Minister Prithviraj Chavan told the parliament that India will set up several DNA data banks at the national and state levels to strengthen forensic investigation, Science and Technology .
“The draft bill having provision for establishment of DNA data banks both at the national and state levels was circulated to the ministry of home affairs, Bureau of Police Research and Development, Central Bureau of Investigation, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Planning Commission, ministry of finance, department of science and technology, ministry of defence, legislative department of the ministry of law and justice, and the directorate of forensic science,” Chavan said.
"The department of biotechnology in association with the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics, Hyderabad, is in the process of piloting the human DNA profiling bill for parliamentary enactment to regulate various issues - establishment of DNA data bank, setting of standards, quality control, quality assurance"
What is a DNA Database?
A national DNA database is a government database of DNA profiles which can be used by law enforcement agencies to identify suspects of crimes.
The first government datatabase (NDNAD) was set up by the United Kingdom in April 1995. The second one was set up in New Zealand. France set up the FNAEG in 1998. In the USA, the FBI has organized the CODIS database. Originally intended for sex offenders, they have since been extended to include almost any criminal offender.
