The Rashtriya Raksha University Act, 2020.

Summary of The National Forensic Sciences University Act, 2020
Purpose & Establishment
• Act Name: The National Forensic Sciences University Act, 2020
• Objective: Establish a premier institution for forensic sciences, enhancing criminal justice through education, research, and training in forensic science, applied behavioural science, law, criminology, and technology.
Key Provisions
1. Structure & Authorities:
• University Status: A body corporate with perpetual succession, headquartered in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Integration: Merges existing forensic science and criminology institutions under one umbrella.
2. Powers & Functions:
• Academic Excellence: Offer undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in forensic sciences and allied fields.
• Research & Development: Conduct and promote research in forensic technologies and sciences.
• Infrastructure Development: Establish, maintain, and manage campuses, colleges, and research units across India.
• Financial Management: Raise, borrow, and invest funds as per statutory provisions, with oversight for transparency.
3. Jurisdiction & Accessibility:
• Pan-India Jurisdiction: Exercises authority across the whole of India.
• Inclusive Policy: Admissions based solely on merit, open to all irrespective of gender, race, caste, creed, disability, or background.
4. Regulatory & Financial Oversight:
• Central Government Oversight: For key financial transactions and institutional audits.
• Self-Sufficiency: Through efficient management of grants, tuition fees, and donations.
5. Transitional & Miscellaneous Provisions:
• Smooth Transition: For staff, students, and ongoing projects from merged entities.
• Repeal of Previous Acts: Applicable to the institutions integrated into the new university.
Notable Aspects & Powers
• Objects:
• Advance forensic science applications.
• Enhance investigation capabilities for law enforcement agencies.
• Foster national and international collaborations for best practices.
• Operational Powers:
• Award degrees and honorary degrees.
• Enter into national and international partnerships.
• Manage finances through approved investment strategies.

Legislative History:

The Rashtriya Raksha University Act, 2020.

● Act Title - The Rashtriya Raksha University Act, 2020

● Act Number / Year - 31 of 2020

● Act ID (India Code) - 202031

● Assent Date - September 28, 2020

● Enforcement Date - October 1, 2020

● Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Home Affairs

Precedent & Historical Rationale

● Deficiencies in Specialized National Security, Policing, and Strategic Training - India's internal security landscape, policing apparatus, and national defense agencies faced evolving, multi-dimensional threats spanning cross-border terrorism, border management, cyber warfare, coastal security, and organized crime. Traditional police training academies and defense colleges primarily offered in-service tactical or administrative instruction, lacking an apex academic and research institution dedicated to multi-disciplinary education, strategic analysis, research, and skill development in policing and internal security for both civilian students and security forces.

● Elevation of Raksha Shakti University to Central Status - In 2009, the Government of Gujarat established the Raksha Shakti University (RSU) at Gandhinagar under The Raksha Shakti University Act, 2009 (Gujarat Act No. 17 of 2009) as a pioneer state-level security and police university. Recognizing the critical need to scale this model into a premier national institution catering to the entire country's security architecture, the Union Government sought to elevate RSU into a central university of national importance.

● Statutory Incorporation as an Institution of National Importance - Formulated to establish and incorporate the Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) at Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and declare it to be an Institution of National Importance. The Act dissolved the state-level Raksha Shakti University Society and University, vesting all its properties, assets, and liabilities into the new central university, mandated it to provide specialized education, research, and training in national security, police sciences, military affairs, cybersecurity, and maritime security, and empowered it to establish off-campuses, regional centers, and affiliate institutions across India and globally.

Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment

● Formulation - Drafted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to build a robust cadre of internal security and law enforcement professionals under the police modernization drive.

● Parliamentary Passage - Introduced as The Rashtriya Raksha University Bill, 2020 (Bill No. 85 of 2020) by Minister of State for Home Affairs G. Kishan Reddy in the Lok Sabha on March 23, 2020, during the Budget Session.

○ Lok Sabha - Debated and passed on September 20, 2020, during the Monsoon Session.

○ Rajya Sabha - Considered and passed on September 22, 2020.

● President's Assent - Received the assent of the President of India (Ram Nath Kovind) on September 28, 2020.

● Enforcement - Enforced on October 1, 2020.

Sources - Parliamentary Debates (Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha), The Gazette of India, India Code, and Ministry of Home Affairs.