Some legislators entered the register randomly even on days when they were not there, says spokesman Ch. Ayyanna Patrudu. | Photo credit: File Photo
Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly Speaker Chintakayala Ayyanna Patrudu sounds relieved after the new AI-based camera attendance system was introduced in the House from February 11, the first day of the budget session.
In the future, according to him, there could be a decision on a sharp reduction in the annual salaries of members if they do not participate in council meetings.
Speaking to The Hindu in his House at the AP Assembly in Amaravati on Wednesday, Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu said, “It is a big relief. Now nine AI-based cameras deployed in the House will scan the members and capture their presence with precision. The system will start recording the attendance for a few seconds from the time a member sits on the designated seat in Parliament and is clearly introduced in the system.”
A bulletin was circulated among members of the AP Legislature on February 10, informing them of “digital attendance records” and the abolition of the attendance register signature system.
The budget session of the assembly began on Wednesday with a speech by Governor SA Nazeer and will continue till 7.
Gross indiscipline
Detailing the need to introduce AI cameras to record attendance, the spokesperson said some lawmakers took the signature-based system for granted and it was gross indiscipline on their part.
“There was no accountability for some members. Some legislators used to randomly sign the register kept at the entrance, even if they were not present there. We wanted to check this,” the spokesperson sums up.
’11 YSRCP MLAs present for 11 minutes’
The Speaker cited instances where members remained absent from the House.
“Even on the first day of this budget session (February 11), 11 YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLAs came to the assembly and stayed for exactly 11 minutes and protested before leaving the House. Members should realize that people want them to raise public issues in the House,” Ayyanna told Patrudu.
A proposal is being discussed, which may lead to a reduction in salary in the event of members’ absence from council meetings.
Mr. Ayyanna Patrudu cited a general employment rule that denies payment for absence from duty, he said: “Under no system are employees paid for absence. The same rule applies to legislators. We are considering a significant reduction in the annual salaries of legislators who are often absent during assembly sessions,” the spokesman added.
Published – 11 Feb 2026 19:51 IST