Lok Sabha Question No. 3841 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-07-16
Subject: Shortage of Forensic Experts
Ministry: HOME AFFAIRS
Asked by: Gowdar Mallikarjunappa Siddeshwara

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3841

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 16 TH  JULY, 2019/ ASHADHA 25, 1941 (SAKA)

SHORTAGE OF FORENSIC EXPERTS

3841. SHRI G.M. SIDDESHWAR:

Will the Minister of HOME AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that pending cases related to forensic reports are consistently increasing due to shortage of forensic experts and thereby adversely affecting the hearing of various cases;
- (b) whether there are some cases of forensic examination where results are  expected  to  be  better  if  examined  as  early  as  possible,  however  if examination in such cases is pending for longer period, it can affect the result of examination; and
- (c)  the  efforts  being  made  by  the  Government  to  cut  down  delay  in examination of forensic samples so that it can yield satisfactory and far reaching results?

## ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)

- (a): The data available for Central Forensic Science Laboratories does not show such a trend.

(b): One of the crucial factors in examination of forensic cases related to Biology/DNA and toxicology samples is the method of preservation of samples  and  control  of  environmental  conditions in which samples are

## L.S.US.Q.NO.3841 FOR 16.07.2019

stored.  However, in these cases every effort is made in Central Forensic Science laboratories to examine the cases on priority.

(c): In order to strengthen the forensic science eco-system in criminal investigation  in  the  country,  the  Ministry  of  Home  Affairs  (MHA)  has, inter-alia, taken the following steps:

- (i) Modernization of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) at Bhopal and Guwahati has been undertaken by construction of  new  buildings  and  provision  of  machinery  &  equipment.  These CFSLs  have  become  operational  in  their  new  buildings.  Further, substantial  work  has  been  completed  for  modernization  of  CFSL  at Pune.
- (ii) Setting  up  of  a  State-of-the-Art  DNA  Analysis  Unit  in  Central Forensic  Science  Laboratory,  Chandigarh  has  been  undertaken  at  a total cost of Rs.99.76 crore.
- (iii) 140  Forensic  Analysts  /Professionals  have  been  engaged  for Central  Forensics  Science  Laboratories  through  an  all-India  Forensic Aptitude and Calibre Test (FACT) conducted by Loknayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Science.
- (iv) Notification  of  Guidelines  has  been  done  for  the  method  of collection,  handling  and  transportation of forensic evidence in sexual

- (vi) a total cost of Rs.131.09 crore.

## L.S.US.Q.NO.3841 FOR 16.07.2019

assault cases, as also the technical specifications in a sexual assault evidence collection kit. (v) Capacity  building  of  Investigation  Officers/  Prosecutors  and Medical  Officers  has  been  undertaken  through  training  and  skill building courses in collection, handling and transportation of forensic evidence. A total of 3221 officers have been trained till 28 June 2019. (vi) Bureau of Police Research & Development, MHA, has distributed  3,120  Sexual  Assault  Evidence  Collection  Kits  to  States/ UTs as orientation kit as part of training. Setting-up  and  upgrading  of  DNA  Analysis  units  in  State Forensic Science Laboratories in 13 States/ UTs has been approved at

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