Maharashtra To Roll Out First AI Policy, IT Dept To Unveil Draft Later This Year
Mumbai: The Information Technology department in Maharashtra has announced plans to unveil the state's first independent Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. The move aims to position Maharashtra as a frontrunner in technological innovation and harness the benefits of AI.
According to an announcement made by information and technology minister Ashish Shelar, the draft policy will be developed incorporating stakeholder input while aligning with the state's economic and social priorities.
The proposal will focus on attracting industries, fostering innovation, and generating employment for the youth through AI. The minister stressed that Maharashtra must seize this opportunity to remain competitive in the era of AI technology and capitalize on its transformative potential.
The draft policy is expected to be finalized later this year after receiving feedback from experts and industry leaders. A comprehensive database of non-personal datasets will be collected under the IndiaAI Mission, which was launched last year with a budget of Rs 10,372 crore.
The initiative aims at showcasing AI capabilities through projects such as the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, AI innovation centers, and funding support for startups. By leveraging AI, Maharashtra plans to create an ecosystem that empowers every sector to thrive in the digital age.
According to Shelar, "This is not just about technology; it's about creating an ecosystem." He added that the state can align its vision with national initiatives to make significant strides in implementing AI technologies across various sectors including healthcare, agriculture, education, and logistics.
The proposed policy will also focus on skill development and employment generation. With AI transforming industries and reshaping job roles, Maharashtra aims at preparing its workforce through specialized training programs and collaborations with industry leaders.
Shelar emphasized the significance of leveraging AI to enhance public services and governance. From predictive analytics in healthcare to precision farming and smart city initiatives, AI-driven solutions can be applied to improve citizens' lives while attracting global investments.
By embracing innovation and adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI, Maharashtra is poised to become a model state for technological development and economic growth.