Govt prioritizes strengthening of National Forensic Science Laboratory: Minister Pun

KATHMANDU: Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun has said that the government has prioritized the strengthening and expansion of the National Forensic Science Laboratory.

Speaking at a meeting of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee under the House of Representatives on the proposed “National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081,” Minister Pun said physical infrastructure will be constructed in Bardibas, Dhangadhi, Butwal and Birendranagar to expand laboratory services across the country.

Committee Chair Dr. Ojashwi Sherchan emphasized the need to enhance the capacity of the laboratory to ensure more effective forensic services.

During the discussion, forensic experts Om Prakash Sharma and Gopal Chaudhary highlighted the importance of DNA testing in criminal investigations and stressed the need for a national DNA database for human identification purposes.

Expert Niranjan Thapa pointed out the shortage of skilled human resources in the laboratory system and suggested that the bill should include provisions for professional training and capacity building.

Lawmakers including Dr. Chandramohan Yadav and Dr. Lekhjang Thapa stressed the necessity of establishing a national DNA database to strengthen criminal justice mechanisms.

Dr. Thapa further suggested that forensic laboratories should be subject to proper auditing to ensure data security and operational integrity.

Lawmakers Pukar Bam, Guruprosad Baral, Chandankumar Singh and Ganesh Paudel also emphasized the need for sufficient budget allocation, nationwide expansion of forensic services, and effective policy planning to make the system functional and impactful.

Concerns were also raised over the migration of skilled scientists abroad, with lawmakers urging the government to introduce measures to retain scientific talent within the country.

Officials said the proposed bill aims to modernize Nepal’s forensic infrastructure and improve scientific investigation capacity in the justice system.