Cabinet clears scheme for forensic infra with outlay of Rs 2,200 crore
Cabinet clears scheme for forensic infra with outlay of Rs 2,200 crore
In a bid to have more scientific investigations across the country to achieve better conviction rates in criminal cases, the Union Cabinet Wednesday approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).
The scheme, with a financial outlay of Rs 2,254.43 crore during the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29, aims to establish campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country apart from setting up more central forensic science laboratories enhancing existing infrastructure of NFSU, Delhi.
The development assumes significance in the wake of the new criminal laws coming into effect from July 1.
According to the MHA, with the enactment of the new criminal laws which mandates forensic investigation for offences involving punishment of seven 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 Cabinet decision came on a proposal from MHA. Financial outlay of the central sector scheme will be provisioned by the MHA from its own budget.
“... The scheme underscores the importance of high quality, trained forensic professionals in the timely and scientific examination of evidence for an efficient criminal justice process, leveraging the advancements in technology & evolving manifestations and methods of crime,” an MHA statement said.
“The establishment of additional off-campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University and new Central Forensic Science Laboratories would address the shortage of trained forensic manpower,” the MHA statement said.
Meanwhile, as per PTI, the government also approved a development plan worth Rs 2,869.65 crore for the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport at Varanasi that will entail constructing a new terminal building, extending the runway and expanding the total annual passenger handling capacity to 9.9 million passengers per annum.
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