National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme

• 24 Jun 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the Central Sector Scheme "National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)".

What is the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme?

• About:
  • This scheme aims to enhance forensic infrastructure across the country by establishing off-campus laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University in 28 States and all Union Territories.
• Outlay and Duration:
  • The scheme has a total financial outlay of Rs. 2,254.43 crore during the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29.
• Components:
  • Establishment of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country.
  • Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country.
  • Enhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.
• Key Objectives:
  • It aims to address the shortage of trained forensic manpower, strengthening the capacity and capabilities of the National Forensic Sciences University.
  • The establishment of new Central Forensic Science Laboratories across the country is intended to alleviate the caseload and pendency in the existing forensic laboratories.
    • With the enactment of the New Criminal Laws, which mandates forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of 7 years or more, a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories is expected.
  • High-quality, trained forensic professionals are expected to contribute to an efficient criminal justice process, leveraging advancements in technology and evolving crime patterns.
  • The scheme is intended to support the government's objective of achieving a high conviction rate of more than 90%.

New Criminal Laws in India

• The new criminal laws in India are set to take effect on 1^st July 2024. These laws will replace the existing colonial-era 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).

National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)

• It is the world's first and only university dedicated to forensic sciences.
• It was established in 2009 as Gujarat Forensic Sciences University and was later renamed to NFSU in 2020.
• The university was set up to train professionals in forensic science and is now an institution of national importance under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Its main campus is located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Forensic Science

• Forensic science is the use of scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes or examine evidence that might be presented in a court of law.
• It comprises a diverse array of disciplines, from fingerprint and DNA analysis to anthropology and wildlife forensics.
• It is a critical element of the criminal justice system.
  • Forensic scientists examine and analyse evidence from crime scenes and elsewhere to develop objective findings that can assist in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of crime or absolve an innocent person from suspicion.

Read more: Criminal Justice System, National Forensic Science University

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q. In addition to fingerprint scanning, which of the following can be used in the biometric identification of a person? (2014)

1. Iris scanning
2. Retinal scanning
3. Voice recognition

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)