LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI – Lok Sabha members will now need to mark their attendance from their assigned seats during the upcoming Budget session of parliament, a shift announced by Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday. The change ends the previous practise of allowing attendance registration from lobbies within the House.
A New Era of Parliamentary Accountability
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The move aims to encourage greater participation in proceedings and ensure attendance accurately reflects engagement.
- mps can only register attendance while the House is in session.
- The new rule takes effect with the start of the Budget session on January 28.
- Consoles for attendance registration are already installed at every Lok Sabha seat.
- The decision is part of a broader effort to modernize parliamentary procedures.
What does this mean for Indian democracy? It’s a signal – a fairly pointed one – that simply *being* in the building isn’t enough-a clear message from Speaker Birla that active engagement is now paramount.
Focus on Active Participation
birla, speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 86th all India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Lucknow, emphasized the need for “seriousness and discipline” within Parliament. He noted frequent interruptions by opposition members protesting various issues. The new attendance policy is designed to ensure that MPs’ presence corresponds with active involvement in debates and legislative work.
The Budget session is scheduled to begin on January 28.Designated consoles, already in place at each seat within the Lok Sabha chamber, will facilitate the new attendance system. Birla framed the reform as part of a larger initiative to modernize parliamentary procedures and boost the productivity of legislative sessions.
Uniformity Across Legislatures
Beyond the lok Sabha changes, Parliament has established a committee to explore ways to standardize rules and traditions across all legislative bodies in India. Birla highlighted the value of “healthy competition” among state legislatures in improving their performance on various metrics. He believes a responsive, inclusive, and forward-looking legislature is vital for maintaining public trust in democratic institutions.
Q: Why is the Lok Sabha changing its attendance policy?
A: The change aims to ensure that MPs’ attendance accurately reflects their active participation in parliamentary proceedings, rather then simply their physical presence within the complex.
This isn’t just about counting heads; it’s about demanding accountability. It’s a subtle but meaningful shift in the culture of the Indian Parliament, one that could have ripple effects for years to come. The question now is whether this new rule will truly translate into more productive debates and a more responsive government.
