Maharashtra is embarking on an ambitious initiative to develop "smart villages" across the state, with a vision to integrate advanced technology into rural life and improve the quality of life for villagers. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced plans to establish 10 such villages in every taluka, beginning with Satnavari in the Nagpur district, which has already been launched as India's first "smart and intelligent village".
The initiative, supported by the Voice of Indian Communication Technology Enterprises (VOICE) and 24 Indian companies, aims to revolutionize essential services such as agriculture, health, and education through technology. The first phase of the program aims to transform nearly 3,500 villages across the state.
The "smart village" concept involves integrating digital advancements to provide a holistic approach to rural development. This includes utilizing IT tools for soil testing, digital solutions for anganwadis, drone-assisted farming, smart irrigation systems, mobile banking, digitized schools, and advanced surveillance systems. The goal is to merge information and satellite technologies to foster comprehensive rural progress. With the use of drones, sensors, and artificial intelligence, farmers can cut costs and boost productivity, while children in rural areas will gain access to global knowledge resources.
Satnavari, with a population of just over 1,800, serves as a pilot project and a replicable template for rural transformation nationwide. The village is equipped with modern technology-based services, making it a role model for the country. The project in Satnavari aims to introduce technological interventions in multiple sectors, particularly agriculture.
Fadnavis has stressed that rural transformation involves creating ownership, building capacities, and sustaining momentum. He noted that while the first phase of the Village Social Transformation Foundation (VSTF) delivered positive results, development momentum slowed once field fellows exited villages and emphasized the need for village-based human resource mechanisms to maintain continuity.
The Maharashtra government is offering free education for girls from "KG to PG" and has launched initiatives such as the "Ladki Bahin Yojana," which provides monthly support to women, boosting small businesses and credit societies. The state government is also encouraging corporate and private sector entities to shift their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) focus from urban centers to backward and remote districts, to bring about large-scale rural transformation in Maharashtra.
In addition to the "smart village" initiative, the Maharashtra government is undertaking several other projects to promote development and improve the quality of life for its citizens. These include:
The "smart village" initiative represents a significant step towards transforming rural Maharashtra by leveraging technology and promoting sustainable development. By integrating advanced solutions into essential services and fostering community participation, the state aims to create self-sustaining, digitally integrated villages that serve as models for the rest of the country.
