From the very first day of school reopening on May 29, teachers in government and aided primary and high schools must mark attendance digitally through a GPS-based mobile app, replacing the traditional attendance register system. The School Education Department has made digital attendance compulsory through the Karnataka Attendance Management System (KAMS) app, which teachers have already been instructed to install on their phones. Under the new system, teachers must log in before school hours begin and log out after classes end, attendance will be recorded only if they are within 100 metres of the school campus. Officials say the GPS-enabled system will help track teacher punctuality and streamline attendance records across the state.
While education officials claim the new system will improve accountability and academic quality, several teachers have raised concerns over poor internet connectivity, lack of transport facilities and the absence of smartphones in remote border areas.
Teachers say logging in on time could become difficult in villages with weak mobile networks or delayed bus services. Some have also questioned how attendance will be managed if phones are lost, damaged or forgotten at home. Despite the concerns, officials insist the system is being implemented on a trial basis, monitored by Block Education Officers who will submit monthly attendance reports to district authorities. Teachers’ associations have welcomed the move in principle but urged the government to create alternative arrangements for schools facing network and infrastructure issues.
