SRINAGAR: The Government of India outlined a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the country’s DNA analysis and cyber forensic capabilities. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs provided a detailed statement on the steps being taken to improve forensic science infrastructure and training in the country.
The government has significantly bolstered the country’s forensic science capabilities, especially in the fields of DNA analysis and cyber forensics. The Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) operates seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) across the nation, located in Bhopal, Chandigarh, Kamrup, Hyderabad, Pune, Delhi, and Kolkata. These laboratories cover 11 scientific disciplines, including DNA and Cyber Forensics.
Further expansion is underway with the approval of an eighth CFSL in Samba, Jammu, and the setting up of seven additional CFSLs under the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme. With a total outlay of Rs 860.3 crore, this initiative is designed to increase forensic coverage across the country. Additionally, there are 32 State Forensic Science Laboratories and 97 Regional Forensic Science Laboratories operating in various regions.
To advance the country’s capabilities, the government has also focused on upgrading existing facilities and setting up new specialized labs. Notably, a state-of-the-art DNA Analysis and Research & Development facility has been established at the CFSL in Chandigarh. Meanwhile, a National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (NCFL) at the CFSL in Hyderabad is now operational, investigating major cases related to digital fraud and cybercrime. The government has also approved the establishment of six additional NCFLs at CFSLs in Chandigarh, Delhi, Kolkata, Kamrup, Bhopal, and Pune, with a total investment of Rs 126.84 crore.
In addition, machinery and equipment in CFSLs have been upgraded to include new forensic disciplines, such as Forensics in Narcotic Drugs & Psychotropic Substances, Digital Forensics, DNA Forensic Analysis, and Forensic Psychology. These upgrades are critical to keeping pace with evolving forensic needs.
Recognising the importance of empowering state-level forensic laboratories, the government has approved 30 projects from various states and Union Territories to the tune of ₹245.29 crore to strengthen DNA and cyber forensic capacities. To date, Rs 185.28 crore has been released for these projects. The government is also investing in mobile forensic vans, with Rs 496.66 crore earmarked under the “Modernization of Forensic Capacities” scheme. This initiative aims to provide forensic resources to all districts and state laboratories, with 400 mobile forensic vans set to be procured across 22 states and Union Territories.
Training for forensic professionals is another critical focus. The Ministry of Home Affairs has conducted training programs for over 32,524 Investigating Officers, Prosecutors, and Medical Officers in the collection, storage, and handling of DNA evidence. Additionally, the government has distributed 18,020 Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kits to enhance the handling of sensitive forensic cases. The MHA has also issued guidelines for quality assurance and the accreditation of forensic laboratories in compliance with ISO 17025 standards.
In response to the growing need for trained forensic manpower, the government has set up the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) under a Parliamentary Act in 2020. The university, with campuses in Gandhinagar (Gujarat) and Delhi, has been given in-principle approval to establish additional campuses in Goa, Agartala (Tripura), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), Dharwad (Karnataka), and Guwahati (Assam). These campuses are already operational from transit locations, with permanent campuses under construction. The NFSU also runs training academies in Imphal (Manipur) and Pune (Maharashtra).
Besides, the government has approved the “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme,” which includes a proposal to set up nine additional campuses of the NFSU across the country, with a total financial commitment of Rs 1,309.13 crore from 2024 to 2029.
