EC considering Bengal request on flyover compensation

Kolkata: The Election Commission on Friday said it was considering West Bengal government’s request for relaxation in the model code of conduct over its announcement of compensation for the victims of the Kolkata flyover tragedy.

“We have received a letter from the chief secretary of the state government seeking relaxation. There are provisions of relaxation to some extent in such accidental case,” said additional chief electoral officer Dibyendu Sarkar.

“We have sent the letter to the commission,” he said.

He declined to provide further details.

A portion of an under construction flyover collapsed in the city on Thursday killing at least 24 people and injuring 90 others.Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee subsquently announced a compensation of Rs.5 lakh to the families of the dead, Rs.2 lakh each for those critically injured and Rs.1 lakh for who suffered less severe injuries.

–IANS