The introduction of the teacher attendance monitoring system app, Ubiattendance has evoked mixed reactions from East Jaiñtia Hills district.
While welcoming the launch of the app, waheh shnongs in East Jaiñtia Hills has applauded the district administration for the new accountability system. But felt that more could be done to address poor infrastructure of schools.
As teacher’s associations have registered their opposition to the use of the app, the waheh shnongs felt the app is needed for effective management of the human resource and will reflect the performances of teachers in classrooms.
Waheh shnong of Mualhoi in Saipung Dinga Ngaite said since the app was launched, during the past few days they have noted regular attendance of teachers.
Waheh Shnong Ladrymbai Dongwah, Deibor Suchiang and other leaders of the dorbar said the app will benefit schools in far flung areas of the district. They said the district administration could also look into infrastructures of schools in the rural areas.
“Authorities must also look into dilapidated schools with no roof wherein classes are affected during the rainy season which has affected students and make on time payment to teachers,” Suchiang said.
He said the app should not be misunderstood by teachers, but this will help those who are irregular to take their job seriously.
Secretary of Ladrymbai Dongwah John Pala also suggested the district administration to clarify on how the app applies to a teacher who falls sick.
Head Master of Khliehriat Presbyterian Upper Primary School, Moonlight Bareh questioned why the app was not introduced in all the 12 districts of the state and the challenges teachers might face due to poor mobile internet connectivity, especially in the border areas like Huroi, Hingaria and others.
Teachers of Little Flower, Dayamonlang Rymbai, Enavchal Dopri and Toda Sukhlain said teachers must be trained before using the app and should be introduced to all schools in the State.
It may be mentioned that the attendance app was launched in East Jaiñtia Hills district on June 2. The app uses a facial recognition system that reads the unique features of a face with an accuracy of about 70 per cent to identify the person and registering his or her attendance even in absence of internet connection.
Through the app the district administration hopes to get the report of the individual teachers at the school, cluster and village levels and the entire district.
