Question : Functioning of CFSL

(a) the total number of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSL) functioning
in the country, location and State-wise;

(b) whether there is acute shortage of staff and infrastructure in these laboratories;

(c) if so, the details thereof including the sanctioned, actual strength and requirement of forensic experts and staff in each laboratory along with the steps taken to increase the staff strength;

(d) whether the number of cases of flawed forensic reports are rising because of lack of lab and forensic experts in CFSLs and if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto;

(e) whether delay in forensic investigation particularly those relating to viscera samples is likely to affect the investigation report and if so, the corrective measures taken in this regard; and

(f) whether the Government has any proposal to modernise and upgrade the equipment of forensic science laboratories and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to open more CFSLs in the country?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a): There are seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories functioning in the country. The six Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) located at Bhopal, Chandigarh, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata & Pune are under Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS). Apart from these, one Central
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Forensic Science Laboratory of Central Bureau of Investigation is located at New Delhi.
(b) There is some shortage of staff in these laboratories which is primarily due to retirement of staff and because of the staff leaving the organisation in search of other opportunities outside the DFSS. Efforts are made to fill the vacancies from time to time.
(c) The details of the sanctioned strength/working strength and vacancies in each of the CFSLs are under:-

CFSL Sanctioned strength Actual Strength Vacancy
Chandigarh 107 88 19
Hyderabad 106 76 30
Kolkata 101 74 27
Guwahati 29 14 15
Pune 30 10 20
Bhopal 29 13 16
CFSL(CBI) 182 102 80

Recently, 43 contractual manpower has been provided to CFSLs to mitigate the large number of pendency of cases. In addition, there is proposal for creation of 120 scientific and ministerial posts in CFSLs.

(d) No, Madam.

(e) Yes, Madam. In some cases, like volatile poisons, an early viscera examination is required for arriving at proper report. Top priority is given for examination of such cases.
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(f) Yes, Madam. Government has undertaken a Plan Scheme viz. Establishment of new CFSLs at Bhopal, Guwahati & Pune and modernization of existing CFSLs located at Chandigarh, Hyderabad & Kolkata under Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) under Ministry of Home Affairs. The main components of this scheme are construction of state-of-art CFSL complexes at Pune, Bhopal, Kolkata and Guwahati and procurement of hi-tech Machinery & equipment for the modernisation of three existing CFSLs. In addition, there is a proposal for establishment of state of the art in International centre for Excellence in Forensic Science for CFSL, CBI at Ghaziabad, UP.

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