Maharashtra is set to make its mark in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), with Information and Technology Minister Ashish Shelar directing his department to draft the state’s first standalone AI policy. The move, announced during a high-level meeting with IT officials at the Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai, is aimed at harnessing AI's transformative potential to modernize industries, governance, and economic development.
Minister Shelar highlighted that AI adoption could significantly boost Maharashtra's industrial landscape, attracting new businesses and creating abundant employment opportunities for the youth. He emphasized the importance of aligning the state’s efforts with national initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission, ensuring Maharashtra’s leadership in the ongoing AI revolution. The IndiaAI Mission, launched earlier this year, is a comprehensive program designed to strengthen AI capabilities across the country. Key components include the creation of the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, initiatives for application development, the establishment of the IndiaAI Innovation Centre, investments in Graphic Processing Units, and a Future Skills Programme aimed at upskilling the workforce. The mission also provides funding for startups specializing in AI, promoting innovation at grassroots levels.
A significant milestone under the IndiaAI Mission is the aggregation of non-personal datasets, set to begin in January 2025. This initiative will form the foundation for the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, a resource intended to empower startups, academics, researchers, and businesses. The platform will provide seamless access to essential data for developing applications, integrating with language models, and delivering specialized AI-driven services.
Shelar stressed that Maharashtra must seize this opportunity to position itself at the forefront of India’s technological advancements. By aligning with the broader national vision, the state could play a pivotal role in helping the country become a global leader in AI innovation and application. The meeting also included IT Principal Secretary Parrag Jaiin Nainutia, MahaIT Managing Director Jayshree Bhoj, and senior officials from allied departments, who discussed strategies to implement the policy effectively. The state government aims to ensure that the proposed AI policy not only aligns with national goals but also addresses the unique needs of Maharashtra’s industries and workforce.
This bold initiative reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive progress and economic growth, ensuring a future-ready ecosystem for businesses and citizens alike.