Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has said that facial recognition technology will now be made compulsory in educational institutions across the state. The move is aimed at improving safety, ensuring accountability, and tackling misuse of resources in schools, colleges, and universities. By introducing this system, the government hopes to build a secure environment where attendance tracking and student monitoring become more transparent and efficient.
I decided to write about this because the debate around technology in education is no longer about whether it will be used, but how responsibly it will be used. While tools like facial recognition can improve discipline and efficiency, they also raise questions about privacy, data security, and student rights. For parents, teachers, and students, it is important to understand not just what the government is planning, but also what it means for everyday life in schools and colleges. As someone who closely follows education policy, I feel that discussions around such measures should involve all stakeholders so that the benefits are maximised and risks are minimised. Knowing the details helps us look at the bigger picture—how technology and education are being merged to shape the next generation.
Why the Government Is Pushing Facial Recognition
The CM explained that mandatory use of facial recognition is not just about attendance. It is also about addressing issues such as:
- Preventing proxy attendance in exams and classes
- Ensuring that scholarship benefits reach only genuine students
- Strengthening campus security by monitoring entry and exit points
- Curbing irregularities in staff attendance
This policy is seen as a way to bring more transparency and reduce loopholes that often affect the education system.
How It Will Work in Institutions
According to officials, every student and staff member will have their face data registered in the system. The cameras installed in classrooms and entry gates will automatically recognise individuals, marking attendance in real-time. Unlike manual registers, this method leaves no scope for manipulation. Colleges and universities may also integrate the technology with other digital platforms for better record management.
Benefits of Facial Recognition in Education
Some possible advantages include:
- Accurate attendance records without manual errors
- Time-saving for teachers who no longer need to take roll calls
- Improved security as unauthorised individuals can be flagged
- Better accountability for both students and staff
Concerns That Need Attention
While the policy has many benefits, there are also valid concerns:
- Data privacy and how facial images will be stored securely
- Possible misuse of surveillance leading to discomfort among students
- High cost of setting up and maintaining such systems in government schools
- Need for clear laws to prevent misuse of collected data
