The Election Commission has decided to introduce QR code-based identity cards at counting centres to prevent unauthorised entry during vote counting for Assembly elections in five states on May 4, an official said on Thursday, the PTI reported.
Implementation across states and future expansion
The system will be implemented on counting day for the Assembly polls in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry, as well as for bypolls in seven Assembly constituencies across five states. It will later be extended to all Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, the official said.
Three-layer security arrangement
“To eliminate the possibility of unauthorised persons entering counting centres, the poll panel has introduced QR code-based photo identity cards. Under this system, a three-layer security arrangement has been put in place at the counting centres,” he added, the news agency reported.
Verification process at checkpoints
“At the first two security checkpoints, identity cards issued by the Returning Officer (RO) will be verified manually. At the innermost security cordon near the counting hall, entry will be allowed only after successful QR code scanning,” the official said.
Who will receive QR-enabled cards
The QR-enabled cards will be issued to all categories of authorised personnel allowed inside counting centres, including Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents, and counting agents.
Focus on transparency and security
“This is aimed at ensuring the highest standards of transparency, security, and efficiency in the counting process,” the official said.
Media access unchanged
The commission said media access arrangements would remain unchanged, with accredited journalists being allowed entry based on authority letters issued by the Election Commission under existing guidelines.
“Separate media centres will also be set up near counting halls to facilitate coverage,” he added, PTI reported.
Directions to officials
Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), District Election Officers (DEOs), and Returning Officers (ROs) have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the new protocol and deploy trained personnel at designated checkpoints for smooth implementation of the system, the official said.
Exit polls predict thumping win for BJP in Assam, edge in Bengal; DMK to return in Tamil Nadu
Several exit polls on Wednesday predicted a thumping victory for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Assam and a clear edge for the party over the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal, while projecting a return of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu and a comeback by the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala after 10 years.
However, some pollsters predicted a big win for the TMC in West Bengal and a hung House in Tamil Nadu with actor-turned politician Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) emerging as a spoiler for the DMK.
Almost all forecast a return to power for the All India NR Congress (AINRC)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Puducherry.
(With PTI inputs)