Bill Gates Foundation & Microsoft to support Maharashtra's Women's Initiatives

By: WE Staff | Friday, 21 March 2025

• CM Devendra Fadnavis receives assistance from Microsoft and Gates Foundation to Maharashtra's e-governance
• Maharashtra shall be a model to India in digital government and right to service
• The movement will increase women's entrepreneurship and Lakhpati Didi women empowerment program

On Thursday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared that Microsoft and the Gates Foundation will help make Maharashtra a national leader in digital governance and the right to service, especially as the state starts integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its systems.

The Gates Foundation has offered to fund the Lakhpati Didi initiative with an aim of empowering 25 lakh women entrepreneurs in the state of Maharashtra. CM Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement following a meeting with Microsoft co-founder and Gates Foundation chief Bill Gates. Gates appreciated India's work in constructing digital innovations that not only serve its people but also hold the ability to redefine global health and development.

The two also discussed how to use artificial intelligence (AI) in areas like health, agriculture, and infrastructure, and had productive talks on this, as per a statement from the Chief Minister's office. Fadnavis stressed that Maharashtra is being transformed in a big way with top-notch projects in these major sectors.

To address the shortage of doctors in rural areas, CM asked the Gates Foundation to assist in the development of better quality health services. He also stated that the state budget has provisions for the implementation of AI in health and farming. Fadnavis gave an example of how technology increased sugarcane output in Pune district by twofold.

The CM further informed that the government is on the verge of giving farmers daytime electricity, and solar power is now accounting for 52 percent of the power generation compared to 30 percent in 2022-23, and the cost to farmers is reducing. He further said that proposals have been made to shift all electricity feeders to solar so that 24-hour power supply becomes possible.

Also, Devendra disclosed that an Innovation City is being built on 300 acres in Navi Mumbai. Bill Gates had earlier paid a visit to the NITI Aayog's Viksit Bharat Strategy Room.