Lok Sabha MPs to mark attendance from their seats via electronic system
Lok Sabha MPs to mark attendance from their seats via electronic system
New rule requires MPs to log attendance from their seats with electronic consoles, boosting transparency during the Budget Session.
Lucknow: Lok Sabha members would have to come to the House and mark attendance electronically from their designated seat, Speaker Om Birla announced on Tuesday, signaling a move away from the old practice of signing a register in the lobby. The plan, slated to take effect from the upcoming Budget Session, means lawmakers must log their presence from inside the Lok Sabha chamber during functioning hours. While the electronic console fitted at every seat already supports this system, officials say the change will make attendance records more transparent and harder to misrepresent. Birla noted that attendance cannot be marked after the House is adjourned, underscoring the push for timely and reliable data. The reform could also influence daily allowances tied to attendance, as the records would better reflect actual participation. It remains to be seen whether the Rajya Sabha will adopt a similar rule. The Budget Session is expected to begin soon, with the general budget presentation scheduled for February 1 after a January 28 start. In New Delhi, presiding officers discussed attendance and disruptions, emphasizing the need for a more productive parliamentary environment. While some lawmakers welcome the change as a step toward greater discipline, others caution about potential teething troubles with the new electronic system, including technical glitches. Nevertheless, officials insist the seat-based tick marks will capture real-time attendance, aiding accountability and monitoring of participation in debates and votes. The reform arrives amid ongoing discussions about maintaining decorum and ensuring that legislative engagement remains robust during the Budget Session.
