Karnataka makes app-based night attendance mandatory for doctors in taluk hospitals, primary health services

The Karnataka government has made app-based mandatory night attendance for doctors in taluk hospitals and primary health centers (PHCs). In addition, app-based attendance is also now mandatory for contract and external staff across ministries and institutions. These measures are aimed at improving accountability and transparency in the provision of public services.

From November 1, doctors under the health ministry have to register their presence after 9 pm through geo-protected app ‘Kartavya’ while they are within the limits of their designated headquarters. Contractual and outsourced employees, meanwhile, must register in the application by November 25 and register attendance exclusively through it from December 1. From 1 January 2027, their payroll and agency outsourcing accounts will be linked to attendance reports generated by the app.

The order, issued by Harsh Gupta, general secretary of the Praja Seva Union, with the concurrence of the chief minister, aims to ensure that officials and employees remain at their posts so that public services are provided without delay.

Exception for people on vacation

Employees on authorized leave will be exempt. Exemptions will also apply to those who are on official duty away from their residence with the consent of the competent authority and to those who have obtained prior permission to leave their residence. The reasons for leave or permission must be clearly recorded in the application.

Commissioners and county health officials will have to review night attendance reports every month. Employees who do not reside in a designated residence without permission may face disciplinary action under applicable civil service rules.

The order follows findings during an Upa Lokayukta inquiry that several government employees were not based at their designated headquarters and were instead managing their duties from remote locations. This resulted in delays in reporting to work and inconvenience to the public, the order said.

The government said the pilot was intended to improve compliance with service rules and ensure officers were available to meet the needs of the public.

Based on the results of the pilot project, the attendance system based on the Kartavya app may be extended to employees in other government departments and cadres in the coming days.

Mandatory for contract, external employees

The app-based attendance system was previously limited to permanent civil servants. Now, contractual and outsourced employees working in all government departments, offices, boards, corporations, authorities and government-aided institutions should record their attendance through the Kartavya mobile application, the government order said.

Heads of departments and offices have been directed to ensure that all contract and external employees in their jurisdiction register on the app by November 25, 2026. From December 1, attendance of all such employees must be recorded exclusively through the Kartavya app.

Participation linked to payments

The government has also linked attendance records to payments. From January 1, 2027, wages of contract employees and bills submitted by outsourcing agencies will be released only on the basis of attendance reports generated by the application.

Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) have been instructed not to release payments unless attendance has been recorded in the application.

The government said attendance has so far been maintained through handwritten registers or other separate systems. Since wages and salaries were paid from government funds, the new system was intended to ensure uniformity, transparency and reliable attendance records.

Heads of Departments and officials will be held personally responsible for the lapses in the implementation of the order, Mr. Gupta said in the circular.

Published – 18 Oct 2026 15:23 IST