The Union Home Minister, recently commended the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) team for their outstanding accomplishment. The team secured the prestigious Gold Award in the Excellence in Government Process Reengineering for Digital Transformation Category-1, as recognized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
What is NAFIS and its Significance?
Developed by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and housed within the Central Fingerprint Bureau (CFPB) in New Delhi, the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS) is a pioneering innovation. At its core, NAFIS serves as a comprehensive and accessible nationwide fingerprint database. Its primary objective is to streamline criminal identification processes by linking fingerprints to specific individuals and their criminal involvements.
Functionality and Benefits of NAFIS
Efficiency in Fingerprint Data Management: Functioning as a web-based application, NAFIS acts as a centralized repository that amalgamates fingerprint information from diverse states and Union Territories. This repository greatly enhances law enforcement agencies’ capabilities, enabling them to promptly access, trace, and retrieve real-time data from the database 24/7. This real-time access empowers agencies to expedite case resolution, contributing to more effective law enforcement.
Distinctive Features of NAFIS: Each individual arrested for a crime receives a unique 10-digit National Fingerprint Number (NFN). This number plays a pivotal role in linking various crimes, even under separate First Information Reports (FIRs), to the same individual. The initial two digits of the NFN represent the state code of arrest, followed by a sequential number. This automated process of collection, storage, and matching digitizes fingerprint records, ensuring a distinctive identifier for every apprehended individual. Additionally, NAFIS is seamlessly integrated with the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network & Systems (CCTNS) database, enhancing backend connectivity for holistic law enforcement.
NAFIS and Automation Initiatives
The roots of fingerprint automation in India can be traced back to the recommendations of the 1986 National Police Commission. The first significant stride was taken by the Central Fingerprint Bureau with the introduction of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFI) known as FACTS 1.0 in 1992. However, as technology progressed, the limitations of FACTS 1.0 became evident, culminating in the emergence of NAFIS.
NAFIS: A Game-Changer
The inception of NAFIS stems from a 2018 report by the NCRB, which identified the need for a more advanced and efficient fingerprint identification system. NAFIS superseded the older FACTS 5.0, providing law enforcement agencies with an innovative tool to combat crime more effectively.
Historical Context: Fingerprinting’s Role in India
Fingerprinting’s origins in India can be traced to the colonial era, where it initially served administrative rather than criminal purposes under British rule. The late 1800s saw the introduction of fingerprints by William Herschel, aimed at preventing fraud and ensuring accurate administrative procedures. The adoption of fingerprinting proved invaluable for activities like pension verification, land transfers, and mortgage bonds. Over time, fingerprinting displaced anthropometry – a method of measuring physical features – in official procedures.
UPSC Mains Questions
How does NAFIS contribute to the evolution of law enforcement and criminal identification in India?
What specific advantages does the integration of NAFIS with the CCTNS database offer to law enforcement agencies?