Lok Sabha Question No. 1075 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-11-22
Subject: Functioning of CFSL
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: LALLU SINGH, HEMANT TUKARAM GODSE

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1075

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 22 ND  NOVEMBER, 2016/AGRAHAYANA 1, 1938 (SAKA) FUNCTIONING OF CFSL

1075.  SHRI LALLU SINGH: SHRI GODSE HEMANT TUKARAM:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (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?

## ANSWER

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

## LS.US.Q.No.1075 FOR 22.11.2016

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.

## LS.US.Q.No.1075 FOR 22.11.2016

(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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