The State and District level committees set up by the Election Commission to keep a watch on paid news have started functioning from Thursday in the five poll bound states. A Spokesman of the Election Commission told AIR Correspondent that the poll panel will take any news item exposing paid news as a complaint. The Commission said a twenty four hour control room has been set up in the poll bound states to check paid news. The toll free number is 1965. This control room will also provide account of votes at the end of the polls in order to introduce greater transparency in counting process. The Spokesman also said, income tax return for the candidates is desirable but not mandatory. The Commission has urged political parties and candidates to open separate bank accounts to make payment through cheques and avoid cash transactions. In a meeting with representatives of political parties of the five poll bound states, the commission said that a proper mechanism has been put in place to monitor the election expenditure. For this an election monitoring cell has been set up at the commission. It is sending expenditure observers to areas where elections are being held. This commission says will help keep a close watch on the elections expenses. The commission informed party representatives that the arrangements have also been made to keep a close watch on distribution of liquors, food gifts as they are violations of code of conduct. AIR correspondent reports that hectic political activities have begun where assembly elections are taking place and commission has made elaborate arrangements for the peaceful conduct of poll. Assembly elections are being held in Assam. Kerala, Puducherry,Tamilnadu and West Bengal from April 4 to 10th of May between single to six phases.