KOCHI: Expectations were sky-high when Kochi Corporation introduced the biometric attendance system at its main office. When it was implemented a month ago, citizens hoped the system would make the staff efficient.

But, in reality, nothing seems to have changed. As the civic body readies to introduce the system in its zonal office, city residents feel that it is yet another gimmick.

Anush B, a lawyer who had come to the corporation's office seeking approval for a building plan, said, "The system cannot ensure that the officers and employees are present for work on time and discharging their duties. They might walk in at the right time and record their attendance. But, is it possible to track their activities and make sure that they execute their duties faithfully?"

As the corporation office bounces back to routine activities after Onam holidays, citizens were seen queuing up before various departments on Monday to get their transactions completed.

The office remained closed from August 28 to 31 due to the festival. Even though the civic body's offices resumed its functions on Saturday, the absence of good number of staff had forced many city residents to wait for the next working day.

"Employees who hail from far off districts went on for a vacation by taking a few days' leave along with the official holidays. And such activities will continue to happen. The state government should consider posting local people for effective functioning of local bodies," said P R Ranish, councilor from Thevara.

But, commenting on the efficiency of the system, deputy mayor B Bhadra said officers and staff are now forced to report on time. As the system records timings, late-comers have no option but to record it as leave.

Meanwhile, offices like Regional Transport Office (RTO) are also planning to introduce the biometric punching system. Five months back this system was introduced in the Ernakulam RTO on a trial basis. A senior official informed that they were waiting for a government order for making it completely operational.