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Originally published: 2 January 2025
Proxy attendance (one worker marking for absent friends) is common on Indian construction sites. It costs you ₹15,000-30,000 monthly in wages paid for work not done. Here's how to stop it completely.
What happens:
How common: 60-70% of contractors face this regularly.
Cost impact:
How it works:
Implementation:
Why it works: ✓ Visual proof of presence ✓ Timestamp can't be manipulated ✓ Worker can't be in two places ✓ Resolves disputes instantly
Tools: Smartphone with camera + attendance app
Time: 2 minutes for 50 workers
How it works:
Implementation:
Why it works: ✓ Confirms physical presence at site ✓ Automatic (no extra effort) ✓ Catches remote marking attempts
Limitation: GPS accuracy ~5-10 meters (good enough)
How it works:
Implementation:
Why it works: ✓ 100% verification ✓ Face recognition prevents proxy ✓ Individual proof
Challenge: Takes longer (5-7 minutes for 50 workers)
Best for: High-value sites, security-sensitive projects
How it works:
Implementation:
Why it works: ✓ Impossible to fake ✓ Fast (10 seconds per worker) ✓ Fully automated
Cost: ₹15,000-50,000 device
Best for: Large sites (100+ workers), permanent installations
How it works:
Implementation:
Why it works: ✓ No single point of failure ✓ Peer accountability ✓ Catches errors and fraud
Challenge: Requires trust between supervisors
How it works:
Implementation:
Why it works: ✓ Unpredictability deters fraud ✓ Catches it same day ✓ No extra tools needed
Time: 5 minutes, 2-3 times weekly
Use multiple methods for best results:
Daily: Photo verification (primary method)
Random: Physical verification (2-3 times weekly)
Technology: GPS tagging (automatic)
Penalty: Immediate dismissal for fake marking
Technology helps, but culture matters more.
Announce clearly:
Explain why: "Fair to workers who actually show up"
First offense: Catch and punish publicly
Message: "We're serious about this"
Result: Others won't try
Perfect attendance bonus: ₹500-1000/month
Recognition: Acknowledge reliable workers
Incentive: Being present is rewarded
Make it easy to inform:
Don't punish genuine absence: People get sick, have emergencies
Punish only fake marking: Not absence itself
Red flags to watch:
Same person often marks for absent workers → Likely facilitating proxy
Worker absent frequently but always "present" in register → Possible fake marking
Attendance 100% but productivity low → Ghost workers possible
Workers leaving early but marked full day → Attendance manipulation
Review weekly: Look for these patterns
Modern apps make prevention automatic:
Features that prevent fake attendance:
Example: Karyati attendance system
Problem cost (50 workers, 10% fake):
Solution cost:
Savings: ₹8,83,000 per year
ROI: 52x return on investment
Common complaint: "You don't trust us"
Response: "This protects honest workers. They shouldn't pay wages of absent friends."
Resistance tactics:
Stand firm: Benefits far outweigh complaints
Prevention systems also help with:
Legal compliance: Accurate records for inspections
Dispute resolution: Photo proof settles arguments
Insurance claims: Verified attendance for worker incidents
Audits: Clean records for client/government audits
Week 1:
Week 2:
Week 3-4:
Month 2+:
Fake attendance is not a "cultural issue" you must accept. It's fraud, and it's preventable.
Action steps:
Technology makes it effortless. Your smartphone already has everything needed.
Remote sites with no internet? Learn proven methods to track attendance accurately without connectivity and sync later.
Read More →Labor management can make or break a project. Learn the best practices for managing construction workers effectively.
Read More →Scale from managing one site to ten without losing control. Learn the systems and strategies that enable multi-site management.
Read More →Download Karyati and start managing your sites efficiently today.