A recent case has emerged in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, concerning alleged malpractice in the biometric attendance system at state-aided madrasas. A video that has come to light purportedly depicts teachers marking their attendance with plastic cards instead of using the required biometric verification methods. This situation raises significant concerns about the oversight in monitoring mechanisms within these educational institutions, prompting attention from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The footage viewed shows various teachers’ names written on plastic cards, which are allegedly employed to record attendance rather than the mandatory biometric thumb impressions. Observers of the video suggest that it may illustrate staff attempting to compensate for the absence of certain teachers by marking them present, thereby manipulating documentation that is essential for salary payment.

Officials have asserted that biometric attendance is obligatory in all state-funded madrasas, with the data being collected at the district level by minority welfare officers prior to the release of salaries. The current situation, however, appears to lack adequate administrative control and does not integrate any Aadhaar-based online verification systems.

Barabanki Case Adds To Series Of Irregularities

This latest incident follows a similar case reported in Jaunpur, where attendance was allegedly recorded by using thumb impressions from family members of the madrasa manager. Investigations into that particular incident remain ongoing. Sources indicate that the madrasa in Barabanki, recognised as Islamia School in Maila Reganj, employs approximately twenty teachers.

Although biometric devices are installed at the institution, the absence of real-time online verification appears to facilitate these questionable practices. The integrity of the biometric system is called into question, as it is not providing the expected safeguards against such exploitation.

Experts and officials have noted that significant systemic failures contribute to these vulnerabilities. These include the lack of Aadhaar-based face authentication, infrequent inspections, and the reliance on offline record-keeping. Attendance records, it is reported, are prepared and submitted manually, which raises critical concerns regarding their verification.

Officials Order Investigation

In response to this alarming incident, UP Joint Director Son Kumar remarked that biometric attendance is essential and subject to routine checks. He stated that reports are generated at the district level using attendance records as the basis and that salaries are subsequently disbursed accordingly. Kumar confirmed that the situation in Barabanki will undergo thorough investigation.

The authorities have indicated that future actions will be contingent upon the outcomes of the ongoing enquiry. As the investigation unfolds, there is an increased emphasis on the necessity of reinforced measures to ensure the integrity of attendance recording systems across madrasas in the state.

This recent revelation not only highlights the operational deficiencies within the educational structures but also rekindles discussions on the importance of establishing reliable online authentication systems in madrasas, an issue previously raised in court directives aimed at preventing the misuse of these systems.

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