Mumbai: In a major step towards digital governance, the Maharashtra government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Microsoft to establish Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centers of Excellence across the state here, on Tuesday, April 1.
The agreement, signed in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, aims to integrate AI into various administrative functions for enhanced efficiency and transparency.
The MoU was signed by Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik on behalf of the Maharashtra government and Venkat Krishnan from Microsoft. The event was attended by Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan, Principal Secretary to the CM Vikas Kharge, CM’s Secretary Srikar Pardeshi, Deputy CM’s Secretary Navin Sona, and Microsoft representatives Vikram Kale and Vishal Ghosh.
Three AI Excellence Centers to be Established Across Maharashtra
Under this initiative, three AI Centers of Excellence will be set up in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur:
• Mumbai – Geospatial Analytics Centre: This center will focus on geographic data analysis, supporting strategic decision-making through GIS and satellite imagery. Located within the Chief Secretary’s office, it will assist in urban planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development.
• Pune – AI for Forensics: This center will enhance crime investigation and forensic analysis by integrating AI technology into law enforcement procedures, expediting criminal case resolutions.
• Nagpur – MARVEL Centre: This AI-driven research and training hub will focus on law enforcement, governance efficiency, and public administration improvements. Government employees across Maharashtra will receive AI training and Microsoft certification through the MS Learn global platform, ensuring a tech-savvy workforce.
Microsoft’s AI-Powered Governance Solutions:
The Maharashtra government will leverage Microsoft Copilot to enhance various administrative processes, including:
• Automated document management – AI-powered summarization and analysis for efficient governance.
• Faster citizen grievance redressal – AI-assisted quick resolution of public complaints.
• Enhanced public sector operations – AI integration in healthcare, land records, and transport management.
• Traffic fine digitization – Direct linkage of penalties with Aadhaar and digital services for seamless processing.
With this initiative, Maharashtra aims to lead the way in AI-driven governance, ensuring efficiency, transparency, and digital transformation. The move will also boost employment in the IT and AI sectors, positioning Maharashtra as a global hub for AI innovation and investment.
“This collaboration strengthens Maharashtra’s vision for a ‘Digital India, Self-Reliant Maharashtra’ by harnessing AI for better governance and citizen services,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
