The Odisha government has introduced a new policy making biometric attendance compulsory for employees across various departments. The Panchayat Raj Department has instructed the installation of biometric machines in Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and District Council offices to track employee attendance.
Key Features of the Biometric Attendance System
- Biometric Recording: Employees will be required to record their "Office In" and "Office Out" times using biometric devices.
- Attendance Tracking: The system will track employee attendance, including late arrivals and absences.
- Penalties for Late Arrival: Employees who arrive late will face penalties, including deduction of casual leave for repeated instances of tardiness.
Implementation and Exemptions
- Implementation: The biometric attendance system will be implemented in all offices, with the aim of improving punctuality and discipline among employees.
- Exemptions: Staff working in the offices of the Governor, Chief Minister, and Ministers are exempt from the biometric attendance requirement.
The decision to implement biometric attendance comes after Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari's surprise visits to revenue offices revealed widespread delays in staff arrivals. The Revenue Department has already made biometric attendance mandatory for its employees, with plans to integrate attendance data with the Biometric Attendance System Portal developed by NIC.