West Bengal School Education Minister Dipak Barman on Tuesday announced that a face recognition-based biometric attendance system will be introduced across every government school in the state in a phased manner. Speaking at a programme of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s teachers' cell at the National Library, Kolkata, Barman said the education department has already begun groundwork for the initiative.

What the System Will Look Like

The minister confirmed that biometric face recognition machines will be installed in every school. "Face recognition-based biometric attendance system will be introduced in every school in the state in a short time," he said. While an effective rollout date has not yet been finalised, Barman said the government is firmly committed to implementing the system. He added that further changes to the education system are also being planned, though details are not yet ready to be disclosed.

Teacher Recruitment: What the Minister Said

Barman addressed the long-pending issue of teacher recruitment, assuring that a decision will be taken promptly. He said the government is closely monitoring the SLST 2016 process, along with Group-C and Group-D exams of 2025, and urged stakeholders to refrain from repeated meetings, phone calls, emails, or lengthy messages on the matter. "Appropriate steps will be taken very soon after considering all aspects," he said, noting that the department will weigh the High Court verdict, legal considerations, and the government's humanitarian position before acting.

Age Relaxation and Anti-Corruption Pledge

The minister highlighted that the state government has already granted a five-year age relaxation for candidates applying for teaching positions, urging job seekers to prepare for upcoming examinations. He also issued a firm anti-corruption assurance: "Our government will not sell jobs. Not a single job will be sold. No one will try to buy a job, and we will not let anyone fall for that temptation."

Transfer Policy Under Review

The long-standing grievance around teacher transfers also featured in his address. Barman said a transparent and specific process for transfers is being developed, under which every teacher will have the opportunity to apply. He requested that the new government be given adequate time to complete this framework before it is put into effect.

Internal Discipline Message

Notably, Barman also directed a message to members of the BJP's teachers' organisation: differences of opinion on government decisions should be raised through the party's internal organisational channels rather than aired on social media or in the press — a signal that internal dissent over education policy has been a point of friction.

The phased rollout of the biometric system, combined with the promised movement on recruitment and transfers, is expected to shape the state's education agenda in the months ahead.