Overview
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has announced the establishment of eight new CFSLs. Six of these are under the NFIES with a total outlay of ₹860.3 crore, while one in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir is funded at ₹99.9 crore. The move aims to strengthen forensic capabilities nationwide, ensuring timely and reliable scientific evidence for the justice system.
Key Developments
- Seven existing CFSLs are already accredited by the NABL.
- Approval for seven new labs in Kerala, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan under NFIES.
- Land for the new labs has been allotted in Raipur (Chhattisgarh), Khordha (Odisha) and Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu).
- An additional lab in Samba, Jammu & Kashmir (UT) approved with a separate budget of ₹99.9 crore.
- The announcement was made by Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Minister of State (MHA) in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Important Facts
• Total existing labs: 7 (Chandigarh, Delhi, Kamrup, Kolkata, Bhopal, Pune, Hyderabad).
• New labs approved: 8 (7 under NFIES + 1 in Jammu & Kashmir).
• Combined financial outlay: ₹960.2 crore (₹860.3 crore + ₹99.9 crore).
• Accreditation: All existing labs have NABL accreditation, which is granted only after a lab becomes operational.
UPSC Relevance
Understanding the expansion of forensic infrastructure is crucial for GS Paper III (Polity & Governance) as it reflects central‑state cooperation, budgetary allocations, and capacity building in the justice sector. It also touches upon GS Paper II