Attendance to count only when MPs are seated in House: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday said the attendance of Members of Parliament will now be recorded only when they are physically present in the House and seated at their designated seats.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference (AIPOC) in Lucknow, Birla said the new attendance rule will come into effect from the upcoming Budget Session.

He added that the move is aimed at increasing transparency and accountability in parliamentary proceedings. Additionally, the previous provision allowing members to mark their attendance from outside the House chamber will be discontinued.

The Speaker stated that to ensure discipline in legislative proceedings, no member will be allowed to mark attendance once the House has been adjourned, even in cases of disruptions.

He stated that the decision aims to ensure that attendance reflects actual participation in House proceedings, rather than just being present within the Parliament premises.