Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently unveiled a comprehensive plan to significantly bolster India's forensic science infrastructure. This initiative includes the establishment of seven new Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and nine new campuses of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU). The move is aimed at modernizing forensic capabilities, expediting investigations, and building a transparent, evidence-driven criminal justice system.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of a new CFSL building in Rajarhat, Kolkata. Shah emphasized the pivotal role of forensic science in cracking complex cases and highlighted the central government's commitment to investing approximately ₹2,800 crore in upgrading the nation's forensic infrastructure. A substantial portion of this investment, around ₹860 crore, will be allocated to setting up the seven new CFSLs in Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Kerala, and Bihar. Another ₹1,300 crore will be used to establish nine additional NFSU campuses.
The strategic placement of these new CFSLs is intended to create a cluster-based system that will enable a more holistic and efficient approach to investigating crimes, particularly in complicated cases. The CFSL in Kolkata, for instance, is expected to benefit West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Assam, Sikkim, and all northeastern states by providing advanced forensic support and expertise.
In addition to infrastructure development, the government is also focused on enhancing forensic capabilities through modernization and training. A ₹2,080 crore project is planned for further modernizing forensic science facilities, and ₹200 crore will be invested in creating a national forensic data center. This data center will leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze vast amounts of data, thereby streamlining the process of building an evidence-based criminal justice system.
Shah underscored the importance of integrating forensic science into every stage of the criminal justice system. Starting January 2026, the government plans to conduct nationwide awareness programs to educate police stations, public prosecutors, and courts about the significance and application of forensic science in investigations. The Home Minister also mentioned the government's support for providing forensic mobile vans to each district, with many states increasing the number of vans based on their specific needs.
The expansion of the NFSU is another critical component of this initiative. With 16 approved campuses, seven of which are already established, the NFSU aims to address the growing demand for trained forensic professionals. To further augment the workforce, the government intends to establish an NFSU college in every major state. These institutions are projected to produce 36,000 graduates annually with degrees, diplomas, and PhDs, exceeding the country's current requirement of 30,000 trained professionals per year.
Amit Shah also noted the positive impact of recent criminal law reforms, particularly the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which has led to a significant increase in the number of chargesheets filed within 60 days in approximately 60% of cases. This improvement reflects the government's broader vision of creating a swift and efficient justice delivery system.
