NFIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 2/3 – Govt Scheme/Economy)

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to boost scientific investigations and improve conviction rates in criminal cases across the country.

National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)

• Operated by: Union Ministry of Home Affairs
• Funding: Central Sector Scheme 
• Duration: 2024-25 to 2028-29
• Components under the scheme: 

oEstablishment   of Campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) in the country.

oEstablishment of Central Forensic Science Laboratories in the country.

oEnhancement of existing infrastructure of the Delhi Campus of the NFSU.

• Aim: To establish campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country.
• Infrastructure Enhancement: The scheme includes setting up more central forensic science laboratories and enhancing the existing infrastructure of NFSU, Delhi.

National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU)

• Establishment: It was established by the Government of India in 2020.
• Objective: To address the acute shortage of forensic experts in India and worldwide.
• Unique Status: NFSU holds the status of an Institution of National Importance.
• It is the world's first and only university dedicated to forensic, behavioural, cybersecurity, digital forensics, and allied sciences.
• Forensic Science: It involves using scientific methods or expertise to investigate crimes or examine evidence for legal proceedings.

oIt includes a variety of disciplines, such as fingerprint and DNA analysis, anthropology, and wildlife forensics.