National Forensic Science University Bill 2020

National Forensic Science University Bill 2020

Recently Parliament has passed the National Forensic Sciences University Bill 2020 with the Rajya Sabha clearing it. The Lok Sabha has already approved the Bill.

Key Features of the Bill:

Establishment of the University: The Bill is to establish the Gujarat Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar and the Lok Nayak Jayaprakash Narayan National Institute of Criminology and Forensic Sciences, New Delhi, as a National Forensic Sciences University, Gujarat.

Objectives and functions of the University: The objectives of the University include:

• Promoting academic learning in the field of forensic science in conjunction with applied behavioural science studies, law and other allied areas to strengthen the criminal justice institutions in India.
• Fostering research and applied applications in forensic science, applied behavioural science studies, and law.
• Coordinating with the central and state governments to improve investigations, crime detection and prevention through research.
• Assisting the central government in creating and maintaining a national forensic database for criminal investigation, including DNA and fingerprints.

Functions of the University include:

• Providing training and research on forensic science, applied behavioural science, law, and criminology.
• Establishing and maintaining colleges, schools, and research laboratories.
• Prescribing courses, holding exams, and granting degrees and other distinctions.

Authorities: The Bill provides for several authorities under the University.  These include:

• The Chancellor of the University, who will head the University
• The Court, which will review the broad policies and programmes of the University
• The Board of Governors, which will be the principal executive body
• The Academic Council, which will specify the academic policies of the University.

Board of Governors: The Board of Governors will be responsible for all administrative affairs of the University.  The members include:

• The Vice-Chancellor (appointed by the central government)
• The Financial Adviser, Ministry of Home Affairs, ex officio
• Five persons of eminence from fields such as forensic science and criminology.

Key functions of the Board include:

• Making policy decisions related to the working of the University
• Instituting courses of study in the University
• Making, modifying or cancelling statutes which will specify the establishment, composition, and powers of various authorities of the University.

Fund: The University will maintain a Fund which will be applied towards its expenses. The following amounts will be credited to the Fund:

• Contributions by the central or state government.
• Grants, gifts, and donations.
• Income from fees.
• Amounts received from any other source.