KUWAIT CITY, Dec 4: The date for implementing the fingerprint attendance system for teachers has yet to be specified despite the installation of fingerprint devices and completion of the fingerprint registration of teachers in several schools to enter their data in the computer system, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. Sources think this could be one of the thorny files on the table of Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research Dr Adel Al-Manea, since several members of the National Assembly have voiced objection to the application of the fingerprint attendance system for teachers.

Sources said the Civil Service Commission (CSC) has repeatedly asked the Ministry of Education to implement the fingerprint attendance system for teachers. Sources pointed out this is one of the signs of a looming crisis in the ministry whose features began to appear on the horizon after the emergence of voices rejecting such a move. The teacher's fingerprint attendance issue dates back several years, during which the file witnessed ‘push and pull’ that ended with the postponement of implementation year after year. However, with the supply and installation of fingerprint devices in schools and the recording of teachers’ fingerprints to input them into the devices, it seems the implementation is fast approaching, sources added.

Opposed
Sources confirmed there are still parliamentary voices opposed to applying the fingerprint attendance system for teachers, considering the exceptional nature of their profession that makes it difficult to implement the system. Sources stated this could delay the implementation for another year, especially in light of a closer scenario of cooperation between the ministry officials and lawmakers interested in educational affairs.

This was evident in some files, the most recent of which was the issue of allowing those pursuing medical studies in universities in Egypt and Jordan at their own expense to apply for scholarships, in addition to the refusal of the Kuwait Teachers Association to apply the fingerprint attendance system for teachers. In contrast, the supervisory authorities recommend the fingerprint attendance system for teachers as the State Audit Bureau (SAB) reportedly pointed this out in its reports -- the most recent of which was the 2022/2023 report and the ministry responded that the contract for the implementation of the fingerprint attendance system took effect on April 1, 2023; while the Civil Service Commission (CSC) continues to emphasize the need to implement the system.