Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by PM Narendra Modi, approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).

Do you know?

Central sector schemes: They are 100% funded by the Union government and implemented by the Central Government machinery. It covers subjects from Union List (central subjects).
Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS): It has a certain percentage of the funding borne by the States and the implementation is by the State Governments.It covers subjects from Concurrent List (shared subjects).
- States have some flexibility to modify schemes to suit local needs within central guidelines.

The Central Sector Scheme NFIES aims to strengthen national forensic infrastructure, expand NFSU’s reach, and establish CFSLs to meet growing forensic demands.
It aligns with India’s goals of enhancing forensic capabilities and securing robust criminal justice outcomes.

Campuses of NFSU: Establishing campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across India.
Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs): Setting up new CFSLs nationwide.

- Delhi Campus Enhancement: Upgrading infrastructure at the Delhi Campus of NFSU.
- Financial outlay: Rs. 2254.43 crore for 2024-25 to 2028-29, funded by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Objectives:

- Enhancing the criminal justice system with timely and scientific forensic examinations.
- Addressing the increased workload due to new criminal laws requiring forensic investigation for serious offences.
- Mitigating the shortage of trained forensic professionals in Forensic Science Laboratories (FSLs).

Improved Efficiency: Ensuring high-quality forensic examinations for efficient criminal justice processes.
Technology Integration: Leveraging advancements to handle evolving crime methods effectively.
Capacity Building: Training more forensic professionals to reduce case backlogs and support a high conviction rate exceeding 90%.

[2017] ‘Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme’ is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to:

(a) Certifying the skills acquired by construction workers through traditional channels.

(b) Enrolling the persons in Universities for distance learning programmes.

(d) Certifying the skills acquired by trainees under the National Skill Development Programme.