The Aryavarth Express
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh):
In a bid to enhance transparency and accountability in parliamentary functioning, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that Members of Parliament (MPs) will now be able to mark their attendance only when they are physically present at their designated seats inside the House. The new rule will come into effect from the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament.
The Speaker shared the decision during a brief interaction with media persons on the sidelines of the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference. He said the earlier provision that allowed MPs to mark attendance from outside the Lok Sabha chamber within the Parliament complex will be discontinued.
“Attendance will now be recorded only when members are seated inside the House,” Birla said, adding that the move is aimed at ensuring seriousness, discipline, and meaningful participation in legislative proceedings.
Under the new system, MPs will not be able to mark attendance after the House has been adjourned, even if the adjournment occurs due to disruptions. The measure is expected to encourage members to be present from the beginning of daily proceedings and remain engaged during debates and discussions.
Birla noted that designated electronic consoles have already been installed at every seat in the Lok Sabha chamber to facilitate the process. He said the reform is part of a broader initiative to modernise parliamentary procedures and improve productivity.
The Speaker also revealed that artificial intelligence tools are being tested for use in Parliament, with manual verification systems in place to address potential errors. Real-time translation facilities are being piloted for select meetings and are expected to be fully operational in the coming months. Additionally, 24×7 research support services are being introduced to provide MPs with quick access to research papers and reference materials.
Expressing concern over the declining number of sittings in Legislative Assemblies, Birla said efforts are underway to strengthen legislative institutions by improving their effectiveness, accountability, and productivity. Proposals regarding a minimum number of sitting days for Legislative Assemblies have also been discussed in the past.
While the responsibility of conducting House proceedings rests with the Speaker, Birla emphasised that smooth functioning ultimately depends on cooperation between the government and members.
The new attendance rule has been welcomed by several MPs, who view it as a step towards upholding the dignity of Parliament and promoting responsible legislative conduct.
The Budget Session of Parliament will begin on January 28, with the Union Budget scheduled to be presented on February 1.
