In a progressive move aimed at digitising and modernising parliamentary operations, the Lok Sabha has rolled out a new online attendance system for Members of Parliament (MPs) starting this session. The initiative forms part of India’s broader push towards e-governance, digital empowerment, and paperless workflows, particularly following the inauguration of the new Parliament building.

A Shift from Manual Registers to Digital Technology

Until recently, MPs were required to sign physical attendance registers stationed outside both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha chambers. This practice, rooted in tradition, has been gradually phased out in favour of technology-driven methods. The first step was the installation of tablets at chamber entrances, enabling stylus-based check-ins.

With the introduction of the Multi-Media Device (MMD) system, MPs can now mark attendance directly from their designated seats inside the Lok Sabha. Each MMD-enabled tablet allows secure and efficient attendance logging, eliminating long queues and saving valuable time.

How the MMD Attendance System Works

The MMD attendance system offers multiple secure methods for MPs to record their presence:

• Biometric thumb impression authentication

• PIN number entry

• Swiping a multimedia device card

• Digital pen-based signature with name selection from a drop-down list

Once any of the above methods is completed, the MP simply has to press the ‘submit’ button on the tablet to finalise attendance. The system then logs the data instantly into a centralised platform.

This digital setup not only enhances operational efficiency but also ensures greater accuracy and security, reducing scope for errors or proxy sign-ins.

Leadership and Implementation

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, known for his advocacy of technology-driven parliamentary reforms, has led this initiative. The shift toward paperless governance under his leadership is not new. In 2023, Birla initiated the tablet-based attendance at the entrance of the new Parliament chambers, followed by e-document access, and now the latest MMD integration.

The multimedia tablets, which were initially designed for viewing parliamentary agendas, documents, and debates, have now been enhanced with attendance functionality—marking a significant step in Parliament’s tech evolution.

Support System in Place for Smooth Rollout

To ensure the smooth transition from manual to digital, the National Informatics Centre (NIC) has deployed a team of trained engineers and support staff across all Lok Sabha entrances and seating zones. These personnel assist MPs in using the new system and resolve any technical issues in real time.

Attendance marking remains mandatory for MPs to receive daily allowances during session periods. Therefore, the new system not only improves efficiency but also maintains the accountability structure Parliament relies on.

Impact: Saving Time and Boosting Productivity

Parliament typically convenes for about 70 days annually, with MPs earlier required to spend 2 to 3 minutes daily on manual attendance marking. With the MMD system now in place, MPs can complete the process in under 30 seconds, resulting in a time saving of roughly 3.5 hours per MP per year.

This saved time is expected to boost productivity, allowing MPs to focus more on legislative debates, bill discussions, and committee meetings. As the Parliament continues to digitise other functions, such as document circulation, vote casting, and debate management, the shift is seen as part of a broader vision for smart governance.

Rajya Sabha Yet to Implement MMD

While the Lok Sabha has adopted the MMD system, the Rajya Sabha is currently continuing with tablet-based attendance at the chamber entrance. However, similar upgrades are expected to be rolled out in the upper house in the near future to ensure uniformity across both houses of Parliament.

A Key Milestone in Digital India Vision

The introduction of this digital attendance system aligns closely with the Digital India initiative, which aims to make governance more transparent, efficient, and accessible through technology. The Parliament, being the apex legislative body, is setting an example for other government institutions to follow.

The MMD system’s integration is just one of several upgrades made possible in the new Parliament building, which was designed with an emphasis on modern infrastructure, tech readiness, and sustainability.

Conclusion: A Tech-Driven Parliamentary Era Begins

The online attendance system for MPs is a transformative step, reflecting India’s move toward smarter legislative governance. As Lok Sabha embraces technology to improve accountability, save time, and reduce paperwork, it sends a strong signal about India’s readiness to evolve its democratic institutions in tune with 21st-century expectations.

With Speaker Om Birla championing paperless procedures, and with continuous support from the National Informatics Centre, this initiative paves the way for a fully digital, transparent, and responsive Parliament—a vision that echoes the aspirations of a modern India.

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