Thiruvananthapuram, April 30 (SocialNews.XYZ) In a significant step to fortify election security, the Election Commission of India (ECI) 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.
Source: IANS
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