Biometric attendance for teachers to be made compulsory in Odisha colleges, universities

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to ensure punctuality among teaching staff, the State government is planning to install biometric machines across colleges and universities to keep a record of in and out time.

According to sources, the Department of Higher Education may install the biometric machines as allegations of absenteeism in teaching staff at educational institutions have gone up recently.

While the machines have already been installed in some colleges, they are yet to be fully functional.

"If teachers will be present in classrooms, students will definitely attend classes. We are tracking activities of teachers that's why machines will be installed," Higher Education Minister Anant Das said.

Meanwhile, members of Federation of University Teachers Association(FOUTA) have raised objection to the decision saying that for few teachers, others should not suspected.

"For 1% or 2% defaulters, dignity of all the teachers can't be compromised by asking them to register their thumb prints. It doesn't make sense to install biometric machines to ensure quality education," Convenor of Federation of University Teachers Association, Santosh Tripathy said.

On the other hand, educationist Prithish Acharya said, "Even if teachers will come on time, there is no guarantee that students will attend the classes."

As per reports, there are more than 900 degree colleges in Odisha which may get the biometric machines very soon.