NFSU: Government clears National Forensic Sciences University campuses in Nagpur, Raipur, Khordha

NEW DELHI: The ministry of home affairs has notified that the campuses established in Nagpur (Maharashtra), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and Khordha (Odisha) will now be considered as official National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) campuses.

According to the gazette published by the ministry of home affairs (Women Safety Division) on March 18, the inclusion of these NFSU campuses has been exercised under sub-section (4) of Section 4 of the NFSU Act, 2020.

The official gazette read, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (4) of section 4 of the National Forensic Sciences University Act, 2020 (32 of 2020), the Central Government hereby notifies that the campuses established at Nagpur (Maharashtra), Raipur (Chhattisgarh), and Khordha (Odisha) shall include as the campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University.”

Chhattisgarh finance minister, OP Choudhary posted on X (formerly Twitter), "The Union Home Ministry has notified the campus established in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, as the official campus of the National Forensic Science University (NFSU). This decision will prove effective in strengthening forensic education, research, and investigation capabilities. Thanks to prime minister Shri Narendra Modi ji and Honorable Home Minister Shri Amit Shah ji."

Establishment of NFSU campuses

Last year in January, union home minister Amit Shah announced that nine additional NFSU campuses would be established across India within a year. He emphasized the importance of integrating forensic science with technology and the criminal justice system to enhance crime-solving efficiency.

National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFlES)

The expansion of NFSU aligns with the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFlES), which the union cabinet approved in June 2024. With a financial outlay of Rs 2,254.43 crore, the NFIES scheme aims to develop forensic campuses, central forensic science laboratories, and improve existing infrastructure between 2024-25 and 2028-29. Earlier, the officials have stated that this initiative is part of a broader push to modernize forensic education and improve crime detection mechanisms.

Forensic investigation now mandatory in serious crimes

India’s criminal justice system underwent a major reform last year in July 2024, with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replacing the IPC, CrPC, and Indian Evidence Act of 1872. Under BNSS, forensic investigation is now mandatory for offenses punishable with at least seven years of imprisonment. States lacking forensic facilities can seek assistance from other states, ensuring that crime scenes are examined by forensic experts.