Andhra Pradesh Assembly Pioneers AI Facial Recognition to Curb Proxy Attendance
In a groundbreaking move, the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly has become the first legislature in India to implement an Artificial Intelligence-based facial recognition system for recording attendance of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This innovative digital system, debuted on Wednesday during the state's Budget Session, is designed to ensure that attendance is recorded only when MLAs are physically present and seated in the House, effectively putting an end to the long-standing issue of 'proxy attendance'. The initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in legislative proceedings.
Speaker Introduces AI System to Eliminate Sign-and-Leave Practices
On the first day of the Budget Session, Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu announced the replacement of the traditional attendance roster with the AI facial recognition technology. He emphasized that the system would record attendance "only when members are seated in their places", addressing past instances where some MLAs would "simply sign in the register and leave". This move comes as the Parliament is also considering a similar system, highlighting a national trend towards leveraging technology for governance improvements.
Disqualification Threat for Non-Attendance Under New Rules
Legislature Secretariat officials have clarified that under the new system, MLAs who fail to attend a minimum of 60 days of sessions could face disqualification. This rule underscores the government's commitment to enforcing attendance norms and ensuring that elected representatives actively participate in legislative duties. The AI system provides an objective and automated method to track compliance, reducing the potential for human error or manipulation.
Political Context and Opposition Dynamics
The introduction of the AI attendance system occurs amidst political tensions, with the Chandrababu Naidu-led government accusing the rival YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and its chief Jagan Mohan Reddy of not attending legislative sessions. During the Budget Session, which began with Governor Abdul Nazeer's address, YSRCP's 11 MLAs, including former chief minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, were present. However, officials claimed that the AI-based system indicated they "spent less than 10 minutes inside the Assembly". Ruling coalition partners, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Jana Sena Party, have been vocal in their criticism of YSRCP's attendance record, while YSRCP continues to demand recognition as the official Opposition, a status denied due to constitutional and Assembly rules requiring at least 10% of the 175 seats.
Budget Session Proceedings and Future Discussions
Following the Governor's speech, key political figures, including Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, convened for a Business Advisory Committee (BAC) meeting. The BAC has scheduled the Budget discussion for March 14. Meanwhile, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and former YSRCP minister Botsa Satyanarayana reiterated the party's commitment to pushing for Opposition recognition, despite previous sessions marked by protests and walkouts over this issue.
Implications for Legislative Technology and Governance
The deployment of AI facial recognition in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly sets a precedent for other legislatures across India, showcasing how technology can be harnessed to address governance challenges. By automating attendance tracking, the system not only curbs proxy practices but also promotes a culture of accountability among lawmakers. As digital transformation continues to reshape public administration, this initiative highlights the potential for innovative solutions to enhance legislative efficiency and integrity.
