Kathmandu, October 2
Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun has said the government is committed to modernising the National Forensic Laboratory, highlighting the need for the National Forensic Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081.
Speaking at Friday’s meeting of the National Assembly, Pun said the laboratory, which had long operated largely as a nominal institution under a government formation order, would now move towards a structured system under an Act.
During the extensive discussion on the bill, Pun informed the House about the laboratory’s current poor condition. He said its limited capacity became evident when DNA testing of victims was required following the Bhotekoshi floods. As the tests could be conducted only with assistance from foreign teams at the time, he stressed the need to strengthen domestic capacity.
Pun said forensic laboratories had so far been operating in temporary structures and rented buildings. With the passage of the Act, he said, the government would now be able to acquire land and construct its own buildings.
He said design work had begun for a modern building within the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) premises in Kathmandu.
The ministry has also begun preparations to modernise the forensic laboratory using this fiscal year’s budget. Rs 200 million has been allocated for equipment, while additional funds will be arranged for construction of the building. The government also plans to modernise existing small laboratories across the country and establish laboratories in the remaining provinces.
Recalling detailed discussions in the parliamentary committee on DNA security, Pun said DNA testing was highly sensitive in the administration of justice, and there would be no compromise on its security and accuracy.
