National DNA Training Academy on the cards

The state government is open to partnering with the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) to set up the National DNA Training Academy at CDFD's centre here. The academy is likely to be set up within this calendar year.

A Ashok, director of biotechnology, said that the government is willing to support the setting up of the academy through manpower supply or even funds.

"We realise the importance of such an academy especially in the light of medico-legal cases, and are, therefore, open to providing support in this regard," he added.

Syed E Hasnain, director, CDFD, said, "The academy will require a minimum investment of Rs 15 crore. It will provide training to judges, law enforcers and the general public in areas that involve DNA technology."

"We have got in-principle approval from the government, and we hope to set up the academy by the end of December 2005," he added. CDFD will be partnering with law schools like Nalsar for the academy.

The academy will have short-term capsules for a six-week period besides a one-year diploma course. It will also offer a two-year postgraduation programme in DNA technology. "We are planning to get a deemed university status for the academy," Hasnain said.