‘The Common Citizen Is Our Vitthal; Tech Vari Is for Their Service,’ Says CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, May 2026 : Emphasising citizen-centric governance, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the ultimate purpose of technology is to simplify the lives of ordinary people. “The common citizen is our ‘Vitthal’, and ‘Tech Vari’ is dedicated to serving them,” he remarked while inaugurating the ‘Maharashtra Training Week’ under the ‘Tech Vari 2.0’ initiative organised by the General Administration Department at Mantralaya.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister stressed that governance must go beyond technology to include human sensitivity, mental well-being, self-reflection, and the ability to handle criticism. He noted that ‘Tech Vari’ represents a fast-track roadmap toward citizen-focused administration, leveraging technology to make governance more efficient, transparent, and accessible.

The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, Capacity Building Commission Chairperson Radha Chauhan, and senior officials from various departments.

Drawing a parallel with the traditional ‘Wari’ pilgrimage, Fadnavis said that just as devotees never miss their annual journey to Pandharpur, continuous learning is essential in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. He pointed out that the definition of literacy has evolved from basic reading and writing to digital and now artificial intelligence (AI) literacy. “Today, one who understands and can use AI is truly literate,” he said.

Highlighting the transformative impact of AI, he predicted that 80 to 90 per cent of job roles could change within the next 1,000 days. He urged officials not to fear technology but to embrace it, citing the computer revolution as an example of how innovation enhances efficiency and transparency. He also praised the widespread training of government employees through digital platforms and noted Maharashtra’s progress in adopting advanced technologies like AI and blockchain.

Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar described ‘Tech Vari 2.0’ as an opportunity for holistic development, combining technical learning with personal growth and modern thinking. She said the initiative reflects a movement toward a more capable and citizen-oriented administration.

Chief Secretary Rajesh Agarwal added that the programme focuses on both analytical and creative development through sessions on AI, project management, and language skills, alongside activities like yoga, music, and culture to enhance mental well-being.

The five-day programme includes expert sessions on digital governance, cybersecurity, quantum computing, generative AI, and ethics in administration, along with cultural events. An innovative AI agent named “Vasudev” also interacted with participants, showcasing the practical application of emerging technologies.