The Election Commission of India announced on 30 April 2026 a QR code-based Photo Identity Card module on ECINET to prevent unauthorised persons from entering counting centres. The system will begin with counting scheduled for 4 May 2026 for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry, along with bye-elections in 7 Assembly Constituencies of 5 states. The Commission said it would later be extended to all future General and Bye-elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
The initiative adds a digital verification layer to the already controlled entry system at counting venues. It follows more than 30 initiatives taken by the Commission over the past year, including standardised QR code-based photo ID cards for Booth Level Officers. A three-tier security mechanism has been prescribed for 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 cordon near the counting hall, entry will be allowed only after successful QR code scanning.
The new cards will apply to categories of persons authorised by the Commission to enter counting centres and halls. These include Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents and counting agents, among others. A media centre will be set up near counting halls in every counting centre, while media entry will continue on the basis of ECI authority letters under existing instructions. Chief Electoral Officers, District Election Officers, Returning Officers and Assistant Returning Officers have been directed to ensure strict compliance and deploy trained personnel at designated checkpoints.