DNA TECHNOLOGY (USE AND APPLICATION) REGULATION BILL – 2019

July 9, 2019

Union Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Harsh Vardhan introduced “The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill, 2019” in the Lok Sabha.

About:

Objective of bill: Expanding the application of DNA-based forensic technologies to support and strengthen the justice delivery system of the country.
Features:
- This Bill is for the regulation of use and application of DNA technology for the purpose of establishing identity of missing persons, victims, offenders, under trials and unknown deceased persons.
- By providing for the mandatory accreditation and regulation of DNA laboratories, the Bill ensures that DNA test results are reliable and the data remain protected from misuse or abuse in terms of the privacy rights of our citizens.
- Establishment of the National and Regional DNA Data Banks, as envisaged in the Bill, will assist in forensic investigations.
- It will empower the criminal justice delivery system by enabling the application of DNA evidence, which is considered the gold standard in crime investigations.
- Setting up the DNA Regulatory Board will aid in scientific up gradation and streamlining of the DNA testing activities in the country.