The Indian Union Cabinet approved the proposal of Ministry of Home Affairs for Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)” with a total financial outlay of Rs. 2254.43 crore during the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29. Financial outlay of the Central Sector Scheme will be provisioned by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, from its own budget.
Under the Cabinet approved scheme; the forensic educational campuses across the country and forensic laboratories will be enhanced for its capability and also will ensure adding more campuses and labs at more number of places, increasing the geographical spread:
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Establishment of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.
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Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country.
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Enhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.
The proposed scheme will provide a boost to: training of forensic professionals, Upskilling of existing forensic specialists and SMEs, increase in sophistication to the existing institutions, more scientific approach to the forensic field, shortening of the time period that is taken to conclude an evidence being investigated, efficient criminal justice process, leveraging the advancements in technology to cater to the evolving manifestations and methods of crime.
The Government of India had recently enacted new criminal laws, which mandates forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of 7 years or more. This then is speculated to cause a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories. The need is thus felt to uplift the Forensic Capability in the country, both in terms of Infrastructure and Human Resource.
Quoting reports of PIB, Government of India, it is said that: “The establishment of additional off-campuses of the NFSU and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories would address the shortage of trained forensic manpower, alleviate the case load and pendency of forensic laboratories and align with the government of India’s goal of securing a high conviction rate of more than 90 per cent”. The release also mentioned “The total allocation of Rs 2,254.43 crore project will not only ensure the training of manpower in forensic sciences but also enhance speedy and immaculate justice delivery to everyone. The government is firmly committed to inclusive development and delivering justice, leaving no one behind,”