Biometric attendance for govt staff from October: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said biometric attendance system will be implemented across the state by October. He announced this during an interaction with the representatives of the staff associations as part of the second anniversary of the LDF government. He urged the staff associations to take strong action against corruption. Mr Vijayan said it was laudable that the staff associations were coming forward on their own to enhance efficiency in public services.

The government efforts are aimed at strengthening civil service. Transfers of staff will be carried only based on the existing policy. A special mechanism has been put in place to study the contributory pension scheme. He said deputation of higher officials in lower posts will not be encouraged since it created huge financial burden for the government. Working arrangement system will be discouraged totally.

The public wants the staff to be in their seats during working hours and it is the responsibility of the higher officials and supervisory officers to ensure this, he added. The staff should be ready to adhere to the code of conduct. While there is no dispute on allowing freedom of expression, the opinions of leaders and members of associations cross the limits which was against service rules. Many a time, the employees don't show the required restraint while using social media.

Mr Vijayan said the employees should be prepared for self regulation. He said only those getting direct recruitment to the Kerala Administrative Service will be liable to get reservation. He said awareness will be created among the staff. The government will consider a specific training period for the people joining government service for the first time.