National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme

National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme

The National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) is a newly approved initiative aimed at strengthening forensic infrastructure across India. The Ministry of Home Affairs proposed the scheme, and it was approved by the Union Cabinet, led by the Prime Minister.

Key Features of the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme:

• Objective: The scheme aims to enhance forensic capabilities across the country by setting up off-campus laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in all 28 states and Union Territories. This will ensure better access to forensic services for law enforcement agencies.
• Outlay and Duration: The scheme has a total budget of Rs. 2,254.43 crore for the period 2024-2025 to 2028-2029.
• Components:
  • Establishment of NFSU Campuses: New campuses of the NFSU will be set up across India to train professionals in forensic science.
  • Central Forensic Science Laboratories: New laboratories will be built to meet the growing demand for forensic analysis and investigations.
  • Upgrading NFSU's Delhi Campus: Existing infrastructure at the NFSU’s Delhi campus will be enhanced to improve the quality of forensic education and research.

Key Objectives:

• Addressing Forensic Manpower Shortage: The scheme aims to tackle the shortage of skilled forensic professionals by expanding training opportunities and enhancing the infrastructure at NFSU.
• Reducing Caseloads: The new forensic laboratories will help reduce the burden on existing forensic labs, which are often overwhelmed by high caseloads and backlogs.
• Impact of New Criminal Laws: With the introduction of new criminal laws in 2024, which mandate forensic investigation for serious offenses (those with punishment of 7 years or more), the demand for forensic expertise will increase. This scheme aims to meet that demand.
• Improving Criminal Justice: By increasing the number of trained forensic professionals and expanding forensic infrastructure, the scheme will contribute to the efficiency of the criminal justice system and help improve conviction rates.

New Criminal Laws in India:

• Starting from July 1, 2024, India will replace colonial-era laws with modernized legislation:
  • The Indian Penal Code (IPC) will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
  • The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be replaced by the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
  • The Indian Evidence Act will be replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA).

These changes will increase the need for forensic investigations in criminal cases, particularly those with severe punishments.

National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU):

• World’s First Forensic University: NFSU is the only university globally dedicated solely to forensic sciences. It was established in 2009 as Gujarat Forensic Sciences University and renamed NFSU in 2020.
• National Importance: NFSU is a national institution under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with its main campus located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It plays a crucial role in educating forensic professionals and advancing forensic research.

What is Forensic Science?
Forensic science involves using scientific methods and techniques to investigate crimes and analyze evidence that may be presented in court. This includes various fields such as:

• DNA and fingerprint analysis
• Anthropology
• Wildlife forensics

Forensic scientists gather, examine, and analyze evidence from crime scenes to help solve cases, identify perpetrators, and ensure justice is served. Their work is essential to both criminal investigations and the legal process.

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