Government offices in Kerala to switch to face recognition for attendance

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has approved the use of a face recognition mobile application for employee attendance across all government, semi-government, autonomous, and grant-in-aid institutions in the state. This decision follows the successful trial run of the system, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), in various government offices.

Previously, attendance was recorded using Aadhaar-based biometric machines linked to the SPARK (Service and Payroll Administrative Repository of Kerala) system. These machines used L0-level fingerprint sensors. However, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has directed that all such devices be upgraded to L1-level sensors to enhance security.

Until the machines are upgraded, the government has decided to use the NIC-developed face recognition mobile application in offices where the old machines are still in use. Additionally, offices that prepare salary bills through SPARK but have not yet installed the biometric machines must immediately implement the face recognition system and link it to SPARK.

Offices with existing machines may continue using them until they become unusable. If required, they may also adopt the face recognition app alongside the current system.

Officials believe that if the new face recognition system proves effective, migrating to L1 biometric sensors may not be necessary. The NIC has provided the face recognition software to the state free of charge.

The app does not require each official to have a personal phone with internet access. Punching in can also be done using another person’s phone.