Several teachers' organizations in Uttar Pradesh are vehemently protesting against the state government's mandate for digital attendance, enforced by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's administration starting July 11. They argue that the requirement is impractical, citing difficulties in consistently arriving at school on time to mark their attendance digitally.
Despite the protests and a memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister outlining their concerns, the Basic Shiksha Adhikari of Unnao issued an order threatening disciplinary action, including withholding salaries and honorariums, for teachers failing to comply with the digital attendance mandate.
As of the initial implementation day on July 8, only two percent of teachers managed to register their attendance digitally. A meeting involving Block Education Officers and Education Coordinators is ongoing to determine the next steps regarding the enforcement of the order.
In defense of the digital attendance system, educationist Meenakshi Bahadur emphasized its benefits for both teachers and students. She highlighted that despite challenges, such a system aids in time management and promotes transparency in administrative processes within schools.
Meanwhile, opposition parties such as the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have criticized the government's decision. Congress spokesperson Surendra Rajput suggested that the government should focus on monitoring the online attendance of education department officials instead of imposing such stringent rules on teachers. Samajwadi Party leader Fakhrul Hasan Chand condemned the mandate as oppressive, arguing that the government should prioritize improving school conditions and addressing systemic issues rather than implementing arbitrary measures against teachers.
The controversy surrounding digital attendance underscores broader issues of administrative policy and the challenges faced by educators in Uttar Pradesh's educational system.
