Maharashtra Gears Up to Draft Its First AI Policy, Aligning with National IndiaAI Mission

Maharashtra Announces Plans for First AI Policy

The Maharashtra government has revealed its intention to draft the state's first independent artificial intelligence (AI) policy. This initiative, announced by state IT minister Ashish Shelar, aims to position Maharashtra as a major player in the AI sector 1

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Alignment with National AI Mission

The proposed policy will align with the national IndiaAI Mission, launched by the Central government with a budget of ₹10,372 crore over five years. This alignment demonstrates Maharashtra's commitment to contributing to India's broader AI ambitions 2

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Key Objectives of the Policy

The policy aims to leverage AI for multiple purposes:

1. Economic Growth: Attract businesses and boost industries through AI adoption.
2. Job Creation: Generate employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, in AI-related fields.
3. Public Services Enhancement: Implement AI-driven solutions to improve governance and public services.
4. Workforce Preparation: Develop specialized training programs and industry collaborations to prepare the workforce for AI-driven changes in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and logistics 2

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Focus on Data Collection

A significant aspect of the policy will be the collection and aggregation of non-personal datasets starting from January 2025. This initiative aims to build a comprehensive database for the India AI Datasets Platform, supporting the national AI mission 2

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Policy Development Process

The draft policy is expected to be unveiled later this year. The development process will involve:

1. Incorporating stakeholder input
2. Aligning with Maharashtra's economic and social priorities
3. Review by experts and industry leaders before finalization 2

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Regional AI Initiatives

Maharashtra's move comes as other Indian states, including Karnataka, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat, are also independently progressing on their AI initiatives to boost their respective economies. This trend highlights the growing recognition of AI's potential at the state level 2

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National Context

The Maharashtra government's initiative aligns with the central government's aggressive steps to position India as a leading global AI player. The union cabinet recently approved the IndiaAI Mission with an allocation of INR 10,372 Cr over the next five years. This national mission aims to foster innovation in the homegrown AI ecosystem through a public-private partnership (PPP) model 1

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As states across India race to embrace AI technologies, Maharashtra's forthcoming policy represents a significant step towards harnessing AI's potential for economic growth and technological advancement.