Biometric Rollout Sparks Funding Controversy; Minister Parag Defends “Accountability” Measure
By Travis Chase | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — A new initiative by the Ministry of Education to introduce biometric attendance systems in schools has ignited a debate over funding and teacher accountability. Education Minister Sonia Parag is now pushing back against claims that schools and Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) are being unfairly pressured to foot the bill for the high-tech equipment.
The controversy highlights a growing tension between the government’s push for “classroom stability” and the operational constraints of local school boards.
The Funding Dispute: Forced or Voluntary?
While the Ministry maintains that the adoption of fingerprint-based systems is not mandatory, reports from several schools suggest a different reality on the ground.
- The Ministry’s Stance: Minister Parag stated that many schools have already purchased the systems using their existing school grants without any direct orders from the Ministry. She emphasized that there is “no force or pressure” on PTAs to divert their own fundraising efforts toward the devices.
- The Schools’ Pushback: Several school administrators have reported being told they must “source funding” to acquire the biometric devices. They describe this requirement as a “burdensome” shift of financial responsibility from the central government to individual institutions.
- Government Support: In a move to de-escalate the tension, Parag announced that for schools where grants are already exhausted, the Ministry will step in to provide financial assistance.
“Not Punitive”: The Drive for Accountability
The push for biometric tracking stems from a recent, unannounced school visit by the Minister early in the 2026 academic term.
- The Discovery: Minister Parag reportedly found several teachers absent during her visit, a situation she claims “underscores the need for stronger accountability.”
- System Function: The biometric system requires teachers to “clock in and out” using fingerprint verification, creating a digital record that cannot be easily bypassed.
- The Goal: The Ministry insists the measure is not intended to punish educators but rather to ensure that students receive consistent instruction and that classroom delivery remains a priority.
Education in the 2026 Budget
The debate over biometric funding comes on the heels of the record-breaking 2026 National Budget, which continues the trend of massive investment in human capital.
- The Allocation: A staggering $24.3 billion has been approved for the education sector this year.
- National Growth: Minister Parag highlighted that this funding reflects the government’s view of education as the “key part of national growth.” Critics, however, argue that if billions are being spent, the Ministry should centrally procure the attendance systems rather than asking schools to use their flexible grants.
