Govt to set up National Forensic Sciences University campuses with outlay of Rs 2,254.43 crore

NEW DELHI: The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new Central Sector Scheme “National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme” (NFlES) with financial outlay of Rs 2,254.43 crore for campuses, labs, and enhancement of infrastructure for the academic year 2024-25 to 2028-29.

The scheme aims for an efficient criminal justice system, based on scientific and timely forensic examination of evidence.

The cabinet approved the scheme today for the “establishment of campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country, establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country, and enhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi campus of the NFSU,” the officials said.

The criminal justice system underwent a major reform recently and the changes will be effective from July 1, 2024. Under this, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) will replace Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively.

As per the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), forensic investigation is mandatory for offenses punishable by at least seven years of imprisonment. This means, the officials should ensure that forensic experts collect and record evidence at crime scenes. And in case a state lacks the facility, they are permitted to seek help of another state.

In January 2024, the Union home minister Amit Shah said that the government will set up nine more campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country within a year. He also spoke about the challenges in integrating the criminal justice system, technology and forensic investigation.