Maharashtra Government and Google Ink ‘AI for Maharashtra’ Pact, Elevating Pune’s Global Tech Standing
Pune, 8th February 2024: In a significant stride towards integrating cutting-edge technology for sustainable development, the Government of Maharashtra, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, sealed a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google. The agreement focuses on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology applications across sectors such as agriculture and healthcare.
The signing ceremony, held in Pune, saw the presence of key figures including Chief Secretary Dr. Nitin Kareer, Principal Secretary of Higher and Technical Education Department Vikas Chandra Rastogi, and Sanjay Gupta, India Head and Vice President of Google India.
Deputy Chief Minister Fadnavis emphasized the transformative potential of AI technology, envisioning an enhanced standard of living for the citizens of Maharashtra. The deal aims to usher in sustainable changes in agriculture and healthcare through innovative applications.
Fadnavis highlighted the rapid evolution of AI technology in the last six months and stressed the need for swift adoption to keep pace with its dynamic nature. He commended the Maharashtra government’s commitment to encouraging innovative experiments and expressed optimism about the positive impact of this agreement.
The collaboration with Google, the world’s largest technology company, extends beyond conventional applications, with plans to establish an AI Center of Excellence in Nagpur. Fadnavis projected that this partnership would not only elevate Pune’s stature on the global tech map but also position the state at the forefront of AI advancements.
In discussing the relevance of AI in agriculture, Fadnavis addressed the challenges faced by the sector, including climate change and drought. He asserted that technology could play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainability and predicting issues affecting agriculture.
Furthermore, Fadnavis underscored the significance of AI in healthcare, especially in reaching remote areas where access to quality medical care is often limited. The use of AI could facilitate the delivery of healthcare services to rural communities, overcoming the shortage of trained medical professionals.
Fadnavis proudly declared Maharashtra as the startup capital of India, noting that about 20 percent of the country’s startups and 25 percent of unicorns are based in the state. He attributed the success of Maharashtra’s startup ecosystem to the strategic partnerships formed with global tech giants.
Fadnavis emphasized that the startup culture, once confined to Mumbai, has now proliferated to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Notably, 30 to 35 percent of startups in Maharashtra are revolutionizing the agricultural sector, positively impacting the lives of farmers.
Concluding his remarks, Fadnavis outlined the pivotal role of technology in the efficient delivery of government schemes, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts in bringing 25 crore people above the poverty line in the last nine years through innovative technology-driven initiatives.
The partnership with Google encompasses seven sectors, including innovation, entrepreneurship, skill training, education, health, agriculture, environment, town planning, and transport planning. The collaboration is poised to propel Maharashtra into the forefront of AI-driven advancements, ensuring effective and innovative government services for its citizens.
