The Government of Telangana has taken a major step towards digitizing attendance management by introducing a Facial Recognition System (FRS) for recording the attendance of Telangana Secretariat staff and to roll out in All Government Offices in Districts. This innovative initiative reflects a commitment to leveraging advanced technology for improved efficiency and transparency in governance. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of this development and its implications.
What is the New Attendance System About?
The notification issued by the General Administration (SB) Department states that starting December 12, 2024, attendance for all Secretariat staff will be recorded exclusively through the Facial Recognition System. This applies to:
- Regular Secretariat officers and staff.
- Outsourced personnel, whose payments are processed via the Secretariat Heads of Accounts.
This shift aims to streamline attendance tracking while ensuring accuracy and preventing manipulation.
How Will the Facial Recognition System Work?
Recording Procedure:
- Attendance will be captured twice daily:
- Morning: During entry into the Secretariat.
- Evening: At the time of leaving the office.
- Devices equipped with facial recognition capabilities will be installed at all entry points of the Secretariat building. Staff members are required to mark their attendance using these devices.
Support Mechanism:
To address any technical or operational issues, staff can reach out to the following personnel:
- Sri Praveen Kumar: 8179232111 / 9704070011
- Smt. Saritha: 9676621156
Coexistence with Physical Attendance System
To ensure a smooth transition, the physical attendance system will remain operational until December 13, 2024. This dual system provides a backup for any unforeseen issues with the FRS during its initial implementation phase.
Advantages of the Facial Recognition Attendance System
The introduction of this system offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Accuracy: Eliminates errors and fraudulent practices associated with manual attendance.
- Increased Accountability: Encourages punctuality and presence among employees.
- Efficiency Gains: Simplifies the attendance tracking process, reducing administrative workload.
- Digital Transformation: Aligns with Telangana’s broader digital governance initiatives.
Steps Departments Need to Take
Immediate Actions Required:
- Inform all officers and staff under their purview about the new system.
- Ensure all employees record their attendance using the facial recognition devices from the specified date.
Troubleshooting and Assistance:
Departments must designate staff at entry points to assist employees facing issues with the system. Quick resolution of technical glitches is essential to maintain seamless operations.
Government of Telangana General Administration (SB) Department
UO Note No. 3124/SB/2023 Dated: 11/12/2024
Sub: GAD – Implementation of Facial Recognition System for Recording the Attendance of Secretariat Staff – Regarding.
Ref:
- Circular UO Note No. 3124/SB/2023, GA (SB) Department, dated 19/11/2024.
- UO Note No. 3124/SB/2023, GA (SB) Department, dated 25/11/2024.
FAQs About the New System
Q1: Is the Facial Recognition System mandatory for all employees in Telangana State?
Yes, it is mandatory for all regular and outsourced employees in Telangana State.
Q2: What happens if an employee forgets to mark their attendance?
The system requires attendance both during entry and exit. Employees should strictly adhere to this protocol to avoid discrepancies in their attendance records.
Q3: Are there additional resources to support this transition?
Yes, departments can contact the designated officials, Sri Praveen Kumar and Smt. Saritha, for real-time assistance.
Q4: Will the physical attendance system be permanently discontinued?
Yes, the physical system will be phased out after December 13, 2024, once the FRS is fully operational.
Conclusion
The implementation of the Facial Recognition Attendance System marks a significant leap forward for the Telangana Secretariat. This system not only enhances operational efficiency but also sets a precedent for adopting cutting-edge technologies in government operations. By ensuring compliance and providing robust support mechanisms, the government is paving the way for a transparent and digitally advanced administrative framework.
Stay updated on further developments and announcements by following the Telangana Secretariat’s official channels. Embrace the change, and let’s move towards a smarter workplace!