Maharashtra is gearing up to introduce its Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy in April, making it the first Indian state to take a structured approach to AI governance. State Information Technology Minister Ashish Shelar announced that the policy will focus on education, employment, and cybersecurity, aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for AI-driven growth.
AI is reshaping education worldwide, enabling personalised learning, AI-driven assessments, and dynamic teaching methods. Countries like Finland and Singapore have successfully integrated AI into their education systems, with a strong emphasis on STEM education and workforce upskilling. In the U.S., AI-powered edtech platforms are revolutionising student learning.
Maharashtra has already introduced AI-based tools in select schools, but concerns about its risks have been raised under Legislative Council Rule 97 by BJP legislator Shrikant Bharatiya, alongside Anil Parab, Amit Gorakhe, Amol Mitkari, and Shashikant Shinde. Addressing these concerns, Shelar assured that the AI policy will include ethical guidelines, ensuring AI remains a complementary tool rather than a replacement for educators.
The growing adoption of AI across industries is reshaping employment markets. While AI creates opportunities in fields like data science, machine learning, cybersecurity, and automation, there is widespread concern over job displacement.
Minister Shelar reassured that Maharashtra’s AI policy will focus on job creation rather than job loss. Skill development initiatives will be introduced to help professionals adapt to AI-driven changes, ensuring that AI enhances human potential rather than replacing it.
With AI-generated content flooding digital platforms, the lack of certification and accountability remains a pressing issue. Shelar warned against blind reliance on AI-generated data, stating:
“No information generated by AI is certified by the state or Union government, making it risky to trust such data unverified.”
To address these concerns, Maharashtra’s AI policy will introduce a regulatory framework to:
- Establish ethical AI usage guidelines
- Prevent misuse of AI-generated content
- Ensure transparency in AI-based decision-making
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India is rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in AI, with initiatives like the National AI Strategy and the launch of AI research institutes. Maharashtra’s AI policy is expected to serve as a model for other states, fostering AI-driven innovation while ensuring responsible regulation.
Drawing inspiration from international policies like the EU AI Act and China’s AI regulations, Maharashtra seeks to strike a balance between innovation and ethical AI governance, paving the way for a secure and inclusive AI-powered future.
