The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has cleared the NFIES with a total outlay of ₹2,254.43 crore for the five‑year period 2024‑25 to 2028‑29.
Key Developments
- Allocation of ₹1,309.13 crore for establishing nine campuses of the NFSU in nine locations.
- Allocation of ₹860.30 crore for setting up seven CFSLs.
- So far, ₹119.09 crore has been released and spent on both NFSU campuses and CFSLs.
- Land for campuses/labs has been allotted in Nagpur, Raipur, Khordha, Chengalpattu and Varanasi.
- Five campuses are already operating from transit buildings in Nagpur, Raipur, Khordha, Chengalpattu and Jaipur.
Important Facts
The nine approved NFSU campuses are located in:
- Nagpur (Maharashtra)
- Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
- Khordha (Odisha)
- Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu)
- Rajasthan (state‑wide campus)
- Bihar (state‑wide campus)
- Uttar Pradesh (state‑wide campus)
- Andhra Pradesh (state‑wide campus)
- West Bengal (state‑wide campus)
The seven CFSLs will be set up in:
- Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
- Khordha (Odisha)
- Chengalpattu (Tamil Nadu)
- Rajasthan
- Bihar
- Uttar Pradesh
- Kerala
Six of these labs will be co‑located with the NFSU campuses, creating integrated forensic hubs.
Exam Relevance
For GS 2 (Polity), the scheme illustrates how the central government uses specialised institutions to strengthen internal security and the justice system. It also shows inter‑state coordination, as multiple states host the new facilities.
For GS 3 (Economy), the massive capital outlay reflects the fiscal priority given to forensic infrastructure, a sector that supports law‑enforcement efficiency and, indirectly, the business environment by improving crime‑investigation capabilities.
For GS 4 (Ethics & Integrity), the development of forensic science enhances transparency in investigations, reducing chances of wrongful convictions and promoting rule of law.
Way Forward
- Complete land acquisition and construction of permanent campuses and labs within the five‑year window.
- Recruit qualified faculty and forensic scientists to ensure high‑quality training and research.
- Integrate the new facilities with existing police and judicial networks for faster case processing.
- Monitor fund utilisation through regular audits to maintain financial discipline.
- Encourage state governments to provide complementary support, such as hostels and ancillary services.
Successful implementation will boost India’s forensic capacity, aid criminal justice, and contribute to a safer society.