Maharashtra is gearing up to draft its own Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, aiming to position the state as a leader in technological innovation and a significant player in the global AI landscape. State Information and Technology Minister Ashish Shelar emphasized the need for such a policy during a meeting with IT Department officials at the Sahyadri Guest House on Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by IT Department Secretary Parrag Jaiin Nainutia, MahaIT Managing Director Jayshree Bhoj, and senior officials from various departments. Minister Shelar highlighted the transformative potential of AI, urging the state to act swiftly to capitalize on the opportunities it presents.

“By adopting AI, we can drive economic growth, generate jobs for the youth, and strengthen our position in the global AI landscape,” Shelar said during the discussions. He underscored the importance of leveraging AI to boost industries, attract investments, and create employment opportunities, thereby establishing Maharashtra as a major player in the sector.

The initiative comes in the backdrop of the India AI Mission, launched earlier this year by the central government with a budget of Rs 10,372 crore. The mission seeks to enhance AI capabilities across the nation and includes initiatives such as the India AI Datasets Platform, application development programs, graphic processing units, innovation centers, skill development, and support for startups.

Minister Shelar pointed out the necessity for Maharashtra to align its AI goals with the national program to remain competitive. “The AI era has begun, and the state must seize this opportunity,” he remarked. He directed the authorities to ensure that the state’s AI policy complements the India AI Mission while catering to the unique needs of Maharashtra.

From January 2025, the central government plans to start collecting and aggregating non-personal datasets to build a comprehensive database for the India AI Datasets Platform. This initiative aims to provide seamless access to startups, companies, academics, and researchers, facilitating the development of AI applications and specialized services. Minister Shelar highlighted the importance of Maharashtra’s active participation in this process to build a robust AI ecosystem.

The meeting concluded with directives for immediate action to draft the policy, which will outline strategies for developing AI infrastructure, fostering innovation, and equipping the workforce with necessary AI skills. This policy is expected to position Maharashtra as a frontrunner in the AI sector, paving the way for technological and economic growth.

With the forthcoming AI policy, Maharashtra is set to join the ranks of states spearheading technological advancements, ensuring its role as a pivotal contributor to India’s AI-driven future.