Biometric Attendance Fails: Why Manual Systems Persist in Islamabad College

The Failure of Dual Attendance Systems at Islamabad College for Boys, G-6/3

Despite the introduction of a biometric attendance system, Islamabad College for Boys, G-6/3, continues to rely on a parallel manual attendance sheet. This dual mechanism has not only failed to ensure discipline but has also opened the door to misuse and irregularities, frustrating faculty members and undermining the educational environment.

The Redundant Practice: A Waste of Time and Resources

Faculty members at the college express frustration over the redundant practice of marking attendance both on the biometric machine and a manual sheet. An associate professor told 'The News,' 'The situation had become ridiculous and funny at the same time. It makes no sense to mark attendance on a biometric machine and then sign a paper sheet. This is sheer waste of resources.'

Key issues include:

• Time consumption
• Wastage of paper
• Inefficiency in monitoring

Misuse and Irregularities: A Serious Concern

The dual system has led to significant misuse. Both the biometric device and the manual sheet are placed near the college’s main gate, allowing some teachers to mark their attendance without ever entering classrooms. Sources revealed that certain staff members signed in during the morning, disappeared for hours, and returned to take their class or simply signed out alongside colleagues who spent full duty hours inside the institution.

Alleged misuses include:

1. Teachers marking attendance without being present in classrooms.
2. Staff members disappearing for extended periods after signing in.
3. Inability to determine actual presence on campus.

The Impact on the Educational Environment

The ineffective monitoring system has serious implications for the educational environment. It sends the wrong message to students and undermines the college's ability to ensure staff accountability. A professor noted, 'Both systems have practically failed to check absenteeism. Nobody knows if the teachers are inside the college or back home after marking attendance.'

A Call for Centralized Monitoring

An official at the college regulator, the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), agreed that the parallel use of the biometric system with a manual sheet made no sense. Teachers emphasized that a single, centralized biometric attendance system, linked with daily monitoring by the FDE, would ensure greater staff accountability.

Proposed solution:

• Implement a single, centralized biometric system.
• Link the system with daily monitoring by the FDE.
• Ensure transparency and accountability in staff attendance.

The Bottom Line

The dual attendance system at Islamabad College for Boys, G-6/3, is a clear example of how redundant practices can undermine the effectiveness of advanced technology. A single, centralized biometric system, coupled with robust monitoring, is essential to ensure staff accountability and maintain a high standard of education.