Uttar Dinajpur District Administration launches biometric attendance app to address teacher absenteeism

The Uttar Dinajpur district administration has officially announced the implementation of a biometric attendance system to address ongoing issues related to teacher absenteeism in primary schools. This new system will utilize a dedicated mobile application that requires teachers to log their attendance using biometric methods, including fingerprint and facial recognition. The administration plans to launch this system permanently after the Puja holidays.

This initiative is a direct response to multiple complaints received by the district education department regarding teachers not arriving at school on time or being absent without notification. Complaints have been lodged by parents, students, and other stakeholders, leading to protests advocating for greater accountability from educators. The administration has indicated that these issues have significantly impacted the learning environment in various primary schools across the district.

Under the new system, teachers will be required to install the biometric attendance app on their smartphones. Upon arriving at school, they must log in to the app, which will include features for fingerprint and facial recognition. Additionally, the app will utilize GPS technology to track teachers' locations during school hours, providing administrators with real-time data on their whereabouts. This measure is intended to ensure that teachers remain present during their scheduled teaching hours.

The District Inspector of Schools (Primary) has confirmed that the decision to implement this biometric attendance system is based on numerous documented complaints about teacher absenteeism and negligence of duties. Specific issues cited include teachers not attending classes, taking extended breaks, and spending time on non-educational activities during school hours. The administration emphasizes that this system aims to enhance teacher accountability and improve overall educational standards in the district.

As the district administration prepares for the implementation of the biometric attendance system, stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and education officials, are closely monitoring the situation. The administration has expressed its commitment to maintaining high standards in education, and the new attendance system is viewed as a significant step towards achieving this goal. The district has approximately 1,468 primary schools and around 7,500 teachers, highlighting the scale of this initiative and its potential impact on the education system in Uttar Dinajpur.