Timely gain

The extent of attendance irregularities in the Government of India can be gauged from a solution implemented by the departments of roads and shipping. The problem had reached a stage where the secretary considered installing a biometric device to monitor attendance. The only problem was the prohibitive cost of the equipment. After some discussion, the secretary decided to go ahead and install the system, the calculation being that the costs would be recovered in a month because overtime payments to employees would easily be halved.