Department of Posts Makes Facial Recognition IN & OUT Attendance Mandatory for Branch Postmasters (BPMs)
Department of Posts Mandates IN & OUT Attendance for Branch Postmasters Through DARPAN Facial Recognition System
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The Department of Posts has issued fresh instructions making it mandatory for all Branch Postmasters (BPMs) working in Branch Offices (BOs) to mark both IN and OUT attendance through the Facial Recognition-Based Attendance System available on the DARPAN (MDM) device. The instructions have been issued to ensure complete and accurate attendance records across all Branch Offices.
According to the Directorate, it has been observed that some BPMs are marking only their IN attendance while failing to record their OUT attendance, resulting in incomplete attendance data. To address this issue, all Postal Circles have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the new instructions.
Key Instructions
- Every GDS working as a Branch Postmaster (BPM) must mark both IN and OUT attendance through the Facial Recognition-Based Attendance System on the DARPAN (MDM) device.
- Attendance should be recorded only according to the prescribed opening and closing hours of the Branch Office.
- Attendance must be marked only through the IPPB-provided MDM device. Any attendance recorded using any other device may be examined by the concerned authorities.
Role of Supervisory Authorities
The Department has assigned specific responsibilities to supervisory officers:
- Sub-Divisional Heads (SDHs) will regularly monitor the attendance-marking process.
- Daily attendance reports will be shared with the SDHs for verification.
- If any BPM faces technical or operational issues while marking attendance, the matter must be immediately reported to the concerned SDH and Divisional Head for prompt resolution.
- Divisional Heads have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with these attendance guidelines by all GDS BPMs.
Strict Compliance Required
The Directorate has directed all Postal Circles to monitor the implementation of these instructions at every level and ensure complete compliance. These measures are aimed at improving attendance transparency, accountability, and the effective use of the Facial Recognition-Based Attendance System in Branch Offices.
The instructions have been issued by the GDS Section, Department of Posts, through a Directorate letter dated 30 June 2026 and are effective immediately.