Govt to set up off-campus labs of National Forensic Sciences University

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The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 19 approved the proposal of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the central sector scheme 'National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)'. Under the scheme, off-campus labs of the National Forensic Sciences University will be set up across 28 states and UTs and the existing structure will be enhanced at a total financial outlay of Rs 2,254.43 crore for the period starting 2024-25 to 2028-29.

"The Cabinet has approved the establishment of campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country," union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said at a Cabinet briefing held today.

Union Information & Broadcasting Minister added, "Cabinet has approved a new Central scheme to enhance forensic infrastructure in the country by establishing off-campus labs of National Forensic Sciences University in 28 States and all UTs."

Additionally, Central Forensic Science laboratories will also be established along with the enhancement of the existing infrastructure of the Delhi campus of the NFSU.

With the enactment of the new criminal laws that mandate forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of seven years or more, a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories is expected. As per the government, there is a significant shortage of trained forensic manpower in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in the country.

The establishment of additional campuses of the NFSU and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories would address the shortage of trained forensic manpower, alleviate the caseload/pendency of forensic laboratories, and align with the government's goal of securing a high conviction rate of more than 90 percent.