Bill Gates to Back Maharashtra's Digital Governance and Lakhpati Didi Initiative: CM Fadnavis
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Synopsis
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Microsoft and the Gates Foundation will support Maharashtra's digital governance and the Lakhpati Didi initiative to empower women entrepreneurs. Key discussions included the use of AI in various sectors and the establishment of an Innovation City in Navi Mumbai.
Key Takeaways
- Microsoft and the Gates Foundation to support digital governance.
- Focus on empowering 25 lakh women through Lakhpati Didi.
- Discussions on AI in health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
- Plans to enhance solar energy use for farmers.
- Innovation City to be established in Navi Mumbai.
Mumbai, March 20 (NationPress) On Thursday, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced that Microsoft and the Gates Foundation are set to assist in positioning Maharashtra as a leading example of digital governance and the right to service in India, particularly as the state begins leveraging artificial intelligence (AI).
Furthermore, the Gates Foundation expressed its willingness to engage in the Lakhpati Didi initiative, aiming to empower 25 lakh women entrepreneurs in the state.
This statement followed CM Fadnavis's meeting with Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and the Gates Foundation.
According to a release from the Chief Minister's office, the two also engaged in fruitful discussions on utilizing AI in sectors such as health, agriculture, and infrastructure.
CM Fadnavis highlighted that Maharashtra is currently in a transformative period with substantial projects in progress across infrastructure, agriculture, and health.
He noted, "Due to the lack of doctors in rural regions, the Gates Foundation could aid in delivering high-quality health services and facilities. The Budget has allocated resources for integrating AI in health and agriculture," citing the example of how technology has doubled sugarcane production in Pune district.
CM Fadnavis informed Bill Gates that the state government is striving to ensure that farmers receive daytime electricity, utilizing solar power since 2022-23. Electricity generation from solar energy has surged from 30% to 52%, reducing costs for farmers.
He also mentioned plans to convert all electricity feeders to solar, aiming to provide 24-hour electricity.
Additionally, the Chief Minister announced the establishment of an Innovation City spanning 300 acres in Navi Mumbai.
Bill Gates committed to offering technical and financial support for the Innovation City and other initiatives, as stated in the release.
The Gates Foundation will also lend assistance to the state government in combating dengue in Gadchiroli district.
Lastly, Bill Gates extended an invitation for the Chief Minister to visit Seattle.
