The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new Artificial Intelligence policy aimed at attracting investments of ₹10,000 crore and generating 1.5 lakh jobs, marking a major push to position the state as a leading AI hub.
The policy outlines the establishment of six AI Excellence Centres and five AI Innovation Cities to drive research, innovation and industry adoption, according to an official statement.
Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Minister Ashish Shelar said the primary focus of the policy is large-scale employment generation and building a skilled workforce aligned with emerging technological demands.
He said around two lakh youth will be trained in AI technologies under the initiative, while the state plans to develop 50 AI tools and use-cases to accelerate adoption across industries and businesses.
To strengthen infrastructure, the government will provide 2,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to support high-performance computing needs essential for AI deployment. Additionally, 5,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) will receive financial assistance to integrate AI into their operations.
The policy also proposes the creation of a ₹500 crore venture capital fund to promote AI-based startups and unicorns, with the state contributing ₹250 crore. Subsidies for machinery purchases and incentives such as concessions in electricity tariffs, power subsidies and stamp duty are also part of the package to encourage AI-driven industrial growth.
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In a move aimed at improving governance, AI-based agents will be developed to simplify interactions between citizens and government services. The state will also extend financial support for the creation of AI-ready databases in Marathi and other regional languages to boost inclusivity.
Significantly, the policy includes the creation of a dedicated framework for ethical AI, making Maharashtra the first state in the country to propose such guidelines, the minister said.
Alongside the AI policy, the Cabinet approved the implementation of ‘MAJESTIC’ (Maharashtra Accelerating Green Energy and Storage Technologies Integration in Connected Grid), a scheme aimed at enhancing the use of green energy. The state plans to secure funding support from the World Bank for the initiative.
The Cabinet also cleared the establishment of the Green Maharashtra Commission, which will spearhead an ambitious afforestation drive targeting the plantation of 300 crore trees.
With a focus on investment, innovation and sustainability, the decisions reflect Maharashtra’s broader strategy to align economic growth with technological advancement and environmental goals.
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