Chennai: To enhance punctuality and accountability, the Higher Education Department has instructed universities to implement a biometric attendance system for professors, non-teaching staff, and officers.

The directive follows complaints about staff frequently arriving late to work and leaving without proper authorization from higher authorities.

In a circular issued to universities, the department stated, “Instances of staff arriving late and exiting the premises without prior approval have been reported. To ensure the smooth functioning of universities, it is essential to adopt biometric attendance systems".

The system requires mandatory registration of attendance both upon entering the university and at the time of departure. This measure aims to streamline operations and maintain discipline among university personnel.

Universities have been urged to prioritize the implementation of this system to enhance efficiency and accountability.