The days of enrolling in universities like Osmania University solely for subsidized accommodation and meals, often skipping classes, are coming to an end. Telangana State Universities are set to implement a facial recognition-based attendance system from this academic year, replacing the traditional register-based method.
Crackdown on “Food and Bed” Courses
For decades, students have taken admissions in campus colleges for hostel facilities and mess meals while preparing for competitive exams, frequently avoiding regular classes. Arts programs such as Psychology, Journalism, Telugu, Sociology, Linguistics, and Philosophy at OU have been dubbed “food and bed” courses among academic circles.
The new attendance system aims to curb this practice by linking attendance to tuition fee reimbursement and exam eligibility. Students must maintain at least 75% attendance to qualify for fee reimbursement and sit for exams. Those failing to meet the criteria will be detained, lose hostel privileges, and forfeit fee reimbursement.
System to Include Staff as Well
The initiative will also apply to teaching and non-teaching staff across university campuses, constituent colleges, and affiliated colleges. The School and Intermediate Education departments have already implemented a similar facial recognition attendance system for schools and junior colleges.
Telangana Council of Higher Education Meeting
To implement the initiative effectively, the Telangana Council of Higher Education has convened a meeting with Vice Chancellors of 13 universities. Discussions will include best practices for integration with existing student/staff databases, APAAR, ABC, and Digital Locker.
This move marks a significant step toward ensuring accountability and regular classroom attendance in Telangana’s higher education institutions.
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