GUWAHATI: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a QR code-based photo identity system to enhance security and streamline access at counting centres during elections, according to an official press note issued on Thursday, April 30.
The new system, integrated into the ECINET platform, is aimed at preventing unauthorised entry into counting centres. It will come into effect from May 4, coinciding with vote counting for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union territory of Puducherry, as well as by-elections in multiple assembly constituencies across five states. The poll body has stated that the system will be extended to all future Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.
Under the new framework, a three-tier security mechanism has been established for identity verification at counting centres. At the first and second levels, identity cards issued by the Returning Officer will be manually checked. At the third and innermost security layer, closer to the counting halls, entry will be granted only after successful verification through QR code scanning.
The QR-enabled photo ID cards will be mandatory for all authorised personnel, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, and election agents. The move is expected to reduce risks of impersonation and unauthorised access.
The ECI has also announced the setting up of dedicated media centres near counting halls at each counting location to facilitate authorised journalists. Entry of media personnel will continue to be permitted on the basis of authority letters issued by the Commission, in line with existing norms.
The initiative is part of a broader push by the EC, which has rolled out over 30 reforms in the past year aimed at improving election management. These include earlier steps to standardise QR-based ID cards for Booth Level Officers.
District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been directed to ensure full implementation of the system, including deployment of trained staff at designated checkpoints to manage access control effectively.
The Commission emphasised that the adoption of QR-based verification is intended to uphold the highest standards of transparency, security, and efficiency in the counting process, reinforcing public confidence in electoral outcomes.