Context:
The Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).
Key highlights of the scheme
- This scheme aims to establish campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country apart from setting up more central forensic science laboratories and enhancing the existing infrastructure of NFSU, Delhi.
- It is a central sector scheme with financial outlay of Rs 2,254.43 crore for the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
- The Cabinet decision came on a proposal from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). The financial outlay of this central sector scheme will be provisioned by the MHA from its budget.
The Cabinet has approved the following components under this Scheme:
- Establishment of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.
- Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country.
- Enhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.
National Forensic Sciences University will be set up across 28 states and UTs.
- The scheme would address the shortage of trained forensic manpower, alleviate the case load/pendency of forensic laboratories, and align with the Government of India’s goal of securing a high conviction rate of more than 90%.