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New Delhi, 30 April. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the launch of a new and modern QR code-based photo identity card module to completely prevent unauthorized entry into counting centres. This system will work on the ECINET platform and will play an important role in making the vote counting process more transparent, secure and efficient.

4 The new system will come into effect from the counting of votes in May.

According to the press note issued by the Election Commission, this new system will come into effect from the counting of votes to be held on May 4, 2026. This includes assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry as well as by-elections in 7 assembly constituencies of 5 states. This will later be extended to all future general elections and by-elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies.

Also standardized for BLO QR code-Photo based identity card launched

This initiative is part of a series of more than 30 reform initiatives taken by the Election Commission in the last one year. Earlier, standardized QR code-based photo identity cards have also been launched for Block Level Officers (BLOs). The new system will further raise the level of security at the counting centres.

Three-tier security mechanism for identity verification at the centers

A three-tier security system has been created for identity verification at the counting centres. In this, at the first and second level, manual verification of traditional photo identity cards issued by the Returning Officer (RO) will be done. Entry into the third and innermost security ring (near the counting chamber) will be available only after successful verification through QR code scanning. This will almost eliminate the possibility of any unauthorized person going inside.

The new QR code-based photo identity cards will be applicable to all authorized persons who are allowed entry into counting centers and counting rooms. These mainly include Returning Officer (RO), Assistant Returning Officer, counting staff, technical staff, candidates, election agents, counting agents and other authorized officers.

A separate media center will be set up at every counting center

A separate media center will be set up near the counting rooms at every counting center for the convenience of authorized media personnel. As before, the entry of media personnel will be on the basis of authorization letters issued by the Commission. District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been instructed to make all necessary arrangements for the smooth implementation of this system. This also includes deployment of trained staff at checkpoints so that access control remains seamless and secure.

All Chief Electoral Officers, District Electoral Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have been asked to ensure strict adherence to these instructions to maintain the highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency in the counting process.