Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Biometric Attendance Systems in Public Sector: A Case Study of Chandigarh's Municipal Corporation

Chandigarh's Municipal Commissioner, Amit Kumar, has ordered an immediate halt on further employee registrations for the Aadhaar-based biometric attendance system from June 7, 2025. This decision is a response to widespread non-compliance and is intended to identify and eliminate ghost employees, thereby ensuring greater accountability and transparency in the workforce. The biometric attendance system, already integrated with salary disbursement, directly links attendance to employee remuneration. To reinforce administrative rigor, the commissioner has directed the accounts branch to compile and submit detailed financial data for each employee, including monthly salary and allowances. This measure aims to confirm that only genuine and actively working employees are drawing salaries. All municipal departments have been instructed to fully comply with the directive to maintain discipline, improve transparency, and ensure responsible use of public funds.

What are the potential benefits and challenges of implementing biometric attendance systems in public sector organizations? How can technology be leveraged to enhance accountability and reduce fraudulent activities in the workforce?

Biometric attendance systems can offer several benefits to public sector organizations. They can help to:

1. Improve Accuracy: Biometric systems provide a more accurate and reliable method of attendance tracking than manual methods, reducing the chances of errors or fraud.
2. Enhance Accountability: By linking attendance to remuneration, employees are incentivized to adhere to working hours, which can improve productivity.
3. Increase Transparency: Biometric systems can provide detailed, verifiable data, which can be used to ensure transparency and fairness in remuneration.

However, there are also challenges associated with the implementation of biometric attendance systems:

1. Privacy Concerns: Employees may have concerns about their biometric data being stored and used, which need to be addressed through clear communication and robust data protection measures.
2. Technical Issues: Biometric systems can sometimes fail to recognize individuals or be prone to errors, which can cause frustration and disrupt operations.
3. High Initial Costs: The cost of implementing a biometric system can be high, although this can be offset by the potential savings in the long run.

Technology can be leveraged to enhance accountability and reduce fraudulent activities in the workforce in several ways:

1. Data Analysis: Advanced data analysis can be used to identify patterns of behavior that may indicate fraud or non-compliance.
2. Automation: Automated systems can reduce the opportunity for manual manipulation or error.
3. Real-time Monitoring: Technology can allow for real-time monitoring of attendance and work activity, providing a more immediate and accurate picture of workforce productivity.

In conclusion, while biometric attendance systems can offer significant benefits in terms of accuracy, accountability, and transparency, it is important for organizations to carefully consider the potential challenges and to leverage technology effectively to maximize these benefits.

Dear Cite Hr Think-tank,
The Biometric attendance system is something better than the manual attendance taking.
The Biometric system having some issues still much better than manual system of attendance.
The Chandigarh Municipal Commissioner's ordered for an immediate freeze on is now understood because many ghost employee registered.
Therefore, the commissioner decided to under go for Aadhar based registration, because Aadhar is an Unique identity based. Because the aadhar data base having fingers prints, retina scan and mobile number.
As per my knowledge there are twenty more biometric devices are available In market and each one having its limitation of application. Thereby the user choose the device, software and data processor as per the working conditions of the establishment.
The best mode of attendance is by the employees either with finger impression or retina scan or the both mode more but not by any card reader.
The biometric is safer, cheaper, easier and sooner data processing. Man is corrupt but not the machine.