The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has announced a phased implementation of the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) in all PCI-approved pharmacy institutions, starting from the 2025-2026 academic session. This system aims to monitor attendance for faculty and non-faculty staff. This circular was issued on January 24, 2025.
The AEBAS will be rolled out in phases, with the first phase focusing on attendance monitoring for all staff.
Action Items for Institutions
All institutions must acquire STQC-certified biometric authentication devices by February 23, 2025.
Institutions need to share details of the installed devices with valid QR codes on the SIF Application (DigiPHARMed Portal) along with signed and sealed invoices.
Procurement must adhere to the STQC-certified device specifications outlined in Appendix D of the AEBAS Guidelines.
Wall-mounted devices are preferred for most employees. USB fingerprint scanners or IRIS scanners with Windows 7/8 desktops can be used for senior staff or specific sections. Alternatives like wall-mounted iris scan or face recognition devices can be used only if fingerprint authentication fails.
Institutions must purchase enough devices to guarantee daily attendance recording for all staff.
Institutions are responsible for procuring, installing, and configuring devices directly from vendors. They should ensure detailed terms and conditions for after-sales support.
A stable internet connection is crucial for the system’s functionality. Institutions are responsible for maintaining sufficient AEBAS devices with Wi-Fi or fiber optic internet connectivity. Consistent biometric data capture is essential, and the PCI will take action for gaps exceeding 3 working days without justification.
PCI Responsibilities
The PCI will not handle communication regarding device maintenance issues. Furthermore, the PCI will provide further instructions for implementing the attendance monitoring system in due course.
This notification emphasizes the importance of immediate action for pharmacy institutions. Strict compliance is mandatory. Institutions must prioritize acquiring the required devices, ensuring proper internet connectivity, and maintaining a smooth data capture process.
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