Bhubaneswar, Sep 6: In a major step toward improving transparency and accountability in rural administration, the Odisha government has directed the implementation of Biometric Attendance Systems (BAS) in all Gram Panchayat, Panchayat Samiti, and Zilla Parishad offices across the state.

The directive, issued by Surya Narayan Dash, Additional Secretary of the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department, is part of a broader initiative to promote punctuality, discipline, and a performance-oriented work culture among government employees at the grassroots level.

An official notification emphasized the importance of regular attendance, stating, “The State Government places high importance on punctuality and regularity, which are essential for ensuring efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public service delivery. Timely attendance directly impacts the quality of governance and public satisfaction.”

All District Collectors have been instructed to oversee and ensure the immediate rollout of BAS within their jurisdictions. They are also advised to coordinate with relevant departments to arrange the necessary infrastructure and logistical support for early implementation.

The BAS is designed to provide real-time monitoring of attendance, significantly reducing the chances of record manipulation and absenteeism. The system has already been successfully deployed in several government departments, reportedly leading to improved punctuality and productivity.