In a bid to improve workplace efficiency, the Finance Department of Odisha has mandated a biometric attendance recording system for all its employees. As per the new order, every employee is required to punch in and out daily and maintain a minimum of 7.5 hours at the office. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance productivity and ensure accountability within the department.
Attendance Requirements and Penalties
The order outlines detailed attendance requirements and associated penalties to enforce compliance. Employees must record their ‘Office In’ and ‘Office Out’ times using the biometric device. Failure to punch out will be considered as an absence for the entire day. The order specifies that employees are expected to arrive by 10:00 A.M., with a grace period of half an hour allowed. Employees must stay in the office for at least 7.5 hours daily. For instance, if an employee arrives at 10:30 A.M., they must stay until 6:00 P.M.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
To ensure strict adherence to the new attendance policy, the order specifies the following penalties:
· Attendance of 7.5 hours or more: No action will be taken.
· Attendance between 4 to 7.5 hours: Half a day of leave will be deducted.
· Attendance less than 4 hours: A full day of leave will be deducted.
Extended Work Hours and Special Circumstances
Employees are expected to work beyond 5:30 P.M. or beyond the stipulated 7.5 hours if there is an urgent need, as directed by higher authorities. This provision ensures that critical tasks and urgent work are completed on time. In cases where employees cannot record their attendance due to genuine reasons such as tours or official work outside the office, exemptions can be granted by the competent authority or branch head upon application. This flexibility is intended to accommodate the dynamic nature of official duties.
Leave Application Process
The order also details the process for applying for leave. All leave applications must be submitted through the proper channel with the recommendation of the branch head to the OE-II Section for maintaining leave records. The OE-II Section will provide an absentee statement following these instructions, ensuring that all absences are properly documented and accounted for.
Exemptions and Special Cases
Staff working in the office of the Honorable Minister are exempted from these instructions, recognizing the unique demands and responsibilities of their roles. Additionally, employees are required to attend the office on Sundays and public holidays for urgent matters such as budget preparation, assembly work, or court cases. This provision underscores the importance of meeting critical deadlines and addressing urgent issues, even outside regular working hours.
Implementation Date The new biometric attendance system will be effective from August 1, 2024. This directive aims to ensure discipline and accountability within the Finance Department, ultimately enhancing productivity and efficiency. By mandating biometric attendance, the department seeks to create a more structured and accountable work environment, fostering a culture of punctuality and dedication among its employees.
The comprehensive guidelines provided by the Finance Department are designed to streamline attendance tracking, ensuring that employees adhere to their designated work hours while accommodating urgent work needs and genuine absences. By implementing this biometric system, the department seeks to foster a more efficient and accountable work environment. This initiative reflects a broader effort by the Odisha government to modernize its operations and improve the overall effectiveness of its workforce. Through these measures, the Finance Department aims to set a standard for other departments to follow, promoting a culture of professionalism and excellence across the state’s administration.
(With inputs from agencies)
