Lok Sabha attendance should be marked only from the member seats: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) that the presence of MPs will now be recorded only if they are physically present in the House at their designated seats. The new attendance rule will come into effect from the upcoming Budget Session.

Mr Birla announced the decision during an interaction with media persons on the sidelines of the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference, saying the move would enhance accountability and transparency. Under the previous provision, Members were allowed to report their presence outside the Chamber of the House of Representatives on Parliament premises.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said that attendance will now be recorded only when members are sitting in the House, a move that would encourage them to be present every day from the start of the meeting.

Mr Birla praised the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, describing it as a “symbol of a vibrant democracy”, and credited Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana for adopting good practices in the country’s largest Legislative Assembly. “This Assembly organized separate sessions for women and youth to increase women’s participation in politics and inspire women across states,” the Lok Sabha Speaker said.