Hyderabad: Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Saturday announced a nationwide plan to establish forensic units in every district across India. The initiative, part of the National Judicial Infrastructure Development Scheme, is aimed at modernising criminal investigations and strengthening scientific evidence collection.
Addressing the All India Directors’ Meet of Central Forensic Science Labs (CFSLs) & State Forensic Science Labs (SFSLs), Chandigarh, Bandi Sanjay shared that the Centre has sanctioned ₹2,254 crore for a major project scheduled to run from 2024-25 to 2026-27 financial years. The initiative aims to modernise forensic labs with state-of-the-art tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation, enhancing the efficiency and precision of criminal investigations.
He emphasised the critical role of scientific evidence in the effective enforcement of the new criminal laws introduced by the central government – namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). “Scientific evidence is essential to ensure precision and credibility in criminal probes under the new legal framework,” he said.
The scheme envisages the creation of 650 forensic units across districts, the establishment of nine new state-of-the-art forensic laboratories, the formation of 29 dedicated forensic investigation teams, and the procurement of 900 forensic vehicles. Additionally, 37,000 forensic experts will be trained nationwide to meet the technical demands of the initiative.
Bandi Sanjay hailed the scheme as a “revolutionary step” towards improving the criminal justice system. He noted that it will not only expedite crime investigation processes but also enhance transparency and deliver more timely and accurate justice to citizens.
Addressed the All India Directors’ Meet of Central Forensic Science Labs(CFSLs) & State Forensic Science Labs (SFSLs) Chandigarh, highlighting key reforms under the new criminal laws that place forensic science at the centre of India’s justice system.
Key initiatives include:
•… pic.twitter.com/o8ljZBc9eg— Bandi Sanjay Kumar (@bandisanjay_bjp) May 24, 2025
