Maharashtra Leading the Nation in AI, Digital Innovation and Cyber Security – Principal Secretary Brijesh Singh

‘Tech MahaImpact 2026’ Conference

Mumbai, May 2026 : Maharashtra is witnessing major transformation across sectors ranging from agriculture to citizen service delivery through technology, and the state government is working to make governance more efficient and citizen-centric through Artificial Intelligence (AI), e-governance and digital innovation, said Brijesh Singh. He was speaking at the high-level ‘Tech MahaImpact 2026’ conference focused on technology, innovation, digital governance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Brijesh Singh, Principal Secretary and Director General of the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, said Maharashtra’s political leadership possesses a deep understanding of technology and is effectively leveraging it for public welfare, employment generation and industrial growth. He added that the state government has formulated a clear policy for Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and many multinational companies are now shifting their business processes to India.

‘Golden Database’ Developed

He said Maharashtra has granted independent status to the Information Technology Department and established a dedicated structure for MahaIT. To prevent citizens from repeatedly submitting the same documents, the state has developed a “Golden Database.” Through this system, citizens’ information will be available in an integrated format, and eligibility for various schemes will be automatically verified through APIs, significantly speeding up paper-based administrative procedures.

The state is also implementing the e-office system across various departments to digitise administrative functioning. The government has launched special 100-day and 150-day initiatives to accelerate departmental work.

At the district level, satellite imagery is being used to detect encroachments, monitor deforestation and automate crop damage assessments caused by drought or excessive rainfall, enabling quicker assistance for farmers.

Maharashtra Moving Towards an AI University

Brijesh Singh said Maharashtra is working towards establishing its own AI university while focusing on developing skilled manpower for the technology sector.

To strengthen cyber security in the state, the “Maharashtra Cyber” programme was launched in 2015 with an allocation of nearly Rs 1,000 crore. Under this initiative, 47 state-of-the-art cyber laboratories have been established on the lines of the FBI as well as models in France and Estonia. He said this capability will now also be made available to other government departments and industries through the proposed “Maharashtra Cyber Security Corporation.”

‘Agri AI Policy’ Implemented

Brijesh Singh further stated that the state has implemented an “Agri AI Policy” and is working to overcome barriers related to language and literacy in technology usage.

An AI-based system is being developed to provide farmers with information related to crops, fertiliser management and markets through voice-based services on simple mobile phones in local tribal dialects such as Korku, Bhil and Madia.

He also said the state government is preparing for the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act. Keeping in mind data localisation requirements, emphasis is being placed on establishing indigenous data centres. Brijesh Singh added that full implementation of the law is expected by May next year.