Railway employees to get Aadhaar-enabled attendance system from January
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal seems determined to deliver a better and safer train network. For this, the ministry is exhorting employees to work sincerely. The latest directive in this regard is the implementation of Aadhaar-based biometric attendance management system across all its zones and divisions. The new system will come into effect on January 31 next year.
Why the Aadhaar-Enabled Biometric Attendance System?
The primary purpose of implementing the Aadhaar-Enabled Biometric Attendance System is to check latecomers and absentees. It has several advantages otherwise too: it is lightweight and doesn't require any special hardware/algorithm; and is compatible with multiple platforms (Windows, Android etc) and devices (laptops, tablets etc). Time taken to record attendance is as low as 1-2 seconds (on wifi) and 8-11 seconds (on mobile data).
How will it be done?
Initially, the system would be implemented in offices across all zones, divisions, factories and production units, railway workshops and at Metro Rail Kolkata by November 30. Then it'll be installed in other Railway offices including public undertakings and subordinate offices by January 31, 2018. CCTV cameras will also be installed along with biometric machines. The systems can be monitored from the DRM's office.
Efforts seem to be bringing results
Last month, the Railways launched a restructuring of the bureaucracy involving delegation of powers to field officers, downsizing of the board, and merging of departments. ADRM posts will also be increased in all divisions across the country. Similar steps had led to the launch of a Special Rajdhani in record time, Goyal had said. Such initiatives are likely to continue with Goyal in charge.
