Question : Functioning of CFSL

(a) the number of Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) functioning in the country, State/UT-wise;

(b) whether there is a shortage of CFSL experts in the field of Forensic Science in the country;

(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons for the same;

(d) whether there is a heap of unexamined viscera samples owing to acute shortage of CFSLs and staff in the said laboratory and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether there is obstacle in the disposal of grave criminal cases owing to delay in the viscera report and if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to enhance the capacity of forensic laboratories and setting up of new forensic labs in each and every States of the country?

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

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(a): There are seven Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) functioning in the country as below :-
Sl. No. CFSL and location
1. CFSL, Chandigarh
2. CFSL, Kolkata
3. CFSL, Hyderabad
4. CFSL, Bhopal
5. CFSL, Guwahati
6. CFSL, Pune
7. CFSL (CBI), New Delhi

(b) & (c): Keeping in view the requirement of forensic experts in CFSLs, Ministry has approved 120 additional scientific and administrative posts for CFSLs. Further, Ministry has also approved recruitment of 77 forensic professionals (on contract basis) in CFSLs.

(d) & (e): Presently, there are total of 330 viscera cases with the CFSLs. These cases are examined on priority.

(f): Apart from strengthening the Central Forensic Science Laboratories, the Government has decided to support States/UTs in setting up of special forensic units to meet the forensic needs of sexual assault cases in a timely manner.



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L.S.US.Q.NO.3373 FOR 07.08.2018

Government has already approved a project to set up a State-of-art DNA lab in Central Forensic Science Lab in Chandigarh under the Nirbhaya Fund. Following funding support to States has also been approved under the Modernization of Police Forces scheme (a Centrally Sponsored scheme):

(i) upgrading of Gujarat Forensic Science University, Gandhinagar for establishment of a Centre of Excellence, and institutes for training and capacity building activities,

(ii) establishment of hi-tech State Forensic Science Laboratory at Amravati in Andhra Pradesh,

(iii) upgrading forensic laboratories and institutes in North-Eastern States.




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