In a move aimed at tightening security and eliminating unauthorised access, QR code–based Photo Identity Card modules have been introduced on ECINET by the Election Commission of India.
The system will come into effect from May 04, 2026, during the counting for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with bye-elections in seven Assembly Constituencies across five states. The mechanism will subsequently be extended to all future Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
Under the new framework, QR code-enabled Photo Identity Cards will be issued to all authorised personnel entering counting centres and halls, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical teams, candidates, election agents and counting agents.
#BREAKING | ECI Rolls Out QR Code-Based Photo ID for Counting Centres
To prevent unauthorised entry, the Election Commission of India has launched a new QR code-based Photo Identity Card module on ECINET.
The system will be effective for the May 4, 2026 counting of Assembly… pic.twitter.com/qmM7bpaGmR
— Organiser Weekly (@eOrganiser) April 30, 2026
A three-tier security protocol has been mandated. The first and second levels will involve manual verification of Photo Identity Cards issued by the Returning Officer. The final and innermost security layer, near the counting hall, will allow entry only after successful QR code scanning.
To facilitate media coverage, dedicated Media Centres will be established near counting halls at each counting centre. Entry for mediapersons will continue based on authority letters issued by the Commission as per existing guidelines.
District Election Officers and Returning Officers have been directed to ensure full implementation of the system, including deploying trained personnel at checkpoints for seamless access control. Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have also been instructed to strictly comply with these measures to maintain transparency, security and efficiency.
The initiative forms part of a broader set of over 30 reforms introduced by the Commission in the past year, including standardised QR code-based Photo Identity Cards for Booth Level Officers.
