Sir,
It has reference to the news “Supplier of Biometric Attendance Machines booked” (DE, July 19, 2018).
The Government has every right to take necessary measures to infuse accountability and punctuality in Government Departments. The Biometric Attendance System is aimed at improving punctuality amongst the Government employees. If implemented in right prospective, it is bound to give results vis-a-vis punctuality. But to improve accountability is more important than punctuality and the Government shall take corrective measures in this regard. There is need to improve the motivation level among the employees. There is an old adage that you can take a horse to the river but cannot make him to drink water if it is not willing. Similarly, you can ensure the presence and punctuality of the employees through Biometric attendance but that can’t improve the work culture unless employees are motivated.
Forcing Biometric attendance in haste is bound to turn its installations into scandals and the news from Kathua is a proof in this direction. The Government should have assessed the ground situation first before forcing its implementation.
What is the logic of forcing the installation of the machines in those areas where there is poor or no internet connectivity. Isn’t it the wastage of public money?
We should not forget that around 2007-08 the schools were forced to install “Fire extinguishers” in shortest possible time. Later, it turned out to be a big scandal as these extinguishers were purchased at an exorbitant rates. And, there is no example till date where these extinguishers were used to serve the purpose.
To conclude, it is a welcome step to enforce punctuality but the Government shall look into the whole gamut with rationality. There are situations or areas where the Government needs to focus on other measures to improve accountability.
Satish Pandit
Jammu
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