Election Commission introduces QR code entry system for counting halls to ensure secure, tamper-free access

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission has introduced a quick response (QR) code-based verification system to regulate the access of persons to the counting halls on May 4, the day of the election results.“To eliminate the possibility of any unauthorised persons from entering counting centres, the Election Commission of India has introduced a QR code–based photo identity card module on ECINET,” the commission said in a statement on Thursday.The system — being launched for the just-concluded polls across Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal and Puducherry — will be extended to all future elections to the Lok Sabha and state/UT assemblies.As part of the counting arrangements on May 4, a three-tier security mechanism has been prescribed for verification of identity at the counting centres. At the first and second tiers, photo identity cards issued by the respective returning officers shall be checked manually. At the third and innermost security cordon near the counting hall, entry shall be permitted only after successful verification through QR-code scanning.

The new QR code-based photo identity cards will be applicable for the categories of persons authorised by ECI to enter counting centres and halls, which include returning officers (ROs), assistant returning officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents and counting agents, among others.“This significant initiative is in continuation of the series of over 30 initiatives taken by the Election Commission of India over the past one year, which included the introduction of standardised QR code-based based photo ID Cards for booth level officers (BLOs), the key officers involved in conduct of special intensive revision (SIR) exercise.A media centre will be set up near the counting halls in each counting centres for the facilitation of authorised media persons. Entry of mediapersons will continue to be permitted on the basis of authority letters issued by EC in accordance with the existing instructions of the Commission.District election officers (DEOs) and returning officers (ROs) have been directed to make all necessary arrangements for the effective implementation of this system, including deployment of trained personnel at designated checkpoints to ensure seamless and secure access control.All chief electoral officers, DEOs, ROs and Assistant ROs have been directed to ensure strict compliance with EC’s latest instructions “to uphold the highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency in the counting process,” according to an EC spokesperson.