"I hope that people will absorb the spirit and the purpose behind the system which is being introduced. This is a message to the whole country that everyone must do their work for the alloted hours," he said after marking his presence through the new system.
He said the ministry understands that some flexibility is needed but whoever comes late will have to work that much time extra.
"I understand flexi time, we will introduce some flexibility. Flexibility is if you come 10-15 minutes late, you have to work for another 10-15 minutes," he said appealing to everyone in the MHA to cooperate.
Chidambaram said CISF would keep a 'watchful eye' over the use of the system and he will get a feedback in about 15 days.
Union Home Secretary G K Pillai was the second official to put his finger in the machine installed at the gate of the North Block, housing the ministry.
Other officials soon followed with some not being able to mark their arrival in the system on the first attempt. The initial try by the minister to mark his presence had also not succeeded.
Similar machines have also been installed at Jaisalmer House (Man Singh Road), Lok Nayak Bhavan (Khan Market) and Jaswant Palace (Chanakyapuri) -- where several divisions of the home ministry are located.
There are about 2,700 employees in the home ministry of which 1,500 work in the North Block premises.
Chidambaram, after beginning his second innings in the ministry, had asked officials to report to work at 9 am and not leave office before 5.30 pm.