In a unique way to ensure timely attendance of employees, the department of social justice and empowerment in Rajasthan has instructed its officers to share their selfies on a WhatsApp group everyday on reaching office to mark their attendance.
According to the director, Dr Samit Sharma, the step has effectively reduced the excuses given by employees for not reaching the office on time. Speaking to DH about this unique initiative, Dr Sharma said "The innovation is appreciated by the officers and they are also reaching office on time. Across the state officers reach office by 9.30 am now and are available to serve aggrieved persons."
More than 3,000 people working in over 1,000 offices, hostels, and old age homes under the Social Welfare Department are covered under this initiative.
The department claims to have measured benefits within a few months of implementing the scheme. "The pendency of cases has reduced. The pendency in Palanhar Yojana has dipped by 50%," Sharma added. As for the employees, the new initiative of marking attendance with selfies has brought a new zeal in them. "Such efforts should be encouraged. It's not only about attendance but one tries to stay energetic and look good before clicking a selfie," Public Relations Officer Sitaram Meena said.
The Department has delegated computer operators, who are also the admin of the WhatsApp group, to ensure there is no faking while posting the photographs.
Published 03 July 2018, 14:43 IST