Maharashtra Launches ‘Maha AI’ Model to Build Data-Driven Governance: CM Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai, June 2026 : Maharashtra has taken a significant step towards building a knowledge-driven and data-based governance framework with the launch of the state’s own artificial intelligence platform, Maha AI, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Wednesday. The initiative is aimed at making government services faster, more accessible, transparent, and citizen-centric through the extensive use of technology.

The Chief Minister was speaking at the launch of several digital governance initiatives, including MahaSarathi, MahaDBT 2.0, standardisation of Aaple Sarkar Service Centres, Digital Life Certificate, and the state’s Maha AI Model at the Vidhan Bhavan.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar, Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal, Director General of Police Sadanand Date, senior government officials, district collectors, municipal commissioners, police officers, and administrative heads from across the state. Beneficiaries Madhukar More and Vatsala Patil were also presented with Digital Life Certificates.

MahaSarathi to Enable Better Policy Planning

Chief Minister Fadnavis said the integrated data pool developed under MahaSarathi would not only help deliver government schemes efficiently but also assist in future planning, policy formulation, and targeted implementation.

The system will help eliminate duplication of beneficiaries, identify misuse of welfare schemes, and ensure that eligible citizens receive benefits without obstacles.

Simplified Application Process Through Integrated Systems

The Chief Minister highlighted that citizens will no longer have to repeatedly submit the same information while applying for government schemes. Data already available in the government’s database will be automatically integrated into applications, reducing paperwork, saving time, and making services more user-friendly.

He added that the future adoption of Agentic AI technologies would make the process even more seamless and efficient.

MahaDBT 2.0 Brings All Schemes Under One Platform

Describing MahaDBT 2.0 as a major governance reform, Fadnavis said the new platform will consolidate welfare schemes from all government departments onto a single portal.

While the earlier version of MahaDBT did not cover all schemes, the upgraded system will provide a unified platform for citizens. He directed all departments to migrate to MahaDBT 2.0 within the prescribed timeframe, warning that schemes remaining on older systems would eventually be discontinued.

Direct Benefit Transfers Improve Transparency

Recalling past irregularities in scholarship distribution, the Chief Minister noted that the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system has significantly improved transparency and prevented financial leakages.

Once all welfare programmes are brought under the DBT framework, benefits will reach eligible citizens directly, reducing opportunities for corruption and delays.

Standardisation of Service Centres

Fadnavis described Aaple Sarkar Service Centres as the face of government for citizens and stressed the need for uniform standards, quality services, and transparency.

More than 31,000 service centres across Maharashtra are being standardised under the initiative. A new “Smart Aaple Seva Kendra” rating system will also be introduced, with awards at state, regional, and district levels. More than 350 centres will be recognised annually for excellence.

Digital Life Certificates to Benefit Senior Citizens

The newly launched Digital Life Certificate system will allow pensioners and welfare beneficiaries to submit proof of life from their homes without visiting government offices.

Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) in collaboration with the Social Justice Department, the system is expected to be particularly beneficial for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. It will enable paperless, real-time verification and reduce delays in benefit disbursement.

Maha AI to Transform Governance

Calling data the “new gold and new oil,” Chief Minister Fadnavis said the Maha AI platform, jointly developed by the Maharashtra government and NIC, represents a landmark step in the state’s digital transformation journey.

The AI model will be trained on government-generated data, helping improve administrative efficiency, speed up decision-making, enhance cybersecurity, and deliver citizen services more effectively.

“Maha AI will make governance more responsive, transparent, and people-centric,” the Chief Minister said, adding that continuous training and use of the platform would further strengthen public administration.

He concluded by describing the new initiatives as more than technological upgrades, saying they represent a new era of accountable, transparent, and citizen-focused governance in Maharashtra.