Biometric attendance for teachers; HC seeks views

The Delhi High Court (HC) on Wednesday sought the view of the Delhi University and the University Grants Commission (UGC) on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking introduction of biometric attendance system for teachers.

The Delhi High Court (HC) on Wednesday sought the view of the Delhi University and the University Grants Commission (UGC) on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking introduction of biometric attendance system for teachers.

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The system, they believe, will ensure that the teachers are punctual.

The university had in 2009 planned to introduce the biometric system but they had to hastily withdraw the decision after Delhi University Teacher's Association (DUTA) went on strike in protest. A bench headed by acting chief justice A K Sikri issued notices to the Delhi University and University Grants Commission seeking their replies by September 19.

He also wanted to know what system was currently being currently followed to keep a tab on attendance of teachers.

“There is no system in place to ensure that a teacher comes to class regularly. They also go on a strike on frivolous reasons. A system must be put in place to make sure that the Delhi University teachers complete their teaching hours and are present on all days prescribed by the UGC and specified by the university rules,” lawyer R K Saini said. He had appeared for petitioners Indian Council of Legal Aid.

The PIL alleged that even though attendance registers were kept in colleges, no lecturer marked their attendance.

Also, the administration did nothing to enforce the rule. “Teachers have been casual about marking their attendance in attendance registers and this will come to light if the registers of all the colleges are asked to be produced in the court,” said the PIL.