Team Herald
PANJIM: The partially-operational Verna Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) continues to face a manpower crunch with qualified forensic experts not taking up the job in the local unit.
“Many-a-times there is no manpower, people don’t join,” Director General of Police Muktesh Chander told media persons on the sidelines of Goa Police Raising Day function, confirming the shortage of qualified experts which is delaying efforts to make the FSL fully functional.
As of now only two units – Chemistry and Biology – are operational and the FSL is accepting a few viscera samples for examination.
The shortage of manpower has been a problem for the last three years. Herald, in 2015 had reported that some senior forensic experts from other States had shown willingness to join the FSL but their State governments were unwilling to relieve them. This is so, despite Goa government offering them higher remuneration and other incentives.
Goa police had resorted to appointment on deputation after failing its first step – promoting eligible experts – as Goa has no personnel to match the work profile.
Advertisements for the appointment of gazetted officers through Goa Public Service Commission also fetched no results.
Meanwhile, the State FSL has been procuring equipments to carry out related tests with current staff carrying out the job.
