New push to strengthen cyber-forensics in State FSLs — central govt approves ₹244.89 crore under Nirbhaya scheme
New Delhi — The Government of India has approved projects worth ₹244.89 crore to strengthen DNA analysis and cyber-forensic capacities in State and Union Territory Forensic Science Laboratories (State FSLs), according to an official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB). The funding, sanctioned under the Nirbhaya-funded scheme for strengthening forensic infrastructure, aims to expand cyber-forensic divisions, upgrade laboratories, and improve the handling of digital evidence across the country.
The move is part of a broader national effort to modernise forensic services in India, reduce investigation delays, and ensure that cyber and digital evidence is examined using standardised, court-admissible scientific methods.
What the PIB release states — key details
- Total amount approved: Projects amounting to ₹244.89 crore have been sanctioned for 30 States and Union Territories to enhance DNA and cyber-forensic capacity in State FSLs.
- Scope of funding: The approved projects cover the setting up of new cyber-forensic divisions, upgrading existing laboratories, procurement of specialised forensic hardware and software, and development of secure digital evidence handling infrastructure.
- Training and capacity building: The scheme includes structured training programmes for law-enforcement personnel, forensic experts, prosecutors, and judicial officers to improve understanding of digital evidence, cybercrime investigation, and courtroom presentation.
- State-wise coverage: The PIB release refers to an annexure listing State-wise cyber-forensic laboratories that are operational, under establishment, or approved for support under the scheme.
- Alignment with earlier initiatives: The programme builds on previous Ministry of Home Affairs initiatives such as the Cyber Crime Prevention against Women and Children (CCPWC) scheme and the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme.
Why this development matters for forensic science in India
The approval of substantial funding for cyber-forensic laboratories signals a clear and sustained policy commitment by the central government to strengthen digital forensic capabilities at the state level.
1. Faster turnaround of digital evidence
By equipping State FSLs with cyber-forensic divisions, investigators will no longer need to rely heavily on overburdened central laboratories. This decentralisation is expected to significantly reduce delays in analysing mobile phones, computers, storage devices, network logs, and cloud-based data.
2. Standardisation of forensic practices
Centralised funding typically follows a standard equipment and SOP framework. This can help bring uniformity in tools, examination methods, documentation, and chain-of-custody practices across different State FSLs — a long-standing concern highlighted by courts in multiple cases.
3. Strengthening human resources
Infrastructure alone cannot create forensic capacity. The inclusion of training components directly addresses the shortage of skilled cyber-forensic analysts and improves awareness among investigators and judicial officers regarding the limitations and strengths of digital evidence.
4. National-level data integration
The funding push complements the establishment of a National Forensic Data Centre and an e-Forensics IT platform that links central and state laboratories. Together, these initiatives can improve data sharing, reduce duplication of effort, and support multi-jurisdictional cybercrime investigations.
5. Long-term planning signal
Budgetary allocations and approvals under the Nirbhaya and forensic enhancement schemes indicate that forensic modernisation is being treated as a multi-year priority, enabling State FSLs to plan staffing, training, and accreditation in a structured manner.
What the release does not clearly spell out
- Timelines: While funding has been approved, the PIB summary does not provide clear timelines for completion of laboratory construction, procurement, or recruitment of personnel.
- State-wise financial breakup: The exact amount allocated to each State or UT is not detailed in the main release and is only referenced through an annexure.
- Operational readiness: Past experience shows that some states face challenges in utilising funds efficiently due to staff shortages, space constraints, or administrative delays.
- Data governance: Detailed protocols regarding privacy safeguards, data retention, access control, and interoperability standards for the e-Forensics platform have not been outlined in the public summary.
Likely short-term outcomes
- Increased submission of mobile and cyber evidence to State FSLs as local capacity expands.
- Higher demand for specialised training in mobile forensics, cloud evidence, malware analysis, and expert testimony.
- Consolidated procurement opportunities for forensic equipment and software vendors through central and state-level tenders.
What forensic professionals and FSL managers should do now
- Obtain the state-specific annexure to understand approved scope, funding, and implementation status.
- Conduct an internal audit comparing existing cyber-forensic capacity with the expected standard equipment list.
- Initiate recruitment and training plans early so personnel are ready when infrastructure and tools are delivered.
- Review and update SOPs to align with national best practices and prepare for accreditation where applicable.
Bottom line
The approval of ₹244.89 crore for strengthening cyber-forensic laboratories in State FSLs represents a significant step toward modernising India’s forensic ecosystem. If implemented effectively, the initiative has the potential to reduce case backlogs, improve the quality of digital evidence, and enhance confidence in forensic science within the criminal justice system.
However, the real impact will depend on timely implementation, skilled manpower, and strong governance around digital evidence — areas that will need continuous monitoring in the months ahead.
