In a startling case of misuse of government attendance systems, several panchayat secretaries across the state have been found registering their daily attendance through fraudulent means using a facial recognition-based mobile app. Authorities found that some secretaries were bypassing in-person attendance by uploading repeated or unrelated photos, including empty chairs and even a photo of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy.It has been revealed that a few officials handed over their mobile phones to other staff members to upload attendance from unauthorized locations. This practice prompted inspections, leading to the exposure of widespread attendance fraud.In response, State Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka has ordered strict action. She directed department director Srujana to initiate disciplinary measures and instructed district collectors to suspend those involved in falsifying attendance records.Acting swiftly, the collector has suspended Bhimaram village secretary Anil Kumar of Farook Nagar mandal in Rangareddy district and Singampally secretary Jangayya of Amangal mandal. Officials confirmed that formal charges have been filed against 40 more panchayat secretaries, with further suspensions likely.
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