Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Apr 7: The Maharashtra cabinet on Tuesday approved five major decisions aimed at accelerating administrative and technological development in the state. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, cleared key proposals related to information technology, geospatial technology, energy and disaster management.
The cabinet approved the establishment of a separate Electronics, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence department. The Directorate of Information Technology will be upgraded into a Commissionerate for Electronics, IT and AI, and a new IT cadre with permanent posts will be created at the ministry commissionerate and district levels. The move is expected to boost digital governance, AI adoption and e-services across the state.
In another key decision, the Maharashtra Remote Sensing Application Centre (MRSAC) will be converted into a company under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013, replacing its current registration under the Societies Act, 1860. This is expected to enhance projects such as road information systems, urban planning, watershed development, e-panchanama, agri-tech, mangrove studies, groundwater management and mining analysis.
The cabinet also approved the formation of the Maharashtra Geotechnology Application Centre (MahaGeotech) as a company to promote the use of geospatial technology in governance. The initiative will support research, innovation and entrepreneurship, and facilitate academic programmes for students, professionals and researchers.
A major decision was taken in the energy sector with the approval of financial restructuring of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited. The plan includes raising government-backed bonds worth Rs 32,679 crore from capital markets and the demerger of the agricultural distribution business. The move will pave the way for listing the company on the stock market.
The cabinet also approved the Maharashtra Responsive Development Programme (MRDP), aimed at strengthening disaster management through private investment. The programme will receive funding support of Rs 165 crore from the World Bank. It will provide relief measures such as housing loan support and credit access for micro, small and medium enterprises affected by disasters, along with insurance coverage.
Additionally, flood mitigation plans will be prepared for cities like Kolhapur, Sangli and Ichalkaranji, and for the Krishna basin to reduce flood risks and improve water drainage systems, officials said.