Cabinet approves DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2018

Introduction

Mandatory Accreditation and Regulation of DNA Laboratories

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2018.

Details:

• The primary intended purpose for enactment of "The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill" is for expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.

• The utility of DNA based technologies for solving crimes, and to identify missing persons, is well recognized across the world.

• By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill seeks to ensure that with the proposed expanded use of this technology in the country, there is also the assurance that the DNA test results are reliable and the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens.

• Speedier justice delivery.

• Increased conviction rate.

• Bill's provisions will enable the cross-matching between persons who have been reported missing on the one hand and unidentified dead bodies found in various parts of the country on the other, and also for establishing the identity of victims in mass disasters.

Source

Press Information Bureau , 04 July 2018