Election Commission has put in place elaborate mechanism to ensure free and fair assembly polls in Kerala. Chief Electoral Officer of Kerala, Teeka Ram Meena told All India Radio News in Thiruvanathapuram that all arrangements are in place to have maximum participation of voters. He highlighted the measures taken to ensure safe voting in the wake of COVID19 pandemic and in the left wing extremism affected districts in the state. <br />'' <br />''Meena said, number of polling booths has been increased in the state along with safe distancing and sanitizers in place. All the polling staff have been vaccinated. He urged the media professionals to follow the model code of conduct in letter and spirit. <br />''<br />''The Chief Electoral Officer stated that EVM and VVPATs are 100 percent safe and reflect the transparency of the entire electoral place. Mr. Meena made it clear that any attempt to resort to bogus voting will be thwarted. He was addressing the orientation workshop for the reporters, editors and correspondents of All India Radio News and Doordarshan in Thiruvanathapuram today. The reporters joined through video conferencing in a virtual mode. <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">In his inaugural address, Principal DG of All India Radio News, Venudhar Reddy highlighted the role of public service broadcasters to ensure free, fair and balanced coverage of the upcoming assembly elections. Additional DG All India Radio News, Dr. Atul Kumar Tiwary & Additional DG, PIB Thiruvanthapuram, Palanichami attended the workshop along with the senior officials.This is the fourth workshop organized by AIR News after Chennai, Guwahati and Kolkata.</span><br />