National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (N.F.l.E.S.)

The Union Cabinet has approved the Central Sector Scheme, National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES), aimed at strengthening India’s criminal justice system through advanced forensic examinations.

About National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (N.F.l.E.S.):

• Scheduled for implementation from 2024-25 to 2028-29 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, NFIES is designed to reduce the workload on forensic laboratories.
• This reduction is anticipated due to new criminal laws effective from July 01, 2024, which require forensic investigation for offences carrying punishments of more than 7 years.
• The scheme also addresses the current shortage of skilled forensic professionals in India’s Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs).
• Key components of the scheme include the establishment of campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country, creation of Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs), and enhancement of infrastructure at NFSU-Delhi.