AI enters VB-G RAM G, workers’ attendance system changes; nationwide rollout from 23 February
New Delhi/Barabanki (The Uttam Hindu): Ahead of the launch of VB-G RAM G, the central government has successfully completed a pilot project for online worker attendance using Artificial Intelligence. The trial was conducted in Barabanki, and from 23 February, the new system will be implemented across the country. Under this system, workers’ attendance at worksites will be recorded through eye-pupil and facial scanning.
Under the pilot project, the central government selected only Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh to test the upgraded version of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app. Using AI technology, workers’ attendance was recorded online by scanning their eyes and faces.
The technical team of the Ministry of Rural Development closely monitored the entire process. From 22 January 2026, the system was tested in 1,053 out of 1,155 gram panchayats in the district. The NMMS app was installed on the mobile phones of employment assistants and mates, and login credentials were issued.
At the worksite, workers were asked to stand in front of a mobile camera for scanning. Within four to five blinks, the AI system automatically captured photographs and matched them with muster roll details. Once the details matched, attendance was marked instantly.
Every day, online attendance is being recorded for around 23,000 to 24,000 MGNREGA workers. The experiment in Barabanki proved successful, and videos of the attendance process, work methods, and operational inputs were sent to the central government. After the successful trial, Barabanki has emerged as a national role model, and the system will now be implemented nationwide from 23 February.
Barabanki Deputy Commissioner Brajesh Kumari Tripathi stated that the district was selected under the pilot project to test AI-based attendance. Since 22 January, online attendance has been recorded at worksites across all blocks. With the trial now complete, the system is ready for nationwide implementation.