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QR Shield Deployed at Counting Centres for May 4 Vote Count Security

The Election Commission of India has introduced a QR code-based photo identification system to regulate entry into vote counting centres ahead of the May 4 count. The system, integrated through ECINET, implements a three-tier security framework with manual verification at first two levels and QR scanning at the innermost ring. Mandatory for all authorised personnel including officials, candidates, and agents, the move is part of 30 reforms to modernise electoral processes. Dedicated media centres will be set up near counting venues, with journalist access strictly based on Commission-issued Authority Letters.

Key Points: QR Shield for Vote Count: EC Tightens Security

  • QR code photo ID system for entry into counting centres
  • Three-tier security framework with manual and QR verification
  • Mandatory for all authorised personnel including candidates and agents
  • Part of 30 ECI reforms; media access via Authority Letters
2 min read

QR shield at counting centres as EC tightens access ahead of May 4 vote count

EC rolls out QR code-based entry at counting centres for May 4 vote count in 4 states & 1 UT, enhancing security and transparency.

"The QR-enabled identification is mandatory for all authorised personnel, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting supervisors and counting staff - Election Commission of India"

Thiruvananthapuram, April 30

In a significant step to fortify election security, the Election Commission of India has rolled out a QR code-based photo identification system to regulate entry into vote counting centres ahead of the crucial counting day on May 4.

The new system, integrated through ECINET, will be implemented during the counting of votes for the Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with by-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states.

The Commission has indicated that this technology-driven mechanism will become a standard feature in all future Lok Sabha and Assembly elections across the country.

Designed to prevent unauthorised access and streamline identity verification, the system introduces a robust three-tier security framework at counting centres.

At the first two levels, officials will manually verify photo identity cards issued by the Returning Officers to authorised personnel.

The final and most stringent layer comes into play at the inner security ring near the counting hall, where entry will be granted only after scanning QR codes embedded in the identity cards issued for the purpose.

The QR-enabled identification is mandatory for all authorised personnel, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting supervisors and counting staff, technical teams, candidates, and their election agents as well as counting agents.

The move is part of a broader set of nearly 30 reforms undertaken by the ECI over the past year to modernise and strengthen electoral processes.

Notably, QR code-based identity cards had already been introduced earlier for Booth Level Officers as part of the Commission's digitisation push.

To facilitate media coverage without compromising security arrangements, dedicated media centres will be set up near each counting venue.

Journalists will be granted access strictly on the basis of Authority Letters issued by the Commission, in line with existing guidelines and protocols.

District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been directed to ensure seamless execution of the system by deploying adequately trained personnel at designated checkpoints and by establishing the required technical infrastructure at all counting locations.

With counting day expected to draw intense political and public attention across the states concerned, the Commission has emphasised strict compliance with the new measures and protocols.

The initiative aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and above all, the integrity of the counting process in an increasingly high-stakes electoral environment.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move by EC, but let's see how it works in rural areas where network is patchy. Hope they have offline backup. Also, 30 reforms in a year is impressive—wish they'd focus on voter awareness too.
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Arjun K
QR shield sounds fancy, but the real test is integrity. Marksheet of counting agents and candidates should be cross-verified. In Kerala, people will watch like hawks—any loophole will be exposed!
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Kavya N
Great that media centres are separate. Last election, journalists were huddled in corridors and couldn't report properly. But authority letters only for select ones? Hope it's not a way to control the narrative.
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Rajesh Q
Technology is good, but what about basic things like proper lighting, drinking water, and clean toilets at counting centres? Our ground-level issues are often ignored. EC should audit facilities too.
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Michael C
As an NRI, I appreciate India's push for tech in elections. QR codes are standard in many countries. But will agents from smaller parties get equal access? Hope the system isn't biased toward big parties.
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Siddharth J
QR card for entry is fine, but the real security is in the counting hall. Obs

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