Suparjya swain 
Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to bolster the state’s criminal justice system, the Odisha government has announced the creation of 514 new positions within the State Forensic Science Services Organisation and the State Prosecution Service. This initiative aims to enhance investigative and prosecutorial capacities in anticipation of implementing three new criminal laws: the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.
According to a press release issued by the state Home Department on April 8, 247 positions have been established in the State Forensic Science Services Organisation. This expansion is designed to strengthen forensic investigations, ensuring more efficient and accurate analysis of evidence, which is crucial for the effective administration of justice.
Additionally, 267 new posts have been created for the Directorate of Public Prosecution and District Directorate of Prosecution. This development aligns with Section 20 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, emphasizing the state’s commitment to reinforcing its prosecutorial framework to handle cases more effectively and expedite legal proceedings.
This announcement precedes a scheduled meeting between Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, during which the state’s preparedness to implement the aforementioned criminal laws will be reviewed. The creation of these posts reflects Odisha’s proactive approach to ensuring a robust infrastructure is in place for the seamless adoption of new legal frameworks.
The State Forensic Science Services Organisation, established in 1962 and relocated to Bhubaneswar in 1971, is among the oldest in the country. It comprises the State Forensic Science Laboratory in the capital, three Regional Forensic Science Laboratories in Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Balasore, and 36 District Forensic Science Laboratories. This extensive network plays a pivotal role in supporting law enforcement agencies by providing critical scientific analysis and expertise.
In August 2023, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik sanctioned ₹150 crore for the modernization of forensic services under the ‘Modernisation of Forensic Science Services Organisation, Odisha’ scheme. This five-year initiative (2023-2028) aims to expedite case disposal, enhance scientific investigations, and improve prosecution processes to increase conviction rates.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Reports indicate that approximately 70% of scientific officer positions and 40% of assistant scientific officer roles in the state’s forensic laboratories are vacant, impacting the efficiency of forensic investigations and, consequently, conviction rates. The creation of the new positions is expected to address these vacancies, thereby strengthening the state’s forensic and prosecutorial capabilities.
These strategic initiatives underscore the Odisha government’s dedication to enhancing its criminal justice infrastructure, ensuring the state is well-prepared to implement new legal statutes effectively.
