Karnataka Launches AI and GIS-Enabled Kartavya-KAAMS App for Teacher Attendance

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) in Karnataka, India, has officially launched the Kartavya-KAAMS mobile application to monitor the attendance of permanent teaching and non-teaching staff. Effective from the 2026-27 academic year, the app utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) and geographic information system (GIS) technology, including facial recognition, to ensure staff register their presence twice daily from their duty locations. This initiative aims to replace inefficient physical attendance mechanisms with a secure, digital system that prevents irregularities and provides real-time data to higher authorities. The data collected will also support teacher performance analysis, staff rationalization, and salary processing. While the move has been welcomed by teachers and the School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) as a necessary step for educational improvement, stakeholders have emphasized the need for robust data security measures to protect personal information. The implementation follows an announcement by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the 2025-26 State Budget, marking a significant technological upgrade in the administration of the state's largest government department.