Mumbai, April 29 (IANS). Maharashtra Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar said the AI policy has been approved in the cabinet meeting, which aims to take the state to the forefront of digital technology.
The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday approved the state’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy. This is being considered a big step for the state towards the future of technology.
Minister Ashish Shelar said that rapidly changing technology and AI based changes are changing the face of industries and economy. At such a time, Maharashtra is ready to play a leading role in the country by adopting new technology and harnessing the power of AI.
He said that this AI policy will take Maharashtra to the forefront in digital and technology sector and create new opportunities for employment, industry and innovation.
According to the government, the main goal of this policy is to generate employment on a large scale. Under this, a target has been set to provide about 1.5 lakh AI based jobs. Also, about 2 lakh youth will be given AI training, so that a skilled workforce can be prepared for the future.
50 AI tools and usage models will be developed to promote the use of AI in industry and business. Apart from this, 6 Centers of Excellence of Artificial Intelligence will also be established in the state.
‘Applied AI Accelerator’ initiative will be launched to increase the use of AI in the manufacturing sector. For this, a strong computing infrastructure will be created, in which 2,000 GPUs will be made available in the state.
The government said 5,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will be given financial assistance to adopt AI to increase their productivity and profits.
Minister Shelar said that special efforts will be made to promote AI based startups and create unicorn companies. For this, a venture capital fund of Rs 500 crore will be created, of which the state government will give Rs 250 crore. Besides, subsidy will also be given on purchase of machinery for AI based industries.
He said that the state government will provide various concessions to promote the use of AI in education, employment, innovation and industry. These include rebate in electricity rates, electricity subsidy and relief in stamp duty.
The government will also develop AI based digital systems for better communication between citizens and administration. Besides, special investment zones will be created to increase investment in the state.
The government will also provide financial assistance to develop data systems in Marathi and other local languages.
The minister said that Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to create a separate framework for the ethical use of AI. Besides, financial assistance will also be provided to promote indigenous AI research.
–IANS
AMT/ABM
