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Maharashtra, NIELIT Ink MoU to Boost AI, Robotics Education
In a landmark move to enhance technical education in Maharashtra, the Government of Maharashtra and the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on October 11, 2024, in New Delhi. The collaboration aims to establish Centers of Excellence (CoEs) across government polytechnic and engineering colleges, focusing on advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), Industry 4.0, and 3D Printing.
Advancing AI and Robotics Education
Union Minister of Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, emphasized that this initiative would provide practical, industry-aligned education to students, equipping them with skills necessary to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape. The program will initially be launched in Maharashtra and then extended to other states, with a focus on Polytechnic institutions, ITIs, and the new university established in the state.
Establishing Centers of Excellence
The MoU’s scope includes setting up capacity training and research centers for AI, Robotics, and other emerging technologies in Maharashtra’s higher education institutions. This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), will secure additional funding through joint project proposals. The establishment of these CoEs will build on Maharashtra’s existing network of 40 government polytechnics and 300 private polytechnic institutions.
Maharashtra has already set up the Center of Excellence in IoT at six government polytechnics and Robotics & Automation CoEs at three polytechnics. The newly signed MoU will help expand these facilities across remaining institutions, ensuring the state remains a leader in technical education and innovation.
Maharashtra’s Vision for Technical Education
Shri Chandrakant (Dada) Patil, Maharashtra’s Higher & Technical Education Minister, along with other dignitaries, praised the collaboration for aligning with the state’s vision to integrate modern technology into its educational framework. The initiative is in line with the National Education Policy’s focus on practical and technical education, bridging the gap between industry needs and academic training.
With its strong industrial base and established network of educational institutions, Maharashtra is poised to leverage this partnership to produce a workforce skilled in AI, Robotics, and IoT, thereby driving technological innovation and economic growth.
