The Maharashtra cabinet on Wednesday approved the Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 which envisages an investment of Rs 10,000 crore in the sector and creation of 1.5 lakh employment opportunities.
The government proposes to establish six AI Excellence Centres and five AI Innovation Cities under the policy, said an official statement.
The policy puts emphasis on building AI infrastructure in the state, it said.
Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Ashish Shelar said the primary objective of the policy is large-scale employment generation.
Two lakh youth be trained in artificial intelligence technologies to build a skilled workforce aligned with emerging technological demands, he said in a statement.
The policy envisages development of 50 AI tools and use-cases to increase adoption of AI across industries and businesses in the state, the minister said.
The state plans to provide 2,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to build robust computing infrastructure required for implementation of the policy, and 5,000 MSMEs will receive financial support to adopt AI technologies.
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The government will also set up a venture capital fund of Rs 500 crore to promote AI-based startups and unicorns, of which Rs 250 crore will be contributed by the state. Subsidies will also be provided for machinery purchases for AI-driven industries, the minister said.
The policy includes incentives such as concessions in electricity tariffs, power subsidies and stamp duty to promote AI adoption in education, employment, innovation and industry.
AI-based agents will be developed to simplify interaction between citizens and the administration, the minister said.
Financial support will also be extended to develop databases in Marathi and other local languages.
Maharashtra will become the first state in the country to create a separate framework for ethical AI, the minister said.
In other decisions, the cabinet decided to implement 'MAJESTIC' -- Maharashtra Accelerating Green Energy and Storage Technologies Integration in Connected Grid -- scheme for increased use of green energy. Loans will be obtained from the World Bank for the scheme and a preliminary report will be sent to the Centre, the official statement said.
The cabinet also approved establishment of the Green Maharashtra Commission to undertake an ambitious tree plantation campaign for planting 300 crore trees.
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