MAPUSA
Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho revealed on Thursday that an AI-based facial recognition system will be implemented across all panchayats in Goa within the next six months.
This new system aims to address issues related to late attendance and absenteeism among panchayat staff.
The AI-based system, to be developed in collaboration with Goa Electronics Limited (GEL), will provide a centralized platform to monitor attendance, workload, and staff strength.
“The proposed AI-based facial recognition system will help track the movement of panchayat secretaries and staff. It will also help identify if there is an overload at any particular panchayat. If necessary, we can reassign secretaries to areas with higher demand,” Godinho explained.
During the Question Hour, Mayem MLA Premendra Shet raised concerns about the difficulties faced by residents due to irregular attendance and absenteeism among panchayat staff.
In response, Godinho noted that while all 191 panchayats in the State had been equipped with biometric attendance systems, many were non-functional.
This malfunctioning has led to staff taking advantage of the situation by arriving late or being absent.
“The new AI-based system will not require internet connectivity, making it more reliable and useful. It’s so effective that other departments might also adopt it,” Godinho said.
He also mentioned that several other states have already implemented similar systems successfully.
In addition to the AI system, Godinho announced that 20 more public services would soon be available online, enhancing accessibility for the general public.
In a written reply, it was disclosed that complaints had been received against a panchayat secretary and a peon, and necessary disciplinary actions had been taken.
Furthermore, the report indicated that 11 panchayat secretaries were holding additional charges, and there were currently 20 vacancies for panchayat secretaries due to retirements, resignations, and deaths.
The details of these vacancies have been communicated to the Staff Selection Commission.
The Panchayat Minister also noted that three panchayat secretaries are currently suspended for various disciplinary reasons, and proceedings are ongoing against three others.
The introduction of the AI-based facial recognition system and other administrative measures are expected to streamline operations and improve efficiency within Goa's panchayat system.
