Jharkhand Doctors to Boycott Biometric Attendance

IMA and JSHSA protest implementation, cite impracticality and salary issues

Medical associations in Jharkhand announce plans to boycott biometric attendance system starting August 20, citing implementation concerns.

RANCHI – The Indian Medical Association (IMA) Jharkhand Chapter and Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) have decided to boycott the recently mandated biometric attendance system for doctors starting August 20.

An emergency meeting held at IMA Bhawan on Sunday saw doctors from various districts voicing opposition to the system.

The associations argue that the current implementation is impractical, especially in remote areas with infrastructure challenges.

Doctors will continue their duties but mark attendance in offline registers instead of using biometric systems.

IMA Secretary Dr. Pradeep Singh stated that while they don’t oppose biometric attendance in principle, the current implementation is problematic.

Issues such as salary blockages and disciplinary actions due to the online portal have caused discontent among healthcare professionals.

The organizations demand either uniform implementation for all state employees or exemption for health department personnel.

"Healthcare services operate 24/7, unlike typical office hours. This system doesn’t account for that," Dr. Singh explained.

The associations have requested the Chief Minister to exempt the Health Department or classify it as an emergency service.

A 15-point demand letter, including requests for service confirmations and dynamic ACPs, was previously submitted to the Principal Secretary.

The boycott decision follows reports of salary adjustments linked to biometric attendance in Palamu, Sahibganj, and Garhwa.

IMA and JSHSA are calling for the biometric attendance mandate to be put on hold until their concerns are addressed.

The organizations highlight the unique nature of healthcare services, which differ from standard government office operations.

This protest action aims to bring attention to the specific needs and challenges faced by the medical community in Jharkhand.