Chhattisgarh News: Amit Shah Inaugurates NFSU, I-Hub Raipur; Vows to Continue Anti-Naxal Drive Through Monsoon

Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the temporary campus of the National Forensic Sciences University and I-Hub in Raipur, aiming to modernise forensic education and promote startups in Chhattisgarh. The initiatives are expected to enhance local investigative capabilities and empower youth.

Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah today virtually inaugurated the temporary campus of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and the I-Hub Raipur, both situated in Nava Raipur. Speaking on the occasion, the union Home minister described it as a historic day in the journey to modernise and scientifically strengthen the criminal justice system of Chhattisgarh. Alongside the temporary campus of NFSU, the ground-breaking ceremony for the permanent campus and the foundation of a Central Forensic Science Laboratory were also initiated. These institutions are being developed at a total cost of Rs 268 crore.

Academic sessions at the temporary campus will commence from 2025-26, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Forensic Science, Cyber Security, Psychology, Digital Forensics, and various professional diploma courses. Approximately 180 students are expected to be enrolled in the first batch.

On the occasion, Shri Amit Shah said that the establishment of these institutions would not only benefit Chhattisgarh but also empower the entire central Indian region with a modern legal and investigative framework. Advanced forensic technologies such as DNA fingerprinting, LSD analysis, cyber security, biotechnology, and digital forensics will now be accessible locally, expediting and enhancing the accuracy of investigations. He further informed that there would no longer be a need to depend on Delhi or other metros for forensic examinations, as all such investigations will now be conducted at Atal Nagar, Nava Raipur.

Regarding the establishment of I-Hub Raipur, Union Home Minister said that this platform would serve as a vital support system for youth by promoting a startup culture, providing technical support, facilitating funding, and offering professional services such as marketing and contract management. He urged the youth to emerge as entrepreneurs, launch startups, and actively participate in the state's industrial progress. Modelled after the successful Gujarat initiative, this I-Hub is expected to give rise to several global startups originating from Raipur.

Highlighting the industrial prospects, Shri Shah emphasized that after the formation of the new state government, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 5 lakh crore in investment proposals have been signed. This is expected to boost employment, state revenue, and foster an industrial culture. Lauding Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai and Home Minister Shri Vijay Sharma, Shri Shah acknowledged their decisive leadership in intensifying anti-Naxal operations. For the first time, security forces are operating during the monsoon season, leaving no respite for the Naxalites. He made a heartfelt appeal to Naxalites to surrender and become a part of the state's developmental journey.

Development of NFSU Campus

Union Home Minister Shri Shah informed that the permanent campus of NFSU would be fully developed within three years, creating immense career opportunities for youth in the forensic sciences sector. He assured that a degree from NFSU under the Modi Government would be a guaranteed gateway to employment. Referring to the newly enacted criminal laws, Shri Shah said that objective of these laws is to ensure justice within three years and to establish a modern, evidence-based criminal justice system. He emphasized that forensic investigation has now been made mandatory for crimes attracting imprisonment of over seven years. All police stations are now integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS), enabling state governments to enhance their investigative and supervisory capacities through technology. These developments will not only reinforce the judicial process but also position India among the leading nations in science-based convictions.

Shri Shah further revealed that 16 campuses of NFSU have already been established across the country, with 10 more in the pipeline. Forensic technology will play a pivotal role in achieving the vision of a self-reliant India. Citing a recent survey, he projected that the global forensic technology market will reach USD 55 billion by 2026, and India's share in the same is increasing rapidly.

Remarks by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai described the day as historic for Chhattisgarh, marking the foundation of three key institutions that will glorify the name of the state both nationally and internationally. He underlined that NFSU is the world's first and only university dedicated entirely to the study of forensic science, cyber security, and behavioural sciences. The Raipur campus will establish Nava Raipur as an emerging national educational hub. This institution will serve as a strong foundation for law enforcement, judicial procedures, and forensic research not only in Chhattisgarh but across Central India.

Chief Minister Shri Sai shared that Chhattisgarh Government has allocated 40 acres of land at Banjari, Nava Raipur, for the university and played a vital role in the timely development of the transit campus. The campus will offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and short-term courses in subjects such as Forensic Science, Digital Forensics, and Psychology. Training in areas like cybercrime, road accident analysis, and narcotics investigation will significantly strengthen the state's law and order mechanism.

Shri Sai mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shri Amit Shah, three new criminal laws have been implemented in the country after nearly a century. Institutions like NFSU will play a crucial role in the effective enforcement of these laws. The state government is committed to equipping its police forces and investigative agencies with necessary training and resources, and a monitoring mechanism has been put in place for sustained oversight.

I-Hub Chhattisgarh Launch

Chief Minister also highlighted the launch of I-Hub Chhattisgarh, referring to it as a powerful medium to connect youth with innovation and startup ecosystem. It will house state-of-the-art co-working spaces that will nurture creativity and entrepreneurship.

Remarks by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Vijay Sharma added that Raipur campus of NFSU will not only serve as training centre but also usher in revolutionary changes in forensic research and investigation. He emphasised that this institution will be hub for academic learning, research, training consultancy. This institution will take leading role innovating manufacturing forensic tools within India-a dream being realised under guidance Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah. He added land allocation for NFSU has been completed construction commence shortly equipped modern facilities train youth Forensic Science Digital Forensics Psychology various short-term courses.

He further stated three newly enacted criminal laws-Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita-will require robust support from forensic systems effective implementation Chhattisgarh among leading states where NFSU being established while states like Odisha Bihar Rajasthan Andhra Pradesh yet see similar developments-making matter pride state. Shri Sharma also informed Centre sanctioned Rs 24 crore state government setting up mobile forensic units all 33 districts Each district mobile vehicles modern equipment trained teams facilitate accurate on-site investigations.

On occasion Speaker Legislative Assembly Dr Raman Singh Union Minister State Shri Tokhan Sahu Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Vijay Sharma Shri Arun Sao Union Home Secretary Shri Govind Mohan Director Intelligence Bureau Shri Tapan Kumar Deka Chief Secretary Shri Amitabh Jain Professor Dr S O Junare Campus Director NFSU Gandhinagar along several other dignitaries officials