**Executive Summary**
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a QR code–based Photo Identity Card module on ECINET to prevent unauthorized access to counting centers. Effective May 4, 2026, for specific state assembly and bye-elections, this system will eventually extend to all future Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections. The initiative establishes a mandatory three-tier security mechanism to ensure transparency and efficiency during the counting process.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **System Implementation and Scope**
* The system utilizes a QR code–based Photo Identity Card module via the ECINET platform.
* Initial rollout begins May 4, 2026, for elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Puducherry, and seven bye-election constituencies.
* The mandate will apply to all future General and Bye-elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
* **Three-Tier Security Mechanism**
* Verification at the first and second tiers involves manual checks of Photo Identity Cards issued by the Returning Officer (RO).
* The third and innermost security cordon requires mandatory QR code scanning for entry into the counting hall.
* **Authorized Personnel**
* QR-based IDs are required for Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
* Media personnel will have access to dedicated Media Centers near counting halls.
* Entry for mediapersons remains governed by existing ECI authority letters.
* **Administrative Directives**
* District Election Officers (DEOs) and ROs must deploy trained personnel at designated checkpoints to manage access control.
* All senior election officials (CEOs, DEOs, ROs, and AROs) are directed to ensure strict compliance to maintain security standards.
**Impact Analysis**
**District Election Officers (DEOs) and Returning Officers (ROs)**
**Impact**
These officials are primary stakeholders responsible for the logistical execution of the new security system at the ground level.
**Action Required**
They must make all necessary arrangements for implementation, including the deployment of trained personnel at designated checkpoints to ensure seamless access control.
**Candidates, Election Agents, and Counting Agents**
**Impact**
Their ability to monitor the counting process is now strictly regulated by digital verification.
**Action Required**
They must obtain the new QR code-based Photo Identity Cards and undergo successful scanning at the innermost security tier to gain entry to counting halls.
**Counting and Technical Personnel**
**Impact**
Authorized staff are subject to more rigorous identity verification protocols to enter their workplace.
**Action Required**
Staff must carry their ECI-authorized QR-based IDs and pass through the three-tier verification process, including manual checks and digital scanning.
**Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and Assistant Returning Officers (AROs)**
**Impact**
These officials are tasked with the oversight and enforcement of the new protocols.
**Action Required**
They must ensure strict compliance with these instructions to uphold transparency, security, and efficiency throughout the counting process.
Key Entities Referenced
Election Commission of India (ECI): The primary regulatory body responsible for introducing the QR code–based identity system to enhance security during election counting processes.
QR code–based Photo Identity Card module: The central initiative and security tool introduced to verify the identity of authorized personnel at counting centers through digital scanning.
ECINET: The Election Commission's digital platform where the new QR-based Photo Identity Card module has been introduced for implementation.
Three-tier security mechanism: The newly prescribed verification process at counting centers, where QR code scanning serves as the final access control layer.
Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry: The group of states and union territory central to the first phase of implementation for the General Elections to their Legislative Assemblies.
Election Commission
ECI Introduces QR-Based ID System to
Strengthen Security at Counting Centres
Posted On: 30 APR 2026 4:18PM by PIB Delhi
1. 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.
2. Starting with the counting to be held on May 04,2026, for the General Elections to the Legislative
Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry and the bye-elections in 7
ACs of 5 States, the system will be extended to all future General and Bye-elections to Lok Sabha
and State Legislative Assemblies.
3. 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 introduction of standardised QR Code
based photo ID Cards for BLOs.
4. A three-tier security mechanism has been prescribed for verification of identity at counting
centres. At the first and second tiers, Photo Identity Cards issued by the RO 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.
5. The new QR code-based Photo Identity Cards will be applicable for the categories of persons
authorized by ECI to enter counting centres and halls, which include Returning Officers, Assistant
Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents and counting
agents, among others.
6. A Media Center will be set up near the Counting Halls in each Counting Center for the facilitation
of authorised media persons.
7. Entry of mediapersons will continue to be permitted on the basis of authority letters issued by ECI
in accordance with the existing instructions of the Commission.
8. District Election Officers and Returning Officers 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.
9. All Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning
Officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance with these instructions to uphold the
highest standards of transparency, security and efficiency in the counting process.
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