Ajit Pawar calls for AI-based skill development courses across key sectors in Maharashtra

Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar chairs a meeting to discuss the establishment of AI centres in the state, at Mantralaya on Monday.

Recognising the need for skilled manpower with expertise in Artificial Intelligence (AI) across sectors such as agriculture, industry, trade, cooperation, education, healthcare, and urban development, Deputy Chief Minister (CM) Ajit Pawar has called for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based skill development training courses. These courses should be tailored for students from Industrial training institute (ITI), polytechnics, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, he directed officials in a meeting held at Mantralaya on Monday.

The Deputy CM further said that the departments of industry, technical education, and skill development should play a guiding and coordinating role in the creation of these courses.

IN PHOTOS: Clouds shroud the Mumbai skyline, Bandra-Worli Sea Link

20 hours agoPHOTO GALLERY

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the state government and Microsoft has already been signed to establish AI Centres of Excellence, with an aim to enhance administrative efficiency, transparency, and digital literacy. Drawing inspiration from the Microsoft Centre of Excellence in Noida and Google's IT Park in Hyderabad, the state is also looking to set up an IT Park or Innovation Centre in Baramati - Pawar's Assembly Constituency - led by the Agricultural Science Centre.

This project was discussed in detail during a special meeting, which was chaired by the Deputy CM, and attended by various senior officials including Minister of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Employment, and Innovation, Mangal Prabhat Lodha; Additional Chief Secretary of the Planning and Development Department Rajgopal Deora; Additional Chief Secretary of the Finance Department OP Gupta; Additional Chief Secretary of Skill Development Manisha Verma; Principal Secretary of Information Technology Parag Jain-Nainutia; Secretary to the Deputy CM Dr Rajesh Deshmukh; Industries Secretary Dr Anbalang P; Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) P Velarasu; Microsoft Industry Director and agriculture expert Sapna Noharia; Ratan Tata Skill Development University Vice-Chancellor Apurva Palkar; Skill Development Commissioner Nitin Patil; Baramati Agricultural Development Trust CEO Professor Nilesh Nalavade, and Kiren Gujar from Vidya Pratishthan, along with other experts and senior officials from various government departments.

The meeting highlighted several key initiatives:

Establishment of world-class AI laboratories in the state through Microsoft

Commencement of AI training at Baramati's Agricultural Science Centre

Increased adoption of AI technology in the agriculture sector

The collaboration between Microsoft and the government will focus on knowledge exchange, effective use of AI technology, digital skill enhancement, and setting up research centres. Additionally, the use of Microsoft's e-Sanjeevani technology for medical treatments will be extended to Baramati's Medical College, Silver Jubilee Hospital, and other hospitals across the state.

Pawar emphasised that the use of Artificial Intelligence in multiple sectors, including agriculture, industry, trade, and cooperation has become a critical need for the state. He assured that all those contributing to this effort, including Microsoft, would be welcomed and supported. He also reiterated that the state government would offer full cooperation to these initiatives.