Taking a stern step to discourage the absence of government doctors and medical officers from their work place, the state health ministry has decided to make biometric attendance compulsory. Their attendance will be linked with their Aadhaar card and their salary. So, if they fail to log in, they would suffer a cut in their salaries. Disciplinary action can also be taken against such doctors or officers.
This new initiative will be implemented at all primary health care centres, rural sub district hospitals, and district hospitals, along with State Employment Insurance Scheme, National Rural Health Mission, Maharashtra AIDS Control Society and State Transfusion Council. The officer in-charge shall be responsible to ensure that all employees are biometrically registered, the government resolution stated.
This step has been taken after repeated complaints were registered against doctors and other employees being absent from their places of work during working hours. “Despite providing repeated instructions for the installation of biometric attendance, nothing was done. Hence, this action has been initiated. People in rural areas suffer the most due to the absence of medical staffers and doctors. Now, through biometric attendance, we would be able to monitor all the activities,” said an officer from the health ministry.
The officer in-charge, who should ensure that all employees are biometrically registered, will also be responsible of the maintenance of the meters.
“The officer in-charge will be responsible for keeping an eye on the machines. The biometric system will be connected with their Aadhaar card and salary will be initiated accordingly. Without it, their salary will not be initiated,” the officer added.
“Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action against the person who would issue the salary,” he added.
Confirming the news, the state health minister Dr Deepak Sawant said, “A government resolution has been issued to the government bodies with the instruction to implement in the next 15 days. This would help in regulating the officers.,” he said.
Mr Sawant also added, “In fact, the offices need to submit the monthly report of the attendance of the officers.”
