ECI launches QR code ID system for May 4 Assembly poll counting centres
Synopsis
The Election Commission of India has rolled out a QR code–based identity verification system for the May 4 Assembly poll counting day — the first deployment of its kind on ECINET. With a three-tier security cordon now in place across counting centres in five states, the ECI is signalling a significant tightening of access control ahead of one of the most closely watched counting days in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched a QR code–based Photo Identity Card module on ECINET on 30 April .
The system will be first used for May 4 vote counting for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry Assembly elections.
A three-tier security mechanism is prescribed — manual ID checks at the first two tiers and QR code scanning at the innermost cordon.
Authorised persons including candidates, election agents, counting agents, Returning Officers, and technical staff will receive QR code–based photo IDs.
The system will be extended to all future Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly general and bye-elections.
Media persons will continue to enter based on authority letters issued by the ECI; a dedicated media centre will be set up near counting halls.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday, 30 April introduced a QR code–based Photo Identity Card module on its ECINET platform ahead of the May 4 vote counting day for ongoing Assembly elections, aimed at eliminating unauthorised entry into counting centres. The system will first be deployed for the counting of votes for Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry Assembly elections, along with bye-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states.
How the New System Works
The ECI has prescribed a three-tier security mechanism for identity verification at counting centres. At the first and second tiers, photo identity cards issued by the Returning Officer will be checked manually. At the third and innermost security cordon near the counting hall, entry will be permitted only after successful verification through QR code scanning.
The QR code–based photo identity cards will be issued to all categories of persons authorised by the ECI to enter counting centres, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents, and counting agents, among others.
What Officials Have Said
Deputy Director P. Pawan stated that the initiative is part of a continuing series of reforms.
Point of View
But its real test lies in ground-level implementation — trained personnel at checkpoints, functional scanners, and contingency protocols when technology fails. The ECI has announced over 30 security measures in the past year, yet unauthorised access at counting centres has remained a recurring complaint from candidates and agents. Whether this system delivers on its promise of transparency and efficiency will depend not on the technology itself, but on how strictly district and returning officers enforce the three-tier cordon on counting day.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ECI's QR code–based ID system for counting centres?
It is a new Photo Identity Card module launched on the ECI's ECINET platform that uses QR code scanning to verify the identity of authorised persons entering counting centres. The system forms the third and innermost layer of a three-tier security mechanism prescribed for vote counting day.
When and where will the QR code ID system first be used?
The system will be deployed for the first time on May 4 during the counting of votes for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry , as well as bye-elections in seven Assembly constituencies across five states.
Who is required to carry a QR code–based photo ID at counting centres?
All persons authorised by the ECI to enter counting centres must carry QR code–based photo IDs. This includes Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
How does the three-tier security mechanism work?
At the first and second tiers, photo identity cards issued by the Returning Officer are checked manually. At the third and innermost security cordon near the counting hall, entry is permitted only after successful QR code scanning verification.
Will the QR code system be used in future elections as well?
Yes. The ECI has confirmed that the system will be extended to all future general and bye-elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies across India.
