University of Delhi has introduced a stricter attendance framework, making biometric marking compulsory for all staff and setting fixed working hours across departments.
The revised policy applies to both academic and administrative employees. It mandates daily attendance through an Aadhaar-linked biometric system, with the aim of improving discipline, transparency, and operational efficiency. Departments have been directed to ensure full compliance, with warnings of action against repeated delays.
Under the new rules, official working hours will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., amounting to eight and a half hours on campus. This includes a 30-minute lunch break, scheduled between 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m., to maintain uniformity in workflow across departments.
The policy also introduces a limited grace window. Employees may arrive until 9:30 a.m., but those clocking in between 9:10 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. will be required to compensate by working additional time on the same day. Arrivals beyond 9:30 a.m. could lead to leave deductions, ranging from half-day to full-day, depending on the frequency and extent of delays.
Administrative heads have been tasked with closely monitoring attendance and enforcing the rules without exceptions under normal circumstances. The move signals a shift toward tighter governance and standardised work practices within the university.
The policy reflects a broader trend across public institutions, where biometric systems are increasingly being used to track attendance and improve efficiency. Its long-term impact will depend on consistent implementation and how well employees adapt to the structured system.
