KARACHI: Authorities have decided to install bio-metric system at the Karachi Municipal Corporation and the Karachi Development Authority, it is learnt. Karachi Mayor Waseem Akhtar has planned to introduce the bio-metric system at the KMC to register attendance of employees. Similarly, the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) will also install the same system for collecting data of its employees. KMC has the strength of 16,796 regular employees while the KDA employs 4,334 regular workers. These machines are likely to be installed in March 2017 at 24 departments and 38 different offices of the KMC. KDA Director General Nasir Abbas said that bio-metric machines will be installed at around 26 offices. He added that these machines would be procured through open tender to maintain transparency in the process. We were informed about the decision through letters by the Mayor Office, he said and added that after installation of bio-metric system salaries would be streamlined. The new system will bring betterment in efficiency and timely arrival of employees, providing relief to visitors and needy people, especially patients at KMC hospitals and clinics in the city, he said. The letter highlighting the importance of the new attendance system said that attendance of doctors and paramedics at 12 major hospitals will be made regular as there are complaints of late coming. Nasir said that the bio-metric system would ensure punctuality of the staff. It will also ensure the attendance of employees appointed on political grounds at different offices and hospitals. We cannot take any official action against absentees, late comers and early leavers now but after installation of this system, every thing will become clear and no one would dare to indulge in scuffle with attendance staff at these offices, he added. Several KMC and KDA employees are also working for other departments. Even, employees who are found involved in criminal activities are taking salaries and allowances. Under the service rules of both the entities, no employee is entitled to get salary or allowance without attending office. A number of employees appointed on political grounds at different offices have attained higher grades despite being absent from their duties. Hammad Siddiqui and Waseem Aftab are still employees of KMC in Grade-19, it is revealed.