Raipur / New Delhi, June 23 – Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah today laid the foundation stone of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) campus in Raipur, Chhattisgarh. He also virtually inaugurated the temporary campus of NFSU Raipur. The ceremony was attended by Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai, senior officials including the Union Home Secretary, and the Director of Intelligence Bureau.
Speaking at the event, Shri Shah called it a landmark moment for Chhattisgarh’s criminal justice infrastructure. He said that the establishment of NFSU and CFSL in New Raipur, with a combined investment of ₹268 crore, will not only modernize the state’s criminal justice system but also significantly benefit central India. The NFSU campus alone is being set up at a cost of ₹145 crore, while ₹123 crore has been allocated for CFSL.
He stated that graduating from NFSU will guarantee employment, contributing to Chhattisgarh’s advancement in education and job creation. The launch of the i-Hub initiative, he said, will serve as a bridge for local youth to develop startups by providing support in areas such as technology, marketing, legal contracts, and financing.
Highlighting the broader impact of forensic science, Shri Shah said India will soon be among the leading countries in conviction rate, thanks to the mandatory deployment of forensic teams in serious crimes under the three new criminal laws. These laws, he noted, mark the beginning of an evidence-based, scientific criminal justice system that ensures justice delivery—from FIR to final judgement—within three years.
He emphasized that Prime Minister Modi's vision for a developed India by 2047 goes beyond infrastructure and economic growth, encompassing a robust and timely justice system.
Shri Shah recalled that this year marks the centenary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under whose leadership Chhattisgarh was created. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the state’s progress in the past decade and noted that Chhattisgarh’s 25th foundation year is being celebrated as Atal Nirman Varsh.
He also outlined the national expansion of NFSU, stating that 16 campuses have already been initiated—seven operational, nine approved, and 10 more proposed. The government aims to scale this to 26 major locations, ultimately producing over 32,000 forensic experts annually. Citing a global survey, he added that the forensic technology market—currently valued at $20 billion—is projected to grow to $55 billion by 2036, with India expected to capture a 9% share.
In conclusion, the Union Home Minister praised the Chhattisgarh government's commitment to implementing the new criminal laws and expressed confidence that New Raipur will soon rank among the most modern and eco-friendly capitals in the country.
