AI cameras to keep government officials alert in Odisha, enforce discipline in offices

Government employees will no longer be able to slack off or make excuses, as AI-powered cameras are set to replace regular CCTV cameras in offices. These advanced cameras will monitor officials in real-time, preventing situations where employees punch in via biometric attendance and then leave for personal errands, or sit idle without working.

Equipped with facial detection and active surveillance technology, the AI cameras will ensure that work discipline is maintained. In today’s high-level meeting of secretaries, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of the initiative and directed that the implementation process begins within the next 15 days.

In the first phase, the AI cameras will be installed at Lok Seva Bhawan and Kharavela Bhawan. Later, they will be rolled out across all district-level government offices in the state.

"Unlike the normal CCTV cameras, AI enabled cameras can rotate and detect officials who are not working and gossiping with others. AI enabled cameras will have programming like this. AI cameras will remotely monitor the work and productivity of the employees for the office," said IT expert Prashant Sahu.

In a recent high-level meeting with departmental secretaries, the Chief Secretary emphasized ten key points to strengthen administrative efficiency. Reports suggest that several departments have yet to submit the performance reports sought by the Chief Minister and the list of underperforming officials requested by the Chief Secretary.

Accordingly, all departmental secretaries have been instructed to immediately furnish the data and reports demanded by the Chief Minister through a UOI note. Directions have also been issued to enforce the policy of compulsory retirement for incompetent or non-performing government officers.

Furthermore, the Chief Secretary has asked each department to identify the root causes of corruption and take necessary corrective measures. District Collectors will now review the progress of central government projects on the 7th of every month.

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"The Chief Minister is in action mode to implement the government schemes. Whoever is neglecting their duties will face actions. Nobody including us should neglect their work," said BJP leader Ashok Mohanty.

In addition, all departments have been urged to focus on increasing their expenditure to achieve targets. Officials have also been directed to conduct more field visits. The coming days will reveal how effective the Chief Secretary’s firm grip prove in the administrative arena?