Jammu and Kashmir: Biometric attendance system implementation improves attendance of teachers in govt schools significantly

Teacher absenteeism was a significant problem in government schools, especially in schools in remote areas and villages. The attendance of the teachers was negligible. There were frequent complaints from such areas that the teachers posted in the schools come and go as they please, for example, if it is 8 am school time, the teachers would arrive at 10 or 10.30 at a leisurely pace and then leave before the break time, reports ANI.

Not only this but many parents and students also complained that the teachers have kept taking turns to come in. The teachers come alternately during the week and the teacher who is absent, is attended to by other teachers, then leaves his place empty and when he comes to school, he attends there, the news agency reported.

According to reports, teachers, who had political influence, even got salary by staying in their home.

Biometric attendance of teachers has been introduced in all government schools from primary to twelfth, colleges and universities in Jammu and Kashmir, reports ANI.

After the introduction of the biometric attendance system, fingerprints on the biometric machine when the school opens in the morning and when the school closes in the afternoon. Installation of the machines to take attendance is mandatory.

A person named Mohammad Yaqub from the remote village of Pathana Tir in the border district of Poonch told ANI, “Nowadays, teachers start going to school at 7 o’clock in the morning. In the morning, teachers do not have time to talk and try to hurry.”

He said that the attendance of teachers in schools has improved now.