Odisha Mandates Biometric Attendance to Boost Panchayati Raj Accountability

In a decisive move to enhance transparency and curb absenteeism, the Odisha government has made biometric attendance mandatory for all employees working in Panchayati Raj institutions across the state.

The directive, issued by the Panchayati Raj Department, applies to personnel ranging from Panchayat-level staff to Block Development Officers (BDOs). The biometric system will be deployed across Panchayat offices, Panchayat Samitis, and Zilla Parishad offices.

District Collectors have been instructed to ensure immediate implementation and submit regular compliance reports. Officials failing to adhere to the new attendance protocol may face strict action, the government warned.

This initiative is part of a broader push to improve administrative efficiency and accountability in grassroots governance structures, aligning with Odisha’s digital governance goals.