Daily Current Affairs : 21-June-2024

The Union Cabinet of India lately accredited the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES). This important central sector scheme is designed to improve forensic research competencies throughout the country. The scheme is a response to the growing need for advanced forensic science in criminal investigations, particularly with the new laws that now require forensic proof in serious criminal cases.

Purpose of NFIES

The primary purpose of NFIES is to bolster India’s forensic infrastructure. This will help in better handling of criminal investigations, making the justice system more efficient and reliable. The scheme will achieve this by establishing new forensic technology facilities and expanding existing ones. Here’s how it will work:

  • Establishment of New Campuses: The National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) will open additional campuses in various parts of India. These campuses will train professionals in different fields of forensic science.
  • New Forensic Laboratories: The scheme also plans to set up more Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) across the country. These labs will support police and investigative agencies in collecting, analyzing, and presenting forensic evidence.

Why is the NFIES Important?

India’s criminal justice system has undergone significant changes with the introduction of new laws, effective from July 1. These laws now mandate the use of forensic evidence in serious criminal cases, such as murders and sexual assaults.

This requirement makes it essential for law enforcement agencies to have access to high-quality forensic services. The NFIES aims to provide the required infrastructure, ensuring that forensic science plays a critical role in solving crimes.

Key Benefits of NFIES

  • Improved Forensic Education and Training: With the expansion of NFSU campuses, more students will be trained in forensic science, leading to a skilled workforce in this field.
  • Better Crime Investigations: More laboratories and advanced forensic techniques will enhance the accuracy of criminal investigations.
  • Faster Justice Delivery: With a more efficient forensic system, the time taken to resolve cases will be reduced, leading to quicker justice for victims.

Important Points:

NFIES Approval: The Union Cabinet approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) to strengthen forensic investigation capabilities in India.

Objective: The scheme aims to enhance forensic science facilities, ensuring more efficient criminal investigations and justice delivery.

Key Components of NFIES:

  • New Campuses for NFSU: Additional campuses of the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) will be established across India to train experts in forensic science.
  • Expansion of Forensic Labs: More Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) will be set up to support police and investigative agencies with forensic analysis.

Need for Forensic Infrastructure:

  • The new criminal laws (effective from July 1) now mandate the use of forensic evidence in serious criminal cases such as murders and sexual assaults.
  • This requirement increases the demand for advanced forensic services and infrastructure.

Key Benefits of NFIES:

  • Improved Forensic Education and Training: More forensic science campuses will train a skilled workforce.
  • Enhanced Crime Investigations: Expanded laboratories and advanced forensic techniques will improve the accuracy of investigations.
  • Faster Justice Delivery: With a more efficient forensic system, case resolution times will decrease, leading to quicker justice for victims.

Why In News

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES) – a central sector scheme aimed at strengthening forensic capabilities across the country. This initiative will improve the efficiency of the justice delivery system by providing advanced forensic tools and training to law enforcement agencies.

MCQs about The National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme

  1. What is the primary purpose of the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES)?
    A. To introduce new laws related to forensic evidence
    B. To enhance India’s forensic infrastructure and improve criminal investigations
    C. To reduce crime rates in India
    D. To establish international forensic collaborations
    Correct Answer: B. To enhance India’s forensic infrastructure and improve criminal investigations
    Explanation: The primary goal of NFIES is to strengthen forensic infrastructure across India, improving the handling of criminal investigations and making the justice system more efficient.
  2. Which of the following will be established as part of the NFIES to support forensic research and education?
    A. Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and NFSU campuses
    B. New police stations across India
    C. Digital crime-solving platforms
    D. Regional courts for forensic cases
    Correct Answer: A. Central Forensic Science Laboratories (CFSLs) and NFSU campuses
    Explanation: The NFIES includes the establishment of additional CFSLs and NFSU campuses, which will provide training and support forensic investigations across India.
  3. Why is the NFIES particularly important in the context of recent changes in Indian criminal law?
    A. It focuses on the modernization of police stations
    B. It aligns with the new legal requirements that mandate the use of forensic evidence in serious criminal cases
    C. It supports the creation of new criminal laws
    D. It helps in training lawyers to use forensic evidence in court
    Correct Answer: B. It aligns with the new legal requirements that mandate the use of forensic evidence in serious criminal cases
    Explanation: The NFIES is designed to meet the growing need for advanced forensic science, especially after the implementation of new laws requiring forensic evidence in serious criminal cases like murders and sexual assaults.
  4. What is one of the key benefits of the NFIES in relation to criminal investigations?
    A. It will provide direct funding to law enforcement agencies
    B. It will create a network of international forensic experts
    C. It will enhance the accuracy and speed of criminal investigations through advanced forensic technology
    D. It will replace police officers with forensic specialists
    Correct Answer: C. It will enhance the accuracy and speed of criminal investigations through advanced forensic technology
    Explanation: The scheme aims to improve forensic capabilities by providing more labs and advanced techniques, which will result in more accurate and efficient criminal investigations, thus speeding up the justice process.

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