Election Commission introduces QR code entry system for counting halls to ensure secure, tamper-free access | India News
“To eliminate the possibility of any unauthorized person entering the counting centre, the Election Commission of India has launched a QR code-based photo identity card module on ECINET,” the commission said in a statement on Thursday.The system – being introduced for the recently concluded elections 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 May 4 counting system, a three-tier security system has been set up for identity verification at counting centres. At the first and second level, the photo identity card issued by the concerned Returning Officer will be checked manually. At the third and innermost security cordon near the counting hall, entry will be allowed only after successful verification through QR-code scanning.The new QR code-based photo identity cards will be applicable to categories of persons authorized by the ECI to enter counting centers and halls, including Returning Officers (ROs), Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical staff, candidates, election agents and counting agents.“This landmark initiative is in continuation of a series of more than 30 initiatives taken by the Election Commission of India in the last one year, which includes the introduction of standardized QR code-based photo ID cards for Booth Level Officers (BLOs), key officials involved in conducting the Special Intensive Corrections (SIR) exercise.A media center will be set up near the counting hall at each counting center for the convenience of authorized media persons. Entry of media persons will be allowed on the basis of letter of authority issued by the EC as per the existing directives of the Commission.District Election Officers (DEOs) and Returning Officers (ROs) have been directed to make all necessary arrangements to implement the system, including deployment of trained personnel at designated checkpoints to ensure smooth and safe access control.All Chief Electoral Officers, DEOs, ROs and Assistant ROs have been directed to strictly adhere to the EC’s latest directives “to maintain the highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency in the counting process”.
