CYBER FORENSIC LABORATORIES

The “Police” and “Public Order” are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India and the responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens including investigation, prosecution of crime and criminals, and related forensic science facilities, are with the State concerned.

However, the Central Government provides continued support to the States/UTs for upgradation of the State Forensic Science Laboratories. Projects worth ₹244.89 crore have been approved for 30 States / Union Territories under the Nirbhaya funded scheme for Strengthening of DNA Analysis and Cyber Forensic Capacities in State/UT FSLs. As per the available information, the State-wise list of Cyber forensic divisions available / under establishment in the State / UT FSLs is at Annexure.

The Government of India has established a National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Evidentiary) (NCFL (E)) at the CFSL, Hyderabad with a total financial outlay of ₹37.34 crore. Further, funds to the tune of Rs. 126.84 crore have been approved under the umbrella scheme “Safety of Women” for establishment of 06 NCFLs(E) in Central Forensic Science Laboratories located at Delhi, Chandigarh, Kolkata (West Bengal), Kamrup (Assam), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Pune (Maharashtra). So far ₹22.51 crore has been utilized.

The details regarding the total number of cases presently pending for investigation before the existing cyber forensic laboratories of States and Union Territories, total number of sanctioned posts and vacancies is not maintained centrally. As on date, 181 number of cases are pending for examination at NCFL (E) Hyderabad. Total 04 in-house experts are working in NCFL (E) Hyderabad along with 05 number of contractual manpower.

Reskilling and upskilling of cyber professionals is an inherent and ongoing process and is part of their functional responsibilities and is carried out primarily through the on-the-job learning. The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) also conducts various training programs in the field of cyber forensics. In the last 05 years, total 66 training programs with 1852 participants have been conducted by the NFSU for the officers of various Government Departments / Law Enforcement Agencies.

Annexure

State-wise list of Cyber forensic divisions available / under establishment in the State / Union Territory FSLs.

*Remaining 04 Union Territories Chandigarh, Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Lakshadweep, and Ladakh are utilizing forensic science facilities available in their neighbouring States/Union Territories, as well as of the Central Forensic Science Laboratories.