Biometric system in forest dept schools to check quorum

“Once operational, it would provide reliable figures on how many students really attend classes,” she said.

Similar machines would be introduced in the District Forest Office to curb French leave and to determine how many of the 30 employees come to the office on time.

As coming late for three days results in a day’s CL (casual leave) being deducted from a staffer’s available leave, the measure has surprised many who never thought that officials would take up the measure which has been in the pipeline for quite some time.

“To encourage increased attention to official work, the division will provide certificates and awards to the best office staff, best field staff and best range in the division every month,” Kalyani said.

There was also a proposal to completely computerise work. The DR (Daily Register) and PR (Personal Register) have been computerised already, sources said.

Such computerisation will ensure that when officials inadvertently overlook important work — relating to the Chief Minister’s office or top schemes which need attention — they are reminded automatically through a link to their cellphones.

“While this work will need time to be completed, the proposed ChennaiSalem green corridor which passes through Tiruvannamalai district, the Tindivanam-Nagari rail link project and the proposed linking of tribal hamlets Melavalasai and Kilavalasai in the district can be undertaken without any sudden hitches once computerisation is over,” the District Forest Officer said.