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Maharashtra Creates New IT & AI Department to Drive Digital Governance

The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the creation of a separate Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Department. This move involves establishing a new IT cadre with hundreds of posts across state and district administrations. A significant budget of nearly Rs 133.35 crore has been sanctioned annually to support this initiative. The restructuring aims to enhance digital governance, policy-making, and the integration of modern technology into public services.

Key Points: Maharashtra Establishes Dedicated Electronics, IT & AI Department

  • New dedicated IT & AI department formed
  • 427-post IT cadre for state administration
  • 77 posts for new Commissionerate
  • Rs 133.35 crore annual budget approved
  • Internship for 200 engineering graduates launched
2 min read

Maha Cabinet clears establishment of new Electronics, IT & AI dept

Maharashtra Cabinet approves new Electronics, IT & AI Department, creating over 500 posts and a Rs 133 crore budget to boost e-governance and tech policy.

"This will ensure expanding online government services and improving administrative efficiency - State Government Statement"

Mumbai, April 7

The Maharashtra Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, on Tuesday, in a bid to achieve Viksit Maharashtra, approved the creation of a dedicated Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence Department.

This decision will lead to the formation of a new Information Technology cadre (IT cadre), comprising permanent positions for the Ministry (Mantralaya), the Commissioner's office, and all districts.

As part of this restructuring, the existing IT desk under the General Administration Department will be separated to form this new independent department.

Additionally, the Directorate of Information Technology will be transformed into the Commissionerate of Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence.

A total of 77 posts will be created for this Commissionerate.

To manage IT-related operations within the Ministry, other administrative departments, and District Collector offices, a separate IT cadre of 427 posts will be established.

As many as 389 technical cadre positions will be filled through outsourcing for project management and the monitoring of operational projects.

"The Maharashtra e-Mission Team (MEMT) will be established to oversee this recruitment.

To ensure a steady supply of skilled manpower, an internship programme will also be launched for 200 engineering graduates.

The establishment of a separate department will help increase enhanced governance, technological integration, strategic policy making, digital infrastructure and cross sector impact.

"This will ensure expanding online government services and improving administrative efficiency through e-governance and utilising research, technology, and innovation in an integrated manner to address developmental needs and administrative challenges. This will help accelerate policy formulation and implementation for tech-based solutions, enable planned use of digital services, data-driven decision-making, cyber security, and emerging technologies," the state government statement said.

According to the government statement, the new department and IT cadre will coordinate traditional knowledge with modern technology to make administration more accessible, transparent, and citizen-centric in sectors like sustainable agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and indigenous manufacturing.

The State Cabinet has also sanctioned an annual expenditure of nearly Rs 133.35 crore required for the creation of these positions within the department.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Creating 427 permanent posts and 389 outsourced positions... that's a lot of new government jobs. While the intent is good, I hope the focus remains on efficiency and not just expanding bureaucracy. The ₹133 crore annual cost is significant – taxpayers will want to see clear results in terms of faster services and transparency.
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Vikram M
Finally! A separate department for this. The current system is too slow and fragmented. If this can make getting a caste certificate, property registration, or even a simple police clearance online actually smooth, it will be a huge relief. "Viksit Maharashtra" needs "Viksit Digital Services" first.
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Rohit P
Integrating AI with traditional knowledge for agriculture and healthcare sounds promising. If they can develop solutions for our farmers or improve rural healthcare access, that would be real development. Hope the execution matches the vision. The internship programme is a good start to get fresh talent involved.
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Sarah B
As someone working in the tech sector here, this is a positive signal to the industry. A clear policy framework and dedicated department can streamline approvals and foster innovation. The focus on cybersecurity is also crucial. Maharashtra is already a hub, this could solidify its position if implemented well.
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Meera T
Good move, but I have a concern. With so many posts being filled via outsourcing (389 positions), will there be proper accountability? Government projects often get delayed when managed by external agencies. The MEMT needs to ensure these projects deliver real value on time and within budget.

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