Fadnavis unveils geo-technology centre, digital governance push

The Maharashtra government has announced a major push to strengthen the statersquos digital infrastructure and technological capabilities including the establishment of a GeoTechnology Application Centre as part of its vision to build a robust digital ecosystem Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement while presenting the Maharashtra Budget 2026 in the state assembly on FridayThe proposed centre will support nationallevel initiatives and help accelerate economic development by leveraging advanced technologies such as geospatial analytics artificial intelligence and datadriven planningGeotechnology centre to support development planningAccording to the chief minister the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre will play a key role in strengthening the statersquos ability to plan and implement major projects using geospatial technologiesFadnavis said the centre will assist the government in efficiently executing national programmes and improving governance through the use of advanced mapping and data tools The initiative is expected to enhance planning in sectors such as infrastructure urban development agriculture and disaster managementThe government aims to use modern technology to ensure faster decisionmaking and more accurate implementation of development projects across MaharashtraPush for fully digital governanceThe chief minister also outlined the governmentrsquos plans to digitise all citizen and business services to improve governance and transparencyldquoThe state government plans to computerise 100 per cent of land transactions adopt a fully electronic office system and move towards paperless government functioningrdquo Fadnavis said during his Budget speechThese measures are aimed at simplifying administrative processes reducing paperwork and making public services more accessible to citizens and businessesIndependent department for IT and Artificial IntelligenceTo strengthen policy implementation in the technology sector the government has announced the creation of an independent Department of Electronics Information Technology and Artificial IntelligenceAccording to Fadnavis the new department will focus on developing policies for emerging technologies while ensuring faster decisionmaking and greater accountabilityThe department will be supported by a dedicated commissionerate staffed with specialised technical experts enabling the state to effectively manage technologydriven initiativesPartnerships with global and national tech institutionsAs part of efforts to build a strong innovation ecosystem the Maharashtra government has signed letters of intent with global and national institutions including OpenAI and Sarvam AIThese partnerships aim to strengthen the statersquos capabilities in artificial intelligence and foster collaboration in research and developmentAdditionally the government has signed memoranda of understanding with the Indian Institute of Technology IIT Bombay and BharatGen to promote innovation research and development in emerging technology sectorsFocus on frontier technologies and cybersecurityFadnavis said the state government is planning to introduce special policies to develop Maharashtra as a global hub for frontier technologies including artificial intelligence quantum computing drones autonomous vehicles and deep technologyThe government will also implement a comprehensive cyber security policy aligned with the vision of lsquoViksit Maharashtra 2047rsquo aimed at creating a secure and resilient digital environmentTo further strengthen digital infrastructure the state will set up an advanced state data centre in Nagpur to ensure the safety and protection of Maharashtrarsquos sovereign data and digital applicationsThe chief minister said these initiatives are part of a broader effort to transform Maharashtra into a futureready technologydriven economy while improving governance and public service delivery