Biometric attendance to be introduced in colleges of Punjab Technical Education department

Biometric attendance system will be introduced by the Punjab government in all the colleges and industrial training institutes run by the state Technical Education department.

The announcement was made by Punjab Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister Charanjit Singh Channi while presiding over the first review meeting of the department at Chandigarh. He said the biometric system would be introduced both for the staff and students which would be directly connected with the head office.

“The state government would launch a scholarship scheme for meritorious students interested in studying in government polytechnic, engineering colleges and industrial training institutes (ITIs),” Channi said.

He said the scheme will also be applicable for outstanding sports students.In a stern message to all the officials, the minister said corruption and favouritism would not be tolerated at any level in the department and all promotions would be based on performance.

He said the state-run institutes should focus on providing job orientated quality education based on the present and future needs of the global industry.

He also asked the heads of the department to make extra efforts to tie up with big industrial units and multinational companies at their levels for the placement and practical training of students.

Announcing zero tolerance towards copying in exams, Channi said along with the erring students, the examiners concerned will also be held responsible.

“The answer sheets of students seeking revaluation would be put on the department website and if a difference of more than 10 percent is found in the revaluation cases, action will be taken against the examiner,” he said.

The Congress leader asked the senior officials to inspect all polytechnic, engineering colleges and ITIs regularly and submit their performance reports to him.

He said the internal gradation system for the department institutes would be put in place and those performing well would be rewarded and action would be taken against non-performers.The minister also announced annual state awards for three best-performing principals and teachers each of the institutes of the technical education department.