Expansion of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSL) and Related Initiatives The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on 17 March 2026 the approval to set up eight new Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) in Jammu, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Kerala. This adds to the existing seven CFSLs located at Chandigarh, Delhi, Kamrup (Assam), Kolkata, Bhopal, Pune and Hyderabad, marking a major step in strengthening the nation’s forensic ecosystem. Key Developments Establishment of CFSLs in eight new locations, bringing the total to fifteen. Launch of a central e‑Forensics application for a unified digital repository. Approval of a National Forensic Data Centre under the “Safety of Women” umbrella scheme. Allocation of funds under the Nirbhaya Fund for modernisation, mobile vans and cyber‑forensic labs. Setting up of a state‑of‑the‑art DNA analysis facility at CFSL Chandigarh and a National Cyber Forensic Laboratory at CFSL Hyderabad, with six more cyber labs approved. Training of 36,915 investigating officers, prosecutors and medical officers through BPR&D and the LNJN National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences. Expansion of the NFSU with 14 new campuses and two training academies. Financial outlay of ₹420 crore for modernising state forensic labs and ₹496.66 crore for procuring mobile forensic vans across all districts. Important Facts Existing CFSL network: 7 labs; post‑expansion: 15 labs. Funding under Nirbhaya Fund exceeds ₹4,800 crore , covering DNA, cyber‑forensics, training and infrastructure. National Cyber Forensic Laboratory in Hyderabad focuses on digital fraud and cyber‑crime investigations. Six additional cyber labs will operate under the “Safety of Women” scheme, reinforcing gender‑sensitive forensic support. Mobile forensic vans aim to provide on‑site forensic services, reducing turnaround time for evidence analysis in remote districts. UPSC Relevance For aspirants, these developments illustrate the Union‑State dynamics in law‑enforcement (police and public order are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule). The central government’s role through schemes like the Safety of Women and the Nirbhaya Fund showcases cooperative federalism. Understanding the forensic infrastructure is crucial for GS 2 (Polity) and GS 3 (Science & Technology) questions on crime investigation, evidence management, and capacity building. Way Forward To maximise the impact of the expanded forensic network, the government should: Ensure seamless data sharing between state forensic labs and the National Forensic Data Centre via the e‑Forensics portal. Accelerate recruitment and specialised training for forensic scientists to staff the new CFSLs and mobile vans. Integrate forensic capacity building into the broader criminal justice reform agenda, linking it with court modernization and police reforms. Monitor the utilisation of Nirbhaya Fund allocations through transparent audits to ensure funds reach intended forensic upgrades. These steps will strengthen evidence‑based policing, improve conviction rates, and enhance the safety of women and citizens, aligning with the government’s broader objectives of a robust internal security framework.