New regional chemical lab to come up at Jalandhar

In a move liable to expedite the testing of liquor and other samples, the Punjab Government is opening a new regional chemical laboratory at Jalandhar. So far, the state has only one “chemical examiner laboratory” at Kharar to analyse excise samples, in addition to viscera and blood alcohol samples. Of the 14 sanctioned posts of analyst, six are vacant.
Justice Sangwan was also told the Kharar lab was simultaneously performing both qualitative and quantitative tests from December 1 last year, on liquor samples received. The Bench, on a previous date of hearing, had made it clear the police/excise department was duty-bound to get both tests conducted to find out the contents.

Qualitative tests were performed by laboratories through systematic analysis to identify the contents of the samples for determining whether it was spurious or unfit for human consumption.

Quantitative analysis, on the other hand, was carried out to determine the “absolute or relative substance” present in a sample for finding out the percentage of alcohol/ethyl alcohol. In case of spurious liquor, high percentage of ethyl alcohol could be dangerous.

Will come under Kharar facility

The Jalandhar facility will come under the Chemical Examiner Laboratory at Kharar. As many as 21 posts of analyst have been approved and are being hired on an outsource basis
The state currently has only one facility to analyse excise samples, crucial for trials before courts.