02 August,2026 04:14 PM IST | Nagpur | mid-day online correspondent
CM Fadnavis said that rapid evolution of technology makes it imperative for educational systems to quickly adapt their teaching methods and curriculum. Pic/X
Artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors and quantum computing will be the defining technologies of the 21st century, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Sunday, stressing that educational institutions must evolve rapidly to prepare students for a technology-driven economy, reported the PTI.
Speaking at the inauguration of the AI Centre of Competency powered by NVIDIA at Ramdeobaba University in Nagpur, CM Fadnavis said universities should focus on creating industry-ready professionals rather than simply awarding degrees.
"The objective should be to develop cutting-edge, employable human resources that can meet the demands of a rapidly changing job market," he said, the news agency reported.
Highlighting the pace of technological advancement, CM Fadnavis said the interval between industrial revolutions has narrowed dramatically over time.
He noted that the first industrial revolution began around 1740, followed by the second in 1860 and the third around 1950. By contrast, discussions around Industry 4.0 started only about 2010, gained momentum by 2016-17 and, within a decade, attention has shifted towards Artificial intelligence, deep technologies and frontier innovations, with conversations already emerging around a sixth industrial revolution, as per the PTI.
According to the Chief Minister, the rapid evolution of technology makes it imperative for educational systems to quickly adapt their teaching methods and curriculum.
Fadnavis said artificial intelligence would influence virtually every sector of the economy and reshape the nature of work.
Referring to a discussion with a technology expert, he said nearly 75 per cent of existing jobs could undergo significant changes within the next 1,000 days. However, he clarified that AI would not necessarily eliminate jobs but would alter the skills and responsibilities required for them.
He urged educational institutions to rethink the way knowledge is imparted so graduates remain relevant in an AI-driven economy.
The Chief Minister said AI's impact would extend beyond industry and services to agriculture as well.
He highlighted the Maharashtra government's AI-powered Mahavistar application, which enables farmers to receive answers to agriculture-related queries in their preferred language, describing it as an example of technology improving access to information for cultivators.
Fadnavis commended Ramdeobaba University for adopting emerging technologies and exposing students to cutting-edge developments through initiatives such as the newly inaugurated AI Centre of Competency, the news agency reported.
(with PTI inputs)
