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New Delhi : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on July 12, 2021, inaugurated the newly built Center of Excellence for Research & Analysis of Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances of the National Forensic Science University at Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Shah also inaugurated a virtual training on Investigation of Crimes Against Women.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, State Home Minister Pradeep Singh Jadeja, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, and many senior officers of Central and State Government were also present on this occasion.
Shah, in his address, said that when the government was formed for the second time under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it was decided to establish this Center in view of the excellence and prestige of the National Forensic Science University worldwide and it was the most appropriate decision. The Union Home Minister said that when the Gujarat Forensic Science University was formed, at that time Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat and he was the Home Minister of the state and when the National Forensic Science University was formed, Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister and he is the Union Home Minister. Shah said that a small seed sown here by Narendra Modi in 2009 has become a huge banyan tree that will strengthen the criminal justice system, according to a PIB release.
The Union Home Minister said that to make the criminal justice system of the country more powerful and result-oriented, it is very important to make this University the best in the country. He said that the era of use of third degree is over and now the toughest of criminals can be brought to justice on the basis of scientific investigation. Our New Education Policy also lays great emphasis on varied and scientific education. The Prime Minister also stresses that our Education Policy and system should be such that the students get the best knowledge in every field and its biggest gainer will be the National Forensic Science University.
Shah said that 7 States of the country have expressed their desire to open Colleges and Centers of Excellence affiliated to the National Forensic Science University, Gujarat. He said that he is confident that this University will set up its branches across the country and offer an opportunity to the youth to come forward in forensic science. The Cyber Defence Center and Ballistic Research Center set up at this Center are unique in the whole of Asia and the nation is on course to be self-reliant in this field., he said
The Union Home Minister said that the fight against cyber war and cyber crime is very important for us as India is an emerging economy. Cyber security is also very important for India’s security and to meet the Prime Minister’s goal of a five trillion Dollar economy. Several new dimensions have been established in the Ballistic Research Center for the testing of bulletproof materials. The materials which were earlier tested in the United States and Europe are now being tested here and it will be of maximum benefit to the Police, Central Armed Police Forces. and Army personnel across the country to protect themselves.
Shah said that an indigenous kit will also be made in this university to conduct a lot of tests which will be made available to police forces across the country. Wherever narcotics are seized, investigation will be pursued by checking with this kit. He said that in the last one-and-a-half years, maximum narcotics have been seized, which is a record till now.
The Union Home Minister said that there are many challenges before India in the 21st century and to successfully deal with them, we have to strengthen the Criminal Justice system. Forensic science is an important part of this. In view of the changing face of crime due to 130 crore population and market, borders with difficult geographical location and neighboring countries, it is very necessary to strengthen forensic science and the criminal justice system.
He said that the government is holding a dialogue with police officers, judges, lawyers, and law universities across the country to bring about radical changes in the CrPC, IPC, and Evidence Act. “We want to modernise them according to today’s requirements. We want to add new streams to meet today’s challenges by removing the things that have become obsolete. I, along with many, suggest that forensic science laboratory visits should be made mandatory for all offenses punishable by more than 6 years,” Shah added.
Shah said that our police are accused of no action and extreme action and they are caught between these two. We need just action, natural action, and this can happen only when scientists proceed with the investigation based on evidence. It is very important to move forward in this direction.