Karnataka introduces geofencing attendance system for government staff

The Karnataka government has introduced a geofencing-based night-time attendance system via the ‘Kartavya’ mobile application to ensure government officials reside at their designated headquarters. The policy aims to improve public service delivery and ensure officials are accessible within their jurisdictions for development projects.

A pilot program will launch on November 1, 2026, targeting doctors at taluk hospitals and Primary Health Centres under the Health and Family Welfare Department. Under this system, doctors must mark their attendance through the app after 9 pm daily while remaining within the geographical limits of their assigned headquarters.

Exemptions will be granted to employees on sanctioned leave or those performing approved official duties outside their headquarters, provided they record the reasons in the app. Commissioners and District Health Officers will review attendance reports monthly. Officials found violating residency requirements without permission face disciplinary action under civil service rules. This move follows findings by the Upa Lokayukta that some employees were managing administrative work from distant locations, causing service delays.