Panjab University stops biometric attendance
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, March 8
Taking note of the report on Panjab University’s callousness over UGC’s advisory for preventing Covid-19, the authorities today swung into action and issued an urgent circular to exempt its employees from marking attendance on the BAS (biometric attendance system).
The circular has been sent to the heads of all teaching and non-teaching departments, branches and offices of the university. The notice, issued by PU Registrar Prof Karamjeet Singh, reads: “In view of the spread of Covid, it is hereby directed not to mark biometric attendance in the teaching departments, regional centres, institutes and offices of the university with immediate effect till further orders. However, the employees should mark their attendance manually at their respective offices.”
Until Friday, Panjab University’s last working day of the week, the staff continued marking their attendance on the BAS at three departments. The Chandigarh Administration, on Friday, also issued a notice to all of its employees, prohibiting them to use the biometric attendance system and to take precautionary measures.
Covid scare
With Covid scare looming large on the country, the UGC had issued a circular to all universities and colleges, directing them to follow a list of dos and don’ts, including avoiding large gatherings on campus and maintaining basic hygiene.
However, the PU held seminars, workshops and concerts on the weekend.
However, today, PUCSC president Chetan Chaudhary said the Holi celebrations on the PU campus have been cancelled. “Following the UGC guidelines to adopt preventive measures and to control the outbreak of Covid-19, the PUCSC has decided to cancel the Holi celebrations because as the Student Council, it is our duty to ensure safety of students,” said Chetan.
