Mumbai, June 3 (IANS) In a major move to position Maharashtra at the forefront of the country’s advanced technology sector, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday approved the state’s first-ever ‘Maharashtra Quantum Policy’ and ‘Maharashtra Deep Tech Policy’.

With this initiative, Maharashtra is set to become the first state in India to implement a comprehensive policy for the entire Deep Tech ecosystem, he said. The announcement was made during a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Fadnavis.

“These two policies will be instrumental in boosting research, innovation, investment, and high-skilled job creation in the state. This is part of the state government’s broader vision to develop Maharashtra into a global technology hub. The implementation of these policies will provide a massive impetus to high-tech investments, cutting-edge research, and employment opportunities,” said the Chief Minister.

Further, CM Fadnavis also approved the formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), a joint venture between the Government of Maharashtra and Prasar Bharati, to develop a world-class ‘Integrated Film and Television Media Hub’ at the All India Radio (Prasar Bharati) land in Malad. The decision followed a review meeting chaired by the Chief Minister regarding the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Prasar Bharati.

CM Fadnavis noted that since the land is currently governed by No Development Zone (NDZ) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations, development is restricted to a limited area. To facilitate comprehensive development, necessary statutory clearances, regulatory amendments, and modifications to the Development Control Regulations (DCR) will be undertaken, with the state government extending full cooperation.

To accelerate the project, a joint committee of officials from both organisations will be formed to expedite the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) and the technical aspects. A consultancy firm will be appointed to conduct a pre-feasibility study and draft an infrastructure master plan. The Chief Minister has directed that all project components and the final development plan be finalised by the end of June.

Out of Prasar Bharati’s total 278-acre land parcel in Malad, approximately 150 acres are proposed for joint development alongside Film City. As most of All India Radio’s broadcasting shifts to FM systems, the unutilised land will be effectively repurposed to expand the media and entertainment sector.

The proposed media hub will feature state-of-the-art film studios, sound stages, hospitality services, IT & ITES infrastructure, and tourism development projects. It will also house international-standard film and music training institutes established in collaboration with renowned global educational institutions, said the government release.

–IANS

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