Indian Railways Implements Biometric Attendance and Facial Recognition for Enhanced Accountability

Implementing Biometric Attendance and Facial Recognition

The Railway Board has instructed general managers of 17 zones to integrate biometric attendance machines or facial recognition systems for railway staff to resolve persistent problems related to overtime claims. This directive arises from concerns raised by the Vigilance Directorate, highlighting issues such as duty swapping among Station Masters and discrepancies in overtime claims.

Vigilance Directorate Recommendations

The Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) suggested the adoption of biometric systems to correlate digital attendance records with overtime allowance (OTA) claims, aimed at enhancing system accountability. The circular states, “The Vigilance Directorate of the Railway Board referenced the CVC regarding cases involving duty swapping by Station Masters and inconsistencies in overtime claims.” Furthermore, the CVC urged that biometric attendance machines or facial recognition systems be introduced for all station staff, including Station Masters, Station Supervisors, and Points men, to link these records to OTA claims.

Concerns Raised by Staff

The Board’s circular underscores the importance of adhering strictly to these recommendations to mitigate future lapses. Nevertheless, some station masters have raised concerns that the new measures might lead to unintended consequences. Currently, there are no biometric systems at stations, with operations based on physical rosters established by supervisors.

• Station Supervisor comments:
• “Very few overtime claims are made; any irregularities should be dealt with individually.”
• Many station masters work beyond eight hours without claiming overtime, raising fears that biometric records might compel the Railways to pay for identified extra hours, which could be counterproductive.”