Mumbai, Jan 18 (NationPress) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated on Saturday that leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information Technology (IT) will enable the state government to implement transformative changes in the healthcare, agriculture, rural, and infrastructure sectors, thereby enhancing the 'Ease of Living' for its citizens.

“Today, we recognize that IT and AI are reshaping our lives by improving service delivery capabilities. The primary requirement in rural areas is to ensure every individual has access to quality healthcare, achievable through technological interventions. Currently, sustainability poses a significant challenge in rural regions, as the farming community grapples with issues stemming from climate change and unpredictable weather patterns. However, technology provides viable solutions for sustainability,” he remarked during his speech at the PAN-IIT World Technology Global Conference 2025.

The Chief Minister further emphasized that technology has the potential to revolutionize rural healthcare.

“In a vast state like Maharashtra, which comprises 44,000 villages, delivering secondary or tertiary healthcare to each village is a daunting task. Nonetheless, technology can bridge the gap by connecting these villages to primary healthcare services. We can facilitate connections to doctors and specialists, ensuring that even if healthcare professionals cannot physically reach, technology enables the rural population to access them,” he noted.

He also highlighted that the government is offering an insurance coverage of Rs five lakh annually for everyone through the Mahatma Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

“Additionally, the state government is implementing solar power initiatives for farmers to ensure daytime electricity access. By 2026, the government aims to produce 16 GW of solar power, enabling farmers across the state to benefit from daytime electricity. Maharashtra has pioneered the establishment of a solar power company dedicated to agriculture,” Fadnavis stated.

The Chief Minister noted that Mumbai is emerging as the fintech and data center hub globally, providing opportunities for citizens worldwide to advance in the technology era.

“India is witnessing remarkable advancements in technology and economic growth. Currently ranked as the fifth-largest economy, it is poised to ascend to third place soon. Maharashtra is committed to becoming a one trillion US dollar economy,” he added.

Fadnavis remarked that significant infrastructure projects are in progress across the nation, citing the coastal road in Mumbai and the Atal Setu as enhancements for communication. Numerous infrastructure developments are underway in Mumbai.

Additionally, the Chief Minister stated that the Drone Didi initiative, introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is being advanced with technological support. The Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan is actively promoting water conservation, resulting in 24,000 villages in the state becoming water-abundant.

“IIT Mumbai has evolved beyond a traditional educational institution; it now embodies Indian Innovation of Technology. The state government collaborates with IIT on various research initiatives, including a drone project with a Command and Control Center and drone port under development. Through technological advancements, we are witnessing profound changes in our lives, and the future appears promising,” he concluded.