The CPM on Monday formed a team of volunteers to provide succour to the geriatric population of Durgapur in view of the coronavirus outbreak.

The party, as part of its social outreach initiative, has picked up 75 volunteers who will address the daily requirements of the town’s elderly population. They will be a call away to provide voluntary services to the elderly, which include delivery of essential goods at their doorsteps, irrespective of their political.

The service will continue till April 15.

CPM leaders said the outreach programme was planned as the elderly and children had been counted among the vulnerable population in view of the Covid-19 threat and they had been urged to stay at home.

“We have urged them to stay at home and we will deliver them whatever they need at their doorstep. The service will be free but people will have to pay the price of goods,” said Pankaj Roy Sarkar, a secretariat member of the CPM’s West Burdwan district unit.

On Monday, the volunteers visited homes of elderly residents and handed over their phone numbers.

“In case of any need, they have been asked to call the volunteers on their cell phone. After they receive the call, the volunteers will reach them as soon as possible,” said Roy Sarkar.

A CPM leader said the elderly people mainly go out of homes to buy medicines, milk, vegetables and other requirements. “If we get them delivered those at their home, they can stay safe,” he added.

Many see the outreach programme as an aim to reach out elderly voters.

“In Durgapur municipal area, among the 4 lakh voters there are around 1.40 lakh voters who are above 60. We are trying to reach out to them,” said a CPM leader in Durgapur.

The Trinamul and the BJP, too, have distributed masks in the town following the coronavirus threat to reach out to the people.

A retired state government employee in the town, who claimed to be a Trinamul supporter, said the initiative of the CPM would help them largely. “My wife and I stay alone at home. Both of us are ailing but are forced to go out to buy fish and vegetables everyday. It will be a great help for us,” he added.