In a major administrative reform, the state will establish an independent Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence
Devendra Fadnavis. File Pic
The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of key policy decisions spanning technology, infrastructure, energy reforms and disaster management, aimed at strengthening governance systems and accelerating the state’s long-term development agenda.
New Electronics, IT and AI Department to be Set Up
In a major administrative reform, the state will establish an independent Department of Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence. The move is aligned with the broader vision of achieving a “Developed Maharashtra” as part of the national Developed India 2047 roadmap.
As part of this restructuring, the existing Directorate of Information Technology will be upgraded into a Commissionerate of Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence. The Cabinet has also approved the creation of a dedicated IT cadre, with permanent positions across Mantralaya, commissionerate offices and district-level establishments.
Officials said the decision is expected to streamline digital governance and accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence across departments.
MRSAC to Be Converted into Section 8 Company
The Cabinet has approved the conversion of the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) into a Section 8 company under the Companies Act, 2013. Its current registration under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 will be cancelled.
The restructuring is intended to provide greater operational flexibility and improve execution of geospatial and remote sensing-based projects. These include applications in urban planning, watershed development under Jalyukt Shivar, agriculture technology, groundwater mapping, mangrove conservation, and mineral studies.
MahaGeoTech to Promote Geospatial Innovation
In a related move, the government has approved the establishment of a new entity, Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeoTech). The proposed centre will focus on leveraging geospatial technologies to improve governance and planning.
It will also support research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the sector, while facilitating training and educational programmes for students, professionals and researchers.
MahaVitaran Financial Restructuring Approved
The Cabinet has cleared a financial restructuring plan for Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MahaVitaran). Under the plan, government-backed loans worth Rs 32,679 crore will be raised through bonds in the capital market.
Additionally, the agricultural power distribution business will be demerged, a move referred to as the “Agri Demerger”. The utility is also expected to be listed in the capital market, signalling a shift towards greater financial transparency and operational efficiency in the power sector.
Disaster Resilience Programme Gets Nod
The Cabinet also approved the implementation of the Maharashtra Resilient Development Programme (MRDP), aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
The programme will mobilise funds, including Rs 165 crore from the World Bank, to support disaster mitigation efforts. It includes provisions for housing loan relief for disaster-affected citizens, as well as credit support and insurance protection for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Flood mitigation plans will be prepared for vulnerable urban centres such as Kolhapur, Sangli and Ichalkaranji, along with broader efforts to reduce flood risks in the Krishna river basin.
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