The Kerala government has fully implemented a new biometric attendance system at the Secretariat, meaning employees no longer need to use the traditional attendance registers. The change, announced on Saturday, aims to improve efficiency and accuracy in tracking attendance. The switch to biometric attendance is expected to improve the accuracy of records and make the process more efficient. This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to digitise and modernise operations.

The new system, linked to the SPARK payroll and accounts system, requires employees to punch in and out using biometric devices. This system automatically records attendance and calculates salaries, replacing the need for manual attendance books. However, some employees who are exempt from the biometric system will still need to mark their attendance in the register.

Exemptions and Special Cases
Employees with special duties, such as those working shifts or outside normal office hours, will not have their attendance linked to the payroll system. This ensures that their salaries will not be affected. Additionally, if the biometric machines are not working, employees are not required to punch in or out.

Streamlining Attendance and Salaries
This change follows a 2023 circular that made biometric punching mandatory for most employees, with the exception of the Chief Secretary. The circular also outlined the Secretariat's working hours from 10:15 AM to 5:15 PM, with attendance based on the first and last punch of the day.