be unveiled later this year.

Chairing a meeting at the Sahyadri Guest House, Shelar stressed on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and outlined the need for a comprehensive roadmap to harness its benefits. The meeting was attended by IT department secretary Parrag Jaiin Nainutia, MahaIT managing director Jayshree Bhoj, and other senior officials.

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Talks revolved around the integration of AI across industries, businesses, and governance to ensure Maharashtra becomes a key player within this ecosystem. “The era of AI technology has begun, and Maharashtra must seize this opportunity to emerge as a leader. By leveraging AI, we can attract industries, foster innovation, and generate employment for our youth. This is not just about technology; it’s about creating an ecosystem that empowers every sector to thrive in the digital age,” Shelar said.

He stressed on the importance of aligning Maharashtra’s vision with the national IndiaAI Mission, launched last year with a budget of Rs 10,372 crore. It focuses on advancing AI capabilities with initiatives like the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, AI innovation centres, and funding support for startups.

“The central government’s initiatives provide an excellent foundation. Maharashtra must align its aspirations with these efforts to amplify its impact and contribute to India’s ambition of becoming a global AI leader,” he said.

Under the IndiaAI Mission, the Centre is set to begin collecting and aggregating non-personal datasets from this month. The effort aims at creating a comprehensive database accessible to startups, researchers, and companies. These datasets will power innovative applications, improve language models, and facilitate specialised AI services.

Shelar highlighted that Maharashtra could play a pivotal role in this initiative by establishing strong infrastructure, policy frameworks, and partnerships. “The AI policy will ensure we are not just participants but leaders in this revolution,” he said.

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The proposed AI policy will also focus on skill development and employment generation. With AI technologies reshaping industries like healthcare, agriculture, education, and logistics, the state aims at preparing its workforce for the future through specialised training programmes and collaborations with industry leaders.

Shelar further said AI-driven solutions could significantly enhance public services and governance. From predictive analytics in healthcare to precision farming and smart city initiatives, the applications are limitless.

“We must capitalise on AI to improve the quality of life for citizens while attracting global investments,” he added.

As the Centre accelerates its AI initiatives, Maharashtra’s proactive approach could position it as a model state for innovation and development.