Andhra Pradesh Assembly Adopts AI-Based Attendance for MLA

Digital Facial Recognition System Introduced in AP Legislature

The Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has implemented an artificial intelligence-driven digital attendance system for Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), signalling a major step towards administrative modernisation. Speaker Ch Ayyanna Patrudu announced the reform at the opening of the Budget Session. A notification from Legislature Secretary General Prasanna Kumar Suryadevara confirmed that attendance recording through physical registers has been discontinued with immediate effect.

The initiative is designed to improve accountability, transparency and procedural discipline within legislative proceedings.

AI-Powered Facial Recognition Mechanism

The new system relies on AI-based facial recognition technology supported by PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras installed inside the Assembly chamber. Attendance is registered only when an MLA is physically present in their designated seat , ensuring accurate identification.

Beyond simple presence, the system also records the duration of stay , automatically capturing late arrivals or early departures. This eliminates the scope for manual manipulation associated with traditional attendance registers.

Strengthening Legislative Accountability

The reform addresses concerns that some legislators had reportedly marked attendance without actively participating in proceedings. By linking attendance directly to physical presence, the Assembly aims to reinforce legislative discipline and uphold institutional credibility.

Digitally tracking participation time is expected to enhance compliance with procedural norms.

Connection with Accountability Proposals

The Speaker had earlier highlighted absenteeism issues at the 86th All India Presiding Officers’ Conference in Lucknow. He advocated stricter measures such as a “no work, no pay” principle and suggested examining mechanisms like right to recall in exceptional circumstances.

The digital attendance system is viewed as a foundational step towards enforcing such accountability frameworks.

Exam-Focused Points

• Andhra Pradesh Assembly → AI-based attendance system (2026)

• Technology used → Facial recognition + PTZ cameras

• Attendance linked to → Designated seat presence

• Manual registers → Officially discontinued

• Governance theme → Digital legislative reforms