EC bans Mamata’s ‘Chokher Alo’ project in Bengal ahead of polls

The Election Commission has asked the state government to stop the 'Choker Alo' project due to violation of election rules. Under this project, the provision of medical care, surgery and spectacles will have to be stopped till the end of the election. The future of the project is currently in question under the direction of the commission. 

<p>On January 4, Mamata Banerjee announced the 'Choker Alo' project in Nabanna (state secretariat). The Chief Minister announced to provide free eye treatment, surgery and free spectacles to the people of the state in this project.&nbsp;<br />&nbsp;</p>

On January 4, Mamata Banerjee announced the 'Choker Alo' project in Nabanna (state secretariat). The Chief Minister announced to provide free eye treatment, surgery and free spectacles to the people of the state in this project. 

<p>Work on the project began on January 5 across the state. All the citizens of the state were given the opportunity of free eye treatment in this project. Doctors and health workers started treatment by camping in remote areas of the state.<br />&nbsp;</p>

Work on the project began on January 5 across the state. All the citizens of the state were given the opportunity of free eye treatment in this project. Doctors and health workers started treatment by camping in remote areas of the state.

<p>The benefits of this project were being spread by setting up camps in Panchayats areas. It was decided that the benefits of this project would be given for three months. Government hospital doctors, nurses and health workers were attending these camps.</p>

The benefits of this project were being spread by setting up camps in Panchayats areas. It was decided that the benefits of this project would be given for three months. Government hospital doctors, nurses and health workers were attending these camps.

<p>Apart from solving various eye problems, cataract removal and spectacles were also provided from these camps.<br />&nbsp;</p>

Apart from solving various eye problems, cataract removal and spectacles were also provided from these camps.

<p>The BJP alleges that the state government is in fact running the central government's blindness eradication project under the name 'Choker Alo'. However, no one has denied the BJP's allegations on behalf of the state government.<br />&nbsp;</p>

The BJP alleges that the state government is in fact running the central government's blindness eradication project under the name 'Choker Alo'. However, no one has denied the BJP's allegations on behalf of the state government.

<p>According to sources, the commission has objected to the provision of free spectacles and other services in the project. They fear that that the ruling TMC may try to influence the voters by providing free spectacles after the implementation of the code of conduct. So, the commission decided to close the project.</p>

According to sources, the commission has objected to the provision of free spectacles and other services in the project. They fear that that the ruling TMC may try to influence the voters by providing free spectacles after the implementation of the code of conduct. So, the commission decided to close the project.