22 Bn allotted for forensic infrastructure enhancement

21 Jun 2024 CW Team

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet authorised a new project called the "Central Sector Scheme "National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme" (N.F.l.E.S.)" with a budgetary expenditure of Rs 22.54 billion, anticipating increased demand once new criminal laws go into effect. The Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Cabinet had approved a new central scheme aimed at enhancing forensic infrastructure across the country. The scheme entails establishing off-campus laboratories of the National Forensic Sciences University in 28 States and all Union Territories. According to an official statement, the new criminal laws, which are currently under scrutiny by the Opposition, are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2024. The statement mentioned, "With the enactment of the New Criminal Laws requiring forensic investigation for offences carrying a punishment of 7 years or more, there is anticipated to be a substantial increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories. Moreover, there exists a significant deficit of trained forensic personnel in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) nationwide." The government's statement further added, "The establishment of additional off-campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) will address the shortage of trained forensic personnel, reduce the backlog of cases in forensic laboratories, and align with the Government of India's objective of achieving a high conviction rate exceeding 90%."

Infrastructure Transport

13 Oct 2025

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