Mumbai, April 29 (IANS) Maharashtra Minister of Information Technology Ashish Shelar has said that the AI policy approved by the cabinet aims to position the state at the forefront of the digital-technology landscape.

The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday approved the state’s Artificial Intelligence Policy, marking a decisive leap into the future of technology.

He said that, as rapid technological and AI-driven advancements are reshaping industries and economies, Maharashtra is poised to lead from the front by embracing innovation and harnessing the transformative power of AI

He stated that AI policy will position Maharashtra at the forefront of the digital and technology landscape, creating new opportunities in employment, industry and innovation.

The primary objective of this policy is to generate large-scale employment, with a target of creating approximately 1.5 lakh AI-based jobs. Additionally, around two lakh youth will be trained in AI, helping build a future-ready skilled workforce, said the government release.

To promote the use of AI in industry and business, 50 AI tools/use cases will be developed. The policy also envisages setting up six Centres of Excellence for Artificial Intelligence across the state.

The Applied AI Accelerator initiative will be promoted to enhance AI adoption in the manufacturing sector. To support implementation, a robust computing infrastructure will be developed, including the provisioning of 2,000 GPUs in the state. Financial assistance will be provided to 5,000 MSMEs to improve productivity and profitability through AI adoption, said the government release.

According to Minister Shelar, special efforts will be made to encourage AI-based startups and create unicorns. A Rs 500 crore venture capital fund will be established, with Rs 250 crore contributed by the state government. Additionally, subsidies will be provided for machinery procurement for AI-based industries.

Minister Shelar said that the state government will offer various incentives to boost AI adoption in education, employment, innovation and industry, including concessions in electricity tariffs, power subsidies, and stamp duty. Focus will also be placed on developing AI-based agents to enhance communication between citizens and the administration. Investment regions will also be developed to attract greater investments into the state. Financial support will be provided to develop data ecosystems in Marathi and other local languages, said the government release.

“Notably, Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to create a dedicated framework for Ethical AI. Financial assistance will also be extended to promote indigenous AI research,” said the minister.

–IANS

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