Maha Kumbh: UP Police adopt biometric attendance

Prayagraj: The Uttar Pradesh Police have taken a major leap towards digitization by introducing a biometric attendance system for officers deployed at the upcoming Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj. This shift from traditional paper-based records is expected to enhance efficiency, save time, and simplify workforce management for the world’s largest public gathering.

Approximately 50,000 police personnel will be stationed at the grand event, ensuring the safety of an estimated 40 crore devotees. To prepare for this massive responsibility, personnel are undergoing comprehensive training, with attendance at these sessions now recorded biometrically.

SSP Kumbh Mela, Rajesh Dwivedi, praised the new system, saying, “Earlier, maintaining attendance registers was a cumbersome task. Biometric attendance has resolved these challenges, ensuring accurate and hassle-free record-keeping.”

The training programme, which emphasizes soft skills, disaster management, and geographical familiarity with the event site, is being conducted in multiple phases. Over 10,000 personnel have already completed the first two phases, with the third currently underway. Biometric data for all deployed personnel is securely stored, enabling efficient monitoring during the event.

Jagdish Kaliraman, ACP (Parade Area Kumbh), highlighted the robust security measures being implemented. “We are conducting constant security checks at sensitive points like the parade area and the district hospital. Manual and equipment-based inspections are ongoing to ensure public safety,” he said.

In addition to the biometric system, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out state-of-the-art security measures, including the deployment of thousands of AI-powered CCTVs and underwater

drones.