Bengaluru: Biometric attendance must for govt school teachers soon
![The system has been developed by the National Informatics Centre and will be installed by the end of this month. The system has been developed by the National Informatics Centre and will be installed by the end of this month.](https://images.deccanchronicle.com/dc-Cover-r81or1kfjht7qse2skb7ofjlh0-20180612043529.Medi.jpeg)
Bengaluru: Teachers at government schools in the state will soon have to mark their attendance through the biometric system. This is part of the department's plan to ensure better attendance at government schools and to improve quality of education.
Principal Secretary to the Primary and Secondary Education Department Shalini Rajneesh said the decision was taken to monitor the attendance of teachers strictly, as many of them were found taking the issue lightly over the years. “The system has been developed by the National Informatics Centre and will be installed by the end of this month," she said.
She hoped that the attendance would increase and teachers would focus on their work better. Officials said that strict action will be taken against teachers who fail to register their attendance through the biometric system.
Education expert Preethi Vickram said it was essential as in many parts of the state, students are left at the mercy of helpers and substitute teachers, while teachers concerned skipped work. "Officials should ensure that the system is tamper-proof and it is implemented in an unbiased and systematic manner," she said.
Schools told to increase strength
The department has instructed government schools to ensure more admissions to help students get access to quality education and mentoring. "Many schools don't have more than 25 students on their rolls. Anganwadis near the schools will help boost admissions at the kindergarten level," a department official said.
TV to help SSLC candidates
To help students appearing for the SSLC supplementary exams from June 21, special classes will be telecast every day for an hour on DD Chandana. Special classes will be held for science, mathematics and English. Officials said that nearly 80% students are expected to clear the supplementary exam.