Expecting heightened demand once new criminal laws come into force, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union on Wednesday approved a new scheme 'Central Sector Scheme “National Enhancement Scheme” (N.F.l.
E.S.)' with the financial outlay at Rs.
2254.43 crore. "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," said Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The new criminal laws, currently facing criticism from the Opposition, will come into force on July 1, 2024. "With the enactment of the New Criminal Laws which mandates forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of 7 years or more, a significant increase in the workload of forensic science laboratories is expected. Further, there is a significant shortage of trained forensic manpower in the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in the country," the official statement said.
"The establishment of additional off-campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) would address the shortage of trained forensic manpower, alleviate the case load / pendency of forensic laboratories, and align with the Government of India's goal of securing a high conviction rate of more than 90%," said the statement of the government..
