Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Lok Sabha Introduces New Attendance System
The Lok Sabha, which is like the main meeting place for India's lawmakers, is changing how they mark their attendance.
Before, MPs could mark their presence in a lobby using a digital pen.
Now, they have to do it at their seats using a special device.
They can use their smart ID card, thumbprint, or a secret number to mark their attendance.
This change is happening because sometimes the lobby gets too crowded, and some MPs would leave right after marking their attendance without staying for the meetings.
The new system is hoped to make things faster and ensure MPs stay for the discussions.
The Budget session, where this new rule starts, will run from January 28 to April 2.
The Speaker also asked MPs to share their opinions by speaking in the meetings instead of just holding signs or shouting.
Additionally, the Lok Sabha is trying out AI tools to translate what's said in the meetings quickly and accurately.
Lok Sabha introduces new attendance system for MPs starting Budget session.
MPs must mark attendance at their seats using smart ID, thumbprint, or PIN.
Ministers and Leader of Opposition exempt from new attendance rule.
Budget session runs from January 28 to April 2.
Lok Sabha experimenting with AI for real-time translation of proceedings.
- Who
- Lok Sabha MPs (excluding ministers and Leader of Opposition)
- What
- New attendance system requiring MPs to mark presence at their seats
- When
- Starting from the Budget session on January 28
- Where
- Lok Sabha, Parliament of India
- Why
- To save time and ensure MPs participate in proceedings
Proponents of New System
Critics of New System
Attendance Method
Proponents of New System
Proponents argue that the new seat-based attendance system will save time and ensure MPs are present during proceedings.
Critics of New System
Critics may argue that the new system could be seen as intrusive and may not address the root cause of MPs leaving early.
AI Transcription
Proponents of New System
Proponents believe AI tools will enhance the efficiency and accessibility of legislative proceedings.
Critics of New System
Critics may express concerns about the accuracy and reliability of AI tools, especially in real-time translation.
- New System
- MPs must mark attendance at their seats
- Methods
- Smart ID card, thumbprint, or PIN
- Exemptions
- Ministers and Leader of Opposition
- Session Start
- January 28
- Session End
- April 2
- AI Tool Accuracy
- 80% for real-time translation
- Daily Allowance
- MPs must mark attendance to receive it
Sources
MPs to mark attendance in Parliament at their respective seats: LS Speaker
State legislatures should foster healthy competition in excellence, innovation and technology: Om Birla
Lok Sabha seat-based attendance system introduced, AI tools to transcribe proceedings in real time
MPs to mark attendance at their respective seats: Speaker
