New Delhi : A fresh case of alleged fake biometric attendance in Uttar Pradesh’s state-aided madrasas has surfaced from Barabanki, with a video purportedly showing how teachers’ attendance is being marked using plastic cards instead of actual biometric verification. The incident has raised serious questions over monitoring mechanisms, with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also taking cognisance.
In the video accessed, names of multiple teachers are seen written on plastic cards, which are then used to mark attendance in place of thumb impressions. The footage allegedly shows staff marking attendance for absent teachers, suggesting manipulation of records that are later used for salary disbursal.
Officials say biometric attendance is mandatory in all aided madrasas, with records compiled at the district level by minority welfare officers before salaries are released. However, the system in this case appears to lack proper administrative control and is reportedly not linked to any Aadhaar-based online authentication.
BARABANKI CASE ADDS TO SERIES OF IRREGULARITIES
The Barabanki revelation comes close on the heels of a similar case in Jaunpur, where fake attendance was allegedly marked using thumb impressions of a madrasa manager’s family members. Investigations in that case are still ongoing.
Sources said the Barabanki madrasa, identified as Islamia School in Maila Reganj, has around two dozen teachers. Despite the presence of biometric devices, the absence of real-time online verification is believed to have enabled such practices.
SYSTEMIC GAPS, LACK OF OVERSIGHT FLAGGED
Experts and officials point to gaps such as lack of Aadhaar-based face authentication, limited inspections, and offline record-keeping as key vulnerabilities being exploited. Attendance records are reportedly printed and submitted manually, raising concerns over verification.
The issue also revives concerns flagged earlier by court directives that recommended online authentication systems across madrasas to prevent misuse.
OFFICIALS ORDER PROBE
UP Joint Director Son Kumar said biometric attendance is compulsory and subject to periodic checks. “Reports are prepared at the district level based on attendance records, and salaries are released accordingly. The Barabanki will be investigated,” he said.
Authorities have indicated that further action will depend on findings of the enquiry.
