The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued a directive requiring all employees, including senior officers, to arrive at the office no later than 9:15 am and mark their attendance using the biometric system in order to ensure punctuality among government workers. Half-day casual leave will be deducted for not adhering to the specified timing. Instead of using the conventional register-based approach, staff members must use the biometric attendance system. Additionally, if an employee is unable to report to work on a particular day, prior notice must be given, and casual leave should be requested, according to reports from TOI.

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The biometric attendance system has been avoided by many staff members since the Covid-19 outbreak four years ago. The DoPT's most recent circular, however, stresses how crucial it is to follow these guidelines.

Senior officers are in charge of keeping an eye on the workers in their divisions' attendance and punctuality. While 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. is the standard working schedule for central government offices, there have long been problems with workers arriving late and leaving early, which causes disruptions, especially in departments that deal with the public.

The latest circular has warned of consequences for habitual tardiness and early departures, even though some government officials contend that they frequently work past their scheduled office hours because electronic files are readily available and they can work remotely. This move is anticipated to enhance the overall efficiency of government operations.