• Source:JND

The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday introduced a QR code-based Photo Identity Card system on the ECINET platform to strengthen security at vote counting centres. The commission has taken this measure to completely prevent the entry of unauthorised persons during vote counting for assembly elections in five states, including West Bengal, and Union Territories.

No Entry Without QR Code

In a press release, the ECI noted that this process will start with the counting scheduled for May 4, for the assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry, along with bye-elections in seven constituencies across five states. The system will later be extended to all future Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.

This move is part of more than 30 reforms introduced by the ECI last year. As part of this measure, a three-layer security system has been put in place at counting centres. At the first two levels, identity cards issued by the Returning Officer (RO) will be checked manually. At the final layer near the counting hall, entry will be allowed only after successful QR code scanning for verification.

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What Is ECI’s QR Code ID System?

The commission stated, “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.”

The new QR code-based cards will apply to individuals authorised by the ECI to enter the counting centers and halls. This includes Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, counting staff, technical personnel, candidates, election agents, and counting agents among others.

A Media Center will also be set up near the Counting Halls in each Counting Center. However, entry of mediapersons will be permitted based on authority letters issued by ECI.

Also, the number of counting centers in Bengal has been reduced to 87 this time. In the 2021 elections, this figure stood at 108. The commission clarified that this decision was taken with a view to ensuring transparency, impartiality, and robust security arrangements during the vote counting process.

TMC Holds Protest

Meanwhile, TMC candidate Kunal Ghosh and Shashi Panja staged a sit-in protest outside an EVM strongroom at Khudiram Anushilan Kendra on Thursday, alleging irregular activities inside the facility. The party also released CCTV footage from outside the strong room, saying, "Democracy was murdered in broad daylight."

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