BJD opposes Odisha government’s proposal for biometric attendance for college students

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) criticised the Mohan Majhi Government’s move to introduce a biometric attendance system (biometric identity-based attendance) for college students alleging that it was an attempt intimidate students in the name of discipline.

“The State Government, in an attempt to hide its own inefficiency, is talking about biometric attendance for students. The government is trying to intimidate students in the name of discipline. Such an approach of the government towards ‘Gen-Z’ is not appropriate,” said BJD spokesperson Lenin Mohanty on Thursday (August 27, 2026).

“Biometric attendance has still not been introduced for teachers and staff in colleges across the State. In this context, proposing to introduce a biometric attendance system for students is a reflection of the Toghlak policy of the State Government,” said Mr. Mohanty.

Terming the introduction of a biometric attendance system unacceptable, the BJD spokesperson said, “the academic environment in colleges across the State has deteriorated. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders are unnecessarily interfering in the management of colleges. The State Government has completely failed to fulfil the basic requirements of students. Adequate numbers of teachers, textbooks and other necessary facilities are not available.”

He pointed out that the government announced free education from KG to PG in the State. “However, no clear instructions in this regard have been issued to educational institutions, due to which fees are still being collected from students in many educational institutions. Besides, education is being provided under the self-financing system in several educational institutions. There is no clear information as to whether students admitted under this system will be included under the free education scheme or not,” said Mr. Mohanty.

Mooting biometric attendance, the governments said as per the operational guidelines for implementation of ‘Gyanodaya – Shikshya Ru Samruddhi’, a flagship initiative offering free education from kindergarten (KG) to postgraduate (PG) level, students availing benefits under the scheme are required to maintain a minimum of 75% classroom attendance.

“Attendance can only be verified through biometric or any other mode of digital recording of attendance,” a Higher Education Department official said, adding that the Student Biometric Attendance System will be implemented in a phased manner. A pilot project on biometric attendance of college students will be implemented from the current academic session.