In a major push towards digital governance, the Maharashtra government has entered into a strategic partnership with Microsoft Corporation to establish three state-of-the-art Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centres of Excellence in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur. The initiative is aimed at embedding AI-driven efficiencies across critical administrative functions.
Mumbai: Geospatial Analytics Centre to Drive Data-Backed Governance
The Mumbai-based Centre for Geospatial Analytics will be hosted in the office of the Chief Secretary. This hub will offer advanced geospatial analytics capabilities to support high-level decision-making. By harnessing satellite imagery, spatial data management, and GIS-based applications, the centre is set to revolutionise how governance decisions are made, especially in areas like urban planning, disaster management, and infrastructure development.
Pune: AI-Powered Forensic Capabilities to Support Law Enforcement
The Centre of Excellence in Pune will focus on integrating AI capabilities with the existing forensic science infrastructure. It will enable more robust and accurate criminal investigations by enhancing forensic data analysis, streamlining evidence management, and accelerating the turnaround time in solving cases. The centre is expected to be a significant support system for Maharashtra’s law enforcement agencies.
Nagpur: MARVEL to Pioneer AI in Enforcement and Governance Reforms
Nagpur will host the Maharashtra Advanced Research and Vigilance for Enforcement of Reformed Laws Limited (MARVEL). This AI centre will focus on leveraging technology to improve government vigilance, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms. It aims to promote innovative governance reforms through advanced AI solutions. Collaboration between MARVEL and IIM Nagpur will ensure sustained capacity-building and research support.
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Microsoft to Lead Capacity Building Through MS Learn
As part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Microsoft will provide comprehensive training and certification to government employees via its MS Learn platform. This component is designed to ensure the effective and sustainable adoption of AI across government departments by equipping staff with the skills needed to operate and leverage the new centres.
