Tamil Nadu Secretariat Makes Biometric and Face ID Attendance Mandatory from June 1

In a first for the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, the Department of Human Resources Management has made biometric and Face ID-based attendance mandatory for all officers and staff members from June 1.

According to government sources, the new attendance system will initially be implemented in the Human Resources Management Department before being gradually extended to other departments in the Secretariat in a phased manner.

As per a circular issued by the department, all officers and employees have been instructed to register their attendance through either the biometric system or Face ID authentication from Monday onwards.

“The use of the biometric or Face ID attendance system will come into effect from June 1. All officers and staff are requested to attend office before 10 a.m. and ensure their presence through the biometric or Face ID attendance system, in addition to manual attendance, until further orders,” the circular stated.

The department has also directed all employees to wear identity cards while on duty inside the Secretariat premises.

Officials said the attendance system had earlier been introduced on a trial basis. However, implementation was temporarily suspended following objections and concerns raised by some employees. With the successful completion of the trial phase, the system is now being fully implemented.

Meanwhile, several other departments in the Secretariat have also tightened attendance regulations. Departments including Food and Cooperation have instructed employees to strictly follow office timings.

In a recent office order, staff members were directed to report for duty on or before 9.50 a.m., while office assistants have been asked to be present by 9.30 a.m.

However, biometric or Face ID attendance has not yet been made compulsory in those departments.