Home Minister lays foundation stone of Guwahati campus of National Forensic Science University

On a recent visit to Assam, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, laid the foundation stone of the Guwahati campus of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU). This new campus, which is the 11th in the world and the 10th in India, is expected to significantly contribute to the criminal justice system in Assam and the entire Northeast region. The State Government has allocated 50 acres of land for the campus, and the central government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, will provide around Rs 500 crore for the graduation and post-graduation of 3,500 students.

During the event, Shri Amit Shah also launched the web portal ‘Assam Police Seva Setu,’ which aims to make the services of the Assam Police more accessible and transparent for the people. Additionally, a book written by Dr. J.M. Vyas on the use of forensic science in the judiciary was released.

In his address, Shri Amit Shah highlighted the importance of forensic science in the criminal justice system and its role in increasing conviction rates. He emphasized that the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is working towards making radical changes in the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CRPC), and Evidence Act to align them with the spirit of the Indian Constitution. The government aims to make forensic expert visits mandatory for all crimes punishable by more than 6 years, which will create job opportunities for forensic science students across the country.

Shri Amit Shah expressed that the establishment of the Guwahati campus of NFSU will benefit not only Assam and Northeast India but also countries along the eastern border such as Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Indonesia. The NFSU has signed Memorandums of Understanding with many countries to provide online and offline training to officials in the use of forensics in the police and judicial processes, as well as to private industries. The university has trained police officers and forensic scientists from over 70 countries and has signed agreements with more than 170 national and international organizations.

Shri Amit Shah outlined a four-pronged strategy to increase the conviction rate in Assam, which includes strengthening forensic infrastructure, upgrading and modernizing state-level forensic labs, establishing regional forensic labs, and ensuring operational mobile forensic laboratories at the district level. The NFSU plays a crucial role in tasks such as training forensic experts, improving research and development, and bringing modern technology to the country.

The Home Minister congratulated the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, for his efforts in reviving the police force in the state and bringing about peace and harmony. He mentioned the government’s focus on developing infrastructure and promoting peace talks with insurgent groups in the Northeast. Shri Amit Shah also paid tribute to freedom fighter Shri Rash Behari Bose on his birth anniversary and encouraged students to pursue education at NFSU to contribute to the strengthening of law and order in the country.