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Maharashtra Creates New IT & AI Dept, Restructures Key Agencies for Digital Push

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the creation of an independent Department of Electronics, IT, and AI to accelerate digital governance. It will establish a new permanent IT Cadre and convert the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre into a company. The government also approved a major financial restructuring and future listing of the state power distributor, MSEDCL. Furthermore, the Maharashtra Responsive Development Programme will mobilize funds for disaster management and flood mitigation projects.

Key Points: Maharashtra Approves New IT & AI Department, Major Reforms

  • New IT & AI department approved
  • IT Cadre created for state offices
  • MRSAC to become a company
  • MSEDCL financial restructuring & listing
  • Disaster management funding via MRDP
2 min read

Maharashtra cabinet approves new independent Dept of Electronics, IT and AI

Maharashtra cabinet approves a new independent IT & AI department, creates an IT Cadre, and restructures MRSAC and MSEDCL to boost digital governance.

"This is an important step towards achieving the goal of a Developed Maharashtra under the Developed India 2047 vision. - State Government"

Mumbai, April 7

The Maharashtra cabinet has approved the establishment of a new independent Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence in the state. This is an important step towards achieving the goal of a Developed Maharashtra under the Developed India 2047 vision.

The existing Directorate of Information Technology will be converted into the Commissionerate of Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence. A new Information Technology Cadre (IT Cadre) with permanent posts will be created for the Mantralaya departments, the Commissioner's office, and all districts. This move is expected to accelerate IT, AI, and digital governance in the state.

Other than that, the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) will now be converted into a company. Its registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, will be cancelled, and it will be established as a company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

This decision will speed up projects such as the Road Information System, Urban Planning, Jalyukt Shivar-Watershed Development, Hill Development Scheme, e-Panchanama, Maha Agri Tech, Mangrove studies, Groundwater management, and mineral and mining studies.

A Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeotech) company will also be established to enhance governance through the use of Geospatial Technology. With modern technology, research, geospatial innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives, educational programmes will be introduced for students, professionals, and researchers.

Financial restructuring of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (MSEDCL / Mahavitaran) will be undertaken. Government-guaranteed loans worth Rs 32,679 crore will be raised in the capital market through government bonds. Additionally, the agricultural distribution business will be separated (Agri Demerger), and Mahavitaran will also be listed on the capital market

Additionally, approval has been granted to implement the Maharashtra Responsive Development Programme (MRDP). Funding will be mobilised for disaster management with the support of private capital, including ₹165 crore from the World Bank. Citizens affected by disasters will receive concessions on home loans, while MSMEs will receive loan relief and insurance protection. Plans will also be prepared to improve floodwater drainage in Kolhapur, Sangli, and Ichalkaranji, and to reduce flood risks in the Krishna river basin.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Converting MRSAC into a company is smart. It should make projects more efficient. But I really hope the flood management plans for Kolhapur and Sangli are implemented quickly. We suffer every monsoon. Actions matter more than announcements.
R
Rohit P
Creating a permanent IT Cadre is excellent for stability and expertise. However, listing MSEDCL on the market? Hope it doesn't lead to higher electricity tariffs for common people. Need transparency in this financial restructuring.
S
Sarah B
The educational programmes for geospatial tech sound promising. As a researcher, I'm keen to see what opportunities MahaGeotech will create. Bridging the gap between academia and governance is crucial.
M
Meera T
Good move overall. But with so many new departments and companies, there's a risk of bureaucracy and delays. Hope they focus on execution and ground-level impact, especially for farmers and MSMEs mentioned in the MRDP.
V
Vikram M
Jalyukt Shivar and groundwater management using remote sensing is a game-changer for Maharashtra's water crisis! This is the kind of tech application we need. Hope it reaches every village. 🙏

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