Haryana Doctors’ Revolt: Geofencing System Sparks Pen-Down Strike
Haryana witnessed a significant disruption in healthcare services on August 4, 2025, as doctors and health department employees staged a pen-down strike. Their protest targeted the state government’s newly implemented geofencing-based attendance system.
The protesting healthcare workers termed the system dictatorial and a blatant infringement on their personal freedom. They argued that existing biometric and signature-based attendance methods are already in place and sufficient.
The addition of geofencing, they claim, is an unnecessary and intrusive measure adding to their workload without improving efficiency. This sentiment was echoed across various hospitals and health centres.
The strike caused considerable inconvenience to patients seeking medical attention across the state. Many appointments were delayed, and routine services were impacted.
This protest highlights a growing concern among government employees regarding increasing surveillance and the perceived erosion of personal liberties in the name of efficiency. The incident raises questions about the practicality and ethical implications of such technological implementations in the public sector. The government’s response and potential solutions to address the concerns of healthcare professionals will be crucial to ensuring smooth functioning of the state’s healthcare system.