Karnataka scraps facial recognition plan for govt school attendance amid row over data privacy concerns

The Karnataka government has ruled out implementing facial recognition-based attendance in schools after the state education minister’s remarks in assembly triggered concerns over privacy and data use. The state's Department of School Education and Literacy confirmed that there is “no move to roll out facial recognition attendance in all government schools” and that no such proposal is formally under consideration.

The clarification came a day after primary and secondary education minister Madhu Bangarappa told the Karnataka legislative assembly on June 21 that the state government was planning to implement the technology to mark school attendance, The Hindu reported.

The now-shelved initiative was part of the ‘Nirantara’ programme announced by chief minister Siddaramaiah in his 16th state budget. It aimed to digitise school attendance for over 52 lakh students across 52,686 Karnataka government schools — including 46,460 government schools and 6,226 aided institutions.

Also read PARAKH Rashtriya Sarvekshan 2024 result in July, shows NIPUN Bharat success

Karnataka govt schools: Attendance digitisation

An official directive dated June 21 outlined artificial intelligence (AI)-powered e-attendance infrastructure integrated with the existing Student Achievement Tracking System (SATS) mobile application. Teachers currently use the app to log attendance through QR codes, biometric fingerprint scans, and GPS-enabled tracking.

The proposed system would have used an Advanced Vector-Based Facial Recognition Engine to convert students’ facial image into a unique, encrypted ID “designed to ensure data privacy and prevent reverse engineering”. The data collected would have been securely hosted at the Karnataka State Data Centre, in Vikasa Soudha.

Officials said the system was designed to not only track student absenteeism, but also generate reliable data to streamline welfare schemes such as midday meals, egg distribution, and supply of uniform essentials.

AI attendance in schools: Parents cautious…

Parents raised practical concerns about the technology’s feasibility in schools which are already resource-strapped. “If the basic infrastructure isn’t reliable, high-end tech like this will only create confusion,” said Savitha, a parent in Tumakuru.

Kavitha, whose two kids study in a government school, said, “If digital attendance improves efficiency, that’s good — but it must be implemented transparently and with community buy-in.”

Also read Set for scrapping, DBSE top performer in education ministry’s analysis of Classes 10, 12 results

“If electricity and the internet fail even during exams, how will facial recognition work daily?” asked Manjunath (name changed), a parent from Sindhanur. “Rural schools are already struggling — we need better roads and classrooms before high-tech tools.”

“I’m not against technology, though I don’t fully understand how it works,” said Deepa, another parent from Sindhanur. “We were never consulted, and I worry about what happens if a child’s face isn’t scanned properly — will they be marked absent and miss out on benefits? Honestly, it doesn’t seem practical right now, but I’m relieved the government isn’t rushing into it without proper testing.”

…So are govt school teachers

Veeranna Madiwalar, a government teacher in Karnataka said, “Accountability is important — but making real change is far more complex,” said a primary school teacher from North Karnataka, requesting anonymity.

“We already mark attendance online, and now the government wants to take it a step further. I honestly don’t know how this will work in rural schools like mine. Some students don’t have electricity at home. Even our school struggles with network issues. The SATS system already faces problems — OTPs often don’t work.”

“In our area, if a student is absent, I visit their home. If they have a genuine reason, I let it go. But if we switch to a strict system based on facial scans, how long will it take? What if it fails? Schools in Malnad or Karavali may have 30 to 50 students. But in places like Medagundhi, we have over 800. Taking pictures of each and ensuring it's matched accurately might take minutes per child. That’s time lost in the classroom,” Madiwalar said.

“There are already so many gaps. In 2016–17, we had 75 students. Today, we serve children from classes 1 to 7. I’ve been trying to upgrade the school to Class 8 because students — mostly from SC and backward communities — have to travel 3 to 5 kilometers otherwise. We don’t even have proper classrooms. I was suspended last month for demanding four more classrooms. Right now, only 20 students can fit in a room.”

“North Karnataka bears the brunt of systemic gaps — infrastructure, teacher shortages, training, everything. I’m not saying technology is bad. But before introducing new systems, let’s address the real challenges on the ground. We’re working hard to give our children a chance at global education — but we need support, not just surveillance,” Madiwalar said.

Also read UP government again planning to close schools with low enrolment

Child rights advocates urge transparency

Though the facial recognition plan is off the table for now, child rights activists are calling for better safeguards if such technologies are ever considered.

“Facial recognition should first be tried out in pilot schools, but more importantly, parents must be educated about its purpose and safeguards,” said Nagasimha G Rao, child rights advocate and Director, Child Rights Trust.

“The government must explain why such technologies are needed and how student data will be protected. As per Article 3 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), all decisions must be in the best interest of the child,” he added.