Maharashtra to draft fresh policies for IT, fintech and drones

While the new IT policy will focus on infrastructure and incentives for IT, ITeS in smaller cities, the fintech policy aims to convert Mumbai into a global fintech hub, says Minister for IT Satej Patil

Written by Manoj Dattatrye More

Pune | Updated: August 29, 2021 07:39 AM IST

3 min read

Congress MLA Satej Patil (Source: Twitter/@satejp)

The state government, which is drafting a new IT policy, will also come up with policies for data centres, fintech and drones, Maharashtra Minister of State for Information Technology Satej Patil said Saturday.

“Since our existing IT policy is expiring, we are in the process of launching the new IT policy. It aims to encourage tech companies to accelerate tech adoption and promote the IT industry in the state. The policy which is being drafted in consultation with NASSCOM and IT industry associations will focus on steps, incentives, tax rebates to attract IT, ITeS and IT-enabled companies in smaller cities (tier-2 and tier-3) like Nagpur, Latur, Nashik and Aurangabad,” he said.

Patil said the government has been exploring the use of technology for administrative activities, including pandemic-related management and flood mitigation. “We are taking steps to ensure that IT plays an important role in the daily life of the common man by using e-governance initiatives like e-office and Maharashtra blockchain sandbox, among others,” he said.

Patil said the government was chalking out policies for IT-related categories as well. “We are also formulating our own data centre policy,” he said.

As of now, IT companies have mostly been focusing on Mumbai and Pune for setting up their units. The upcoming IT policy will provide the right kind of infrastructure and incentives to establish IT companies in tier-2 and tier-3 cities. “Setting up units in these new locations would help avoid the saturation witnessed in Mumbai, Thane and Pune,” he said.

The minister said the Maharashtra government will also launch a fintech policy with a vision to convert Mumbai into a global fintech hub. “The IT department is studying the best practices in the fintech sector with a focus on government and regulatory support to formulate the fintech policy. It will be launched soon with an aim to create the right kind of IT infrastructure for fintech companies and startups in Mumbai,” he said.

Like the central government, the state too is planning to unveil its drone policy for healthcare, agriculture, power, flood monitoring and so on, said Patil. “During the pandemic, drone technology came as a big support in monitoring quarantine, hotspots and Covid-19 curbs.”

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Drones will be a great enabler during the rainy season in Mumbai, not only for inspection of drains and waterlogging but also for providing relief and food. “It will help in surveillance and security mechanisms at sensitive places like the international airport and Bhabha Atomic Research Centre,” he said.

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Manoj Dattatrye More

Manoj Dattatrye More is a Senior Editor at The Indian Express, having been with the publication since 1992. Based in Pune, he is a veteran journalist with a 33-year career that spans editorial desk work, investigative reporting, and political analysis. Professional Legacy Experience: He spent his first 16 years on the editorial desk before moving into active field reporting. He has written over 20,000 stories, including more than 10,000 bylined articles. Impact Journalism: He is widely respected for "campaign-style" reporting that leads to tangible social change. Road Safety: His decade-long campaign regarding the dangerous state of the Pune-Mumbai highway in Khadki resulted in a ₹23 crore reconstruction project in 2006, which dramatically reduced fatalities. Environmental Protection: His reports against tree cutting on the Pune-Mumbai and Pune-Nashik highways saved approximately 2,000 trees. Anti-Corruption: During the COVID-19 pandemic, he exposed a scam where doctors were being asked to pay bribes for government jobs, resulting in them being hired without payment. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) Manoj More's recent work focuses heavily on the shifting political landscape of Maharashtra and civic governance in the Pimpri-Chinchwad area: 1. Political Shifts & Alliances "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): A major report on the local self-government election results, detailing the NCP’s stronghold in Baramati, Indapur, and Lonavala. "BJP ropes in 13 ex-corporators, deals major blow to NCP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on a significant political defection in Pimpri-Chinchwad as the BJP gears up for civic polls. "Congress opts for solo BMC run as alliance talks with Sena (UBT) collapse" (Dec 17, 2025): Covering the breakdown of Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) talks for the Mumbai civic elections. "NCP(SP)'s Rahul Kalate, Sena (UBT) leader Sanjog Waghere set to join BJP" (Dec 19, 2025): Detailing high-profile party-hopping ahead of the municipal elections. 2. Civic & Administrative Accountability "PCMC draws ire for issuing tenders worth Rs 250 crore just before poll code" (Dec 17, 2025): An investigative piece on the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s last-minute spending spree before election restrictions. "93 killed in 76 accidents in five years: Bypass service roads in Pune remain undeveloped for 18 yrs" (Nov 16, 2025): A critical look at the long-delayed infrastructure projects contributing to fatalities on Pune’s bypass roads. 3. Social & Labor Issues "As state says TCS has laid off 376 employees: FITE flags figures, say nearly 2,500 were forced to quit" (Dec 11, 2025): Investigating conflicting reports regarding IT sector layoffs in Maharashtra. "Maharashtra govt move to 'downgrade' Aadhaar cards" (Nov 30, 2025): Reporting on the state’s decision to require additional documents alongside Aadhaar to combat identity misuse. Signature Beat Manoj More is the definitive voice on Pimpri-Chinchwad, an industrial hub he has covered for three decades. His reporting is characterized by its aggressive stance against local "gondaism" (thuggery) and a relentless focus on civic infrastructure—choked drains, garbage management, and public transport. X (Twitter): @manojmore91982 ... Read More

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