Government of India Ministry of Home Affairs

The Women Safety III Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) undertakes a comprehensive range of responsibilities aimed at enhancing safety and security for women. Their work encompasses administrative and financial management for the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) and its outlying units, including the Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs). The division also handles matters related to the National Forensic Sciences University. Various schemes are under their purview, such as the Modernisation of Forensic Capacities, the Strengthening of DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic Capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) funded by the Nirbhaya Scheme, and the capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors to effectively handle sexual assault cases against women and children, also under the Nirbhaya Scheme. Other significant responsibilities include addressing Parliament Questions, Assurances, RTI queries, and Public Grievances

Forensics Section

The Forensics Section of the Women Safety Division of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) undertakes a comprehensive range of responsibilities aimed at strengthening of forensic eco-system in the country. Their work encompasses administrative and financial management for the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS) and its outlying units, including the Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs). The Section also handles matters related to the National Forensic Sciences University. Various forensic related schemes are under their purview, such as the Modernization of Forensic Capacities, the Strengthening of DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic Capacities in State Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs), capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors to effectively handle sexual assault cases against women and children. Other significant responsibilities include addressing Parliament Questions, Assurances, RTI Applications, and Public Grievances related to forensic sciences.

Project & Schemes

Modernization of Forensic Capacities: The Cabinet has approved a Scheme for Modernization of Forensic Capacities encompassing various components, including the establishment of campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Centres of Excellence, Affiliation of Colleges with the NFSU, establishment of training and skilling academies by the NFSU. It also involves components related to Modernization / Upgradation of Forensic Science Laboratories in the country along with providing Mobile Forensic Vans for all districts and State FSLs in the country.

Strengthening of DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic Capacities in State FSLs: To ensure timely, credible, and scientific investigation in criminal cases, particularly those involving sexual offences and cybercrimes, the Government of India had launched focused initiatives in 2018 to strengthen forensic infrastructure across the country by enhancing DNA and cyber forensic capabilities of State Forensic Science Laboratories. With this assistance, DNA and Cyber Forensic facilities have been upgraded in all State FSLs. This support has enabled faster and more reliable scientific analysis for ongoing investigations.

Capacity building and training of investigators and prosecutors in handling sexual assault cases against women and children: Capacity building is a crucial component of strengthening forensic investigations. The Government has focused on training Investigating Officers, Prosecutors, and Medical Officers across States and UTs to ensure they are equipped with the right techniques for properly collecting, storing, and handling DNA evidence.

National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme: The Cabinet has approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) in June 2024, with a total outlay of ₹2254.43 crore. This scheme will support the establishment of nine new campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country and seven new Central Forensic Science Laboratories. It also includes upgrading the infrastructure of the existing NFSU campus in Delhi.
The objective of the proposed scheme is to address the shortage of trained forensic professionals in the country along with reducing the pendency of cases in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs) in the country.

Upgradation of Central Forensic Science Laboratories including setting up of National Forensic Data Center: The said component has been approved by the Cabinet under the umbrella scheme “Safety of Women”. This includes establishment of a dedicated cyber forensic science laboratory in the six CFSLs located at Pune, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Bhopal, Delhi, and Guwahati, on the lines of National Cyber Forensic Lab, Hyderabad. Further, to systematically stockpile the forensic data received from all forensic labs, establishment of National Forensic Data Centre has also been approved under the said scheme. Along with this, establishment of residential buildings for the reporting officers in CFSLs located at Bhopal, Pune, and Guwahati have also been approved.