Cabinet approves Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme” (N.F.l.E.S.)
- The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister today approved the Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme” (NFIES) with 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 from its own budget.
Highlights:
- The Cabinet has approved the following components under this Scheme:
- Establishment of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University
- Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country
- Enhancement of existing infrastructure of Forensics.
- The Government of India is committed to put an effective and efficient criminal justice system, based on scientific and timely forensic examination of evidence.
- The scheme underscores the importance of high quality, trained forensic professionals in the timely and scientific examination of evidence for an efficient criminal justice process,
- With the enactment of the New Criminal Laws which mandates forensic investigation for offenses involving punishment of 7 years or more, a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories is expected.
- Further, there is a significant shortage of trained forensic manpower in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in the country.
- To meet this heightened demand, significant investment and enhancement in national forensic infrastructure is imperative.
Prelims Takeaway:
- Forensics
- Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023