Microsoft, government to build 50 ‘smart villages’ in Maharashtra by 2016

Arisal will be the first village in Maharashtra to get ‘smart’ infrastructure

Mumbai

: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday announced that the government is looking forward to build 50 smart villages in the state by 2016 in collaboration with tech giants Microsoft.

Speaking at the Microsoft ‘Future Unleashed’ conference held here in Mumbai, Fadnavis said that creating ‘smart cities and villages’ will help processes become more systematic, which can only be accomplished by ‘infusing technology’.

“Not only cities but we are also looking forward to create ‘smart villages’ because communication and connectivity are tools which can empower and give every one an equal opportunity,” he added.

“With the help of Microsoft we are creating the first digital village in Maharashtra at Arisal,” he said. Fadnavis further pointed out that the integration of technology will help enhance healthcare facilities and services in rural areas of the state.

Apart from discussing the initiation of the ‘smart village’ projects, the chief minister also spoke on the positive impact of the escalating number of government e-platforms in the state, which have simplified a lot of processes.

He said, “Maharashtra has always been a preferred destination as far as industries are concerned, but the ‘ease of doing business’ in here was always an issue due to the absence of technology.” However, the government has been successful in lowering the number of ‘permission regimes’, which are a major hindrance for emerging entrepreneurs and investors.

“The state government has succeeded to shift most of these activities on their e-platform to further simplify processes,” he concluded.

At the event, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also discussed ways to empower the lives of a billion plus Indians with the incorporation of technology. He also announced how local data centres will allow businesses to expand in India.