Lok Sabha attendance to be marked only from members’ seats: Om Birla

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday (January 20, 2026) said that the attendance of Members of Parliament will now be recorded only when they are physically present inside 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 earlier provision, members were allowed to mark their attendance from outside the House chamber within the Parliament premises.

The Lok Sabha Speaker said attendance would now be recorded only when members are seated inside the House, a move that would encourage them to be present from the start of proceedings each day.

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