Karnataka is set to launch the Karnataka Advanced Attendance Management System (KAAMS), a high-tech solution for tracking employee attendance. Employees will mark their attendance using a mobile app by taking a selfie within their office premises.
The AI-enabled system, combined with geographic information system (GIS) technology, will replace traditional attendance methods across state- government departments. It captures real-time data, making it nearly impossible to manipulate. With over five lakh employees working in 70 state departments, KAAMS is a major step towards digital governance.
Currently, most departments use biometric systems or card swipes for attendance. Some sectors, especially government schools and colleges, still rely on manual ledger entries. The state government believes the new AI-driven system will reduce fraudulent practices and improve transparency.
Developed by the Centre for e-Governance at the Department for Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), KAAMS uses geofencing to ensure employees are within a 100-200 metre radius of their workplace while marking attendance. The app verifies the employee’s selfie against their Aadhaar-based registration photo using facial- recognition technology.
The pilot programme, conducted in health departments, was found to be highly effective. It ensured doctors and staff were present at designated hospitals and health centres. Unlike traditional systems that can be tampered with, KAAMS offers real-time monitoring and automated alerts. Department heads will receive notifications if employees frequently arrive late or leave early.
The government has assured that employee data will remain secure and won’t be shared with private entities. KAAMS is set to streamline attendance management while enhancing accountability and operational efficiency within government institutions.
