Politics

Nirbhaya Fund: Projects to strengthen DNA analysis, cyber-forensics approved in 23 state/ UTs

A state-of-the-art DNA analysis laboratory has also been set up by MHA in the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Chandigarh

PGurus Newsdesk

April 8, 2022

A state-of-the-art DNA analysis laboratory has also been set up by MHA in the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Chandigarh

Centre approved projects to strengthen DNA analysis, cyber-forensics under Nirbhaya Fund

Under the Nirbhaya Fund Scheme 23 states/UTs have been approved for projects to strengthen DNA analysis, cyber-forensics, and related facilities, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the Parliament on Thursday. A state-of-the-art DNA analysis laboratory has also been set up by MHA in the Central Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Chandigarh.

Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply, “The Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology has formulated ‘The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill’ to provide, regulation of the use and application of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) technology with the aim to establish the identity of certain categories of the person including the victims, offenders, suspects, undertrials, missing persons and the unknown deceased person.”

The draft Bill, which is under consideration, has the provision to set up DNA data banks across the country to store DNA profiles, he said.

The Minister further said, “In order to ensure quality and standardization in forensic examination, which includes cases related to DNA-based forensic tests, the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS), under the MHA, has issued quality manual and working procedure manuals for biology and DNA division, and guidelines for collection of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases and the standard components in a sexual assault evidence collection kit.”

For capacity building, 23,233 Investigation Officers, Prosecution Officers, and Medical Officers have been trained on the collection of forensic evidence in sexual assault cases and the standard components in a sexual assault evidence collection kit, he added.

[With Inputs from IANS]

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