SHILLONG, OCT 14: Four biometric machines have been installed in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council at a total cost of Rs 4.59 lakh to enforce attendance discipline, CEM Winston Tony Lyngdoh informed the Council on Wednesday.
Replying to a query by Leader of Opposition Titosstarwell W. Chyne, Lyngdoh said the Executive Committee has rolled out the Biometric Attendance System (BAS) for all officers and staff with effect from September 1, 2026.
“The system was implemented to ensure punctuality, maintain discipline and promote accountability,” Lyngdoh said.
He said the EC approved a quotation of Rs 3,59,829 for installation of the machines, while the total cost incurred so far stands at Rs 4,59,854 for four machines.
On coverage, Lyngdoh said judicial officers and elected members have been kept outside the purview of BAS in line with Supreme Court orders.
“We have exempted the Judicial Officers of the Judiciary Wing and the elected Members. This is through various orders passed by the Supreme Court of India,” he said, adding that he requires notice to furnish exact numbers of employees using the system.
He said he also does not have the exact figure of field staff at present.
For field staff, Lyngdoh said an alternative mechanism has been put in place.
“Their immediate supervisors should maintain a separate register where these staff will report that on that day they will go to the field and the supervisors will enter their names in the register. On the day they come to office, they will do the punching,” he said.
Responding to whether BAS will be introduced in branch offices at Nongpoh, Mawkyrwat and Nongstoin, Lyngdoh said, “We have done it only in the month of September, and using the BAS requires internet connectivity, space to keep the machines and feasibility. We have the intention to expand the system to the branch offices, but we have to first ensure internet connectivity. In the coming months and years, we will try to explore this idea.”
