Maharashtra Cabinet Clears AI Policy, Eyes INR 10,000 Crore Inflows

With an investment target of more than INR 10,000 cr, the "AI Policy 2026" has been authorised by the Maharashtra cabinet. In addition, by 2031, the government aims to have created 1.5 lakh jobs. The objective of the state is to establish itself as a national epicentre for AI innovation. In addition to six sectoral Centres of Excellence and five AI innovation cities, the proposal suggests establishing a Maharashtra AI Mission.

In order to create a competent AI workforce, it also intends to educate 2 lakh young people and working professionals. The policy is structured on seven pillars, mimicking the design of the centre's 'IndiaAI Mission' framework. The following are the foundational elements: data ecosystems, infrastructure, training, innovation, assistance for startups, sectoral rollout, and leadership.

Maharashtra Creating Right Infra for AI Adoption

Regarding infrastructure, the state intends to establish a shared computing backbone using a 'compute-as-a-service' paradigm with a minimum of 2,000 GPUs. In addition to creating datasets in Marathi, regional dialects, and tribal languages, it will build up a State AI Data Exchange. The programme proposes a INR 500 cr AI startup fund, with the government putting in INR 250 cr to help 5,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) get off the ground.

Additionally, it suggests twelve AI incubators that would provide businesses with grants of up to INR 1 cr and women-led ventures with grants of up to INR 1.25 cr. Additionally, the strategy offers incentives including reduced power tariffs, exemptions from stamp duty, and capital subsidies. In addition, it establishes a governance framework for the responsible use of AI, which includes annual AI preparedness audits across government departments.

Goa Following the Footsteps of Maharashtra

Concurrently, the government of Goa unveiled a proposed artificial intelligence strategy with the dual goals of making the state a leader in technological innovation and promoting the ethical and equitable use of AI. Starting on May 4, the public will have 15 days to review and provide comments on the proposed policy. Topics covered include research infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, governance, AI skilling, and startup promotion.

The "Goa AI Mission 2027" is the government's plan to investigate the creation of LLMs. Restricting social media access for youngsters under the age of 16 is also being considered by the state, which is pushing for educational tools driven by artificial intelligence as an alternative. Tourism, banking, and government are just a few of the sectors that can benefit from the proposed framework's emphasis on sectoral deployment, accountability, and safety.