213 fingerprint attendance machines remain unused in health sector
A report by the National Audit Office has revealed that 213 fingerprint time attendance machines at hospitals and offices under the Ministry of Health are remaining unused.
The machines were installed at a cost of Rs. 31.08 million to ensure the punctuality of staff.
According to the letter issued by the Secretary of the Ministry of Health, no overtime allowances were to be paid if these machines were not functional since July 01, 2017.
However, a sum of Rs. 38,236.83 million was paid as overtime allowances and holiday payments which had come up to 72% of the total salary expenditure, according to the report.
It is learnt that although an internal circular and a general letter have also been issued to use the fingerprinting machines, it has been unable to be executed due to Trade Union action.
