“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 Cabinet has approved the following components under this Scheme:
- Establishment of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.
- Establishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country.
- Enhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.
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.
