Maharashtra Cabinet Approves New Department for Electronics, IT, and AI
In a significant move towards digital governance and technological advancement, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the creation of a dedicated Department of Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The decision was made at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday.
The move is aimed at accelerating the state’s “Viksit Maharashtra 2047” vision by strengthening policy-making, implementation, and monitoring of technology-driven governance initiatives. This vision seeks to transform Maharashtra into a technologically advanced and economically prosperous state by the year 2047.
As part of the decision, a separate Information Technology (IT) cadre will be established across Mantralaya, commissionerates, and all district-level offices. The existing IT functions under the General Administration Department will be carved out to form the new department. Additionally, the current IT Directorate will be upgraded into a full-fledged Directorate of Electronics, IT, and AI.
The Cabinet has approved the creation of 77 posts for the new commissionerate, while a dedicated IT cadre comprising 427 posts will be set up to handle technology-related functions across departments and district collector offices. Furthermore, 389 technical positions will be filled through external agencies to support project management and monitoring of implemented projects.
To facilitate recruitment and implementation, a Maharashtra e-Mission Team (MeMT) will be established. The government will also launch an internship programme for 200 engineering graduates to build skilled manpower for the sector.
Officials said the new department will play a key role in expanding online delivery of government services, improving administrative efficiency through e-governance, and enabling data-driven decision-making. It will also focus on cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and the integrated use of innovation across sectors.
The initiative is expected to enhance governance by making it more transparent, efficient, and citizen-centric, while also promoting technological applications in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, and indigenous manufacturing.
The Cabinet has also sanctioned an estimated annual expenditure of ₹133.35 crore for staffing and operational requirements of the new department.
