Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman unveiled the Union Budget for 2025-26 in the Lok Sabha, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, and other key leaders in attendance.
With the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam coming into effect on July 1, 2024, the Union Home Ministry has intensified its efforts to modernize the criminal justice system. This year’s budget prioritizes strengthening forensic science infrastructure, tackling cybercrime, and enhancing the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) to streamline investigations and ensure swift justice.
A significant portion of the budget has been allocated to improving forensic capabilities. The Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) will receive Rs 80 crore, a sharp increase from Rs 9.67 crore last year, while the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme has been granted Rs 250 crore, up from Rs 44 crore. Additionally, Rs 500 crore has been set aside for forensic modernization, a substantial rise from Rs 150 crore in the previous budget.
Recognizing the importance of DNA analysis in investigations, funding for DNA centres and forensic research has increased to Rs 95 crore from Rs 78 crore last year. This includes administrative support for the Directorate of Forensic Science, the modernization of CFSLs, and the establishment of new regional forensic labs.
Ensuring fair trials and protecting prisoner rights also remain key priorities. The budget for supporting underprivileged prisoners has risen fivefold to Rs 5 crore. Furthermore, the Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), designed to integrate police, courts, forensic labs, prosecution, and prisons into a seamless digital platform, has received an increased allocation of Rs 300.20 crore, compared to Rs 123.10 crore last year.
Home Minister Amit Shah has emphasized the need for scientific investigations and effective implementation of the new laws. The government’s focus is not only on improving evidence collection and analysis but also on increasing conviction rates while upholding the legal rights of both victims and the accused.
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