Maharashtra government, Microsoft to develop 50 smart villages in state: Fadnavis

NEW DELHI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that the state government will soon transform 50 villages in the state into ‘smart villages.

“Village Harisal in Melghat region in Amravati district, which has the dubious distinction of being the malnutrition capital, will be the first one to become ‘smart village’. It will be done with the assistance of Microsoft company,” said Fadnavis while speaking at the concluding ceremony of 19th National Conference on E-governance in Nagpur.

“Development of ‘smart villages’ will bring financial prosperity to these places, besides better education and healthcare facilities. There will be enough opportunities for shopping and marketing,” added Fadnavis.

“In the era of technology, people’s expectations have gone up, there is a need to take fast track decisions to save the escalating cost of projects,” he added.

"Delay in delivering services causes huge loss to nation. We must adopt new technologies in working system for speedy disposal of services," said Fadnavis.

“Startup In dia is an imp movement. This will encourage the innovative young minds to come forward and implement their ideas,” said the Chief Minister.

On 6 November, 2015, Fadnavis had said the he had requested Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella to help the state develop 50 new smart villages in state.