In a boost to Digital India and to boost the adoption of artificial intelligence in the state administration, the Government of Maharashtra has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft Corporation to establish three Artificial Intelligence (AI) centres of excellence in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
The MoUs were signed in the presence of Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai.
The Maharashtra government has also decided to form a high-power committee to strengthen Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enforcement of Reformed Laws Limited (MARVEL) for the efficient use of AI in government and semi-government offices.
Microsoft will help train the Maharashtra government staff in the use of Microsoft's Co-pilot AI platform that will make the government more efficient, transparent, and responsive to people's needs.
Microsoft will also help in establishing three AI Centers in the state.
Mumbai Centre for Geospatial Analytics
Forensic Research and AI Centre in Pune
Centre for Excellence in Nagpur
The state cabinet also decided to set up a high-power committee led by Chief Secretary Sujata Saunik to strengthen MARVEL for the efficient use of AI in government and quasi-government offices.
MARVEL was set up by the state government in 2024 to promote the use of AI in police investigations.
The scope of MARVEL has been extended to all government and quasi-government offices.