Microsoft to develop 'Digital Villages' in Maharashtra

Software major Microsoft has agreed to support 'digital villages' in Maharashtra and develop a 'smart MIDC' apart from setting up a cyber-security centre in Pune.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis visited Microsoft's office in Seattle. He also visited Microsoft Cybercrime Center, a statement from Chief Minister's Office said. Fadnavis met Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and appreciated the contribution of data centres for 'Make In Maharashtra' initiative, it added.

They discussed cloud services, technological help for MSMEs and technological solutions for implementing Right to Service Act. Nadella appreciated the state's initiative to bring transparency in the administration, the statement said. Microsoft also agreed to support 'digital village' scheme in Maharashtra and to develop 'Smart MIDC (industrial colony).

The location of the smart MIDC would be selected shortly. The software major also agreed to adopt a village in Melghat, a tribal area, for providing 'tertiary health services'. Microsoft is also looking to develop 'Safe Maharashtra' mobile application which would track vulnerable people so as to provide security.

The Chief Minister also met the CEO of Boeing, Raymond Conner, and discussed expansion of its operations at MRO plant at Mihan, Nagpur. Boeing agreed "to take a hard look" at Nagpur MRO for greater direct expansion and involvement of Singapore Airlines as well as also agreed to steer training initiatives in Nagpur and elsewhere in Maharashtra, the statement said.

According to PTI, Fadnavis also met Joe Minarik, GM (Strategic) of Amazon Web Services. Amazon showed keen interest in further dialogue for new investment and the Chief Minister assured all the help if the company decided to begin operations in Maharashtra, it added.