Guwahati: The Assam government has created a strong volunteer force involving 14,000 youth mainly to deal with the challenges of COVID-19 and the forthcoming flood season, an official said.
The volunteer force christened as "Pratirodhi Bandhu" (meaning Resistance Friend) will act as a bridge between the common people and the government for different purposes taking people's concern to the government and the government's solution for any particular problems to the people.
All the 14,000 youth being trained by the UNICEF at present are on ways to handle the COVID -19 cases as well as the difficult times of disasters.
"We have sought online applications from interested youth to work as volunteers. In four days we have received names of about 16,000 people who showed their interest," said Project Coordinator of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), Pankaj Chakrabarty.
Also read:We did not seek immediate payment for diesel: Rajasthan Transport Minister on BJP’s allegation
He said that these members of the "Pratirodhi Bondhu" will basically work as a bridge between the people and the government. "As the lock down is lifted partially, they will ensure social distancing in all public places in their local areas. They will also create awareness about the policies adopted by the government and about different guidelines issued by the government from time to time," he said.
"These Pratirodhi Bondhu will also ensure any assistance to any people whenever needed and will run the telemedicines and telecounseling helplines of the government in times whenever needed," Chakrabarty said adding that during the forthcoming flood season the service of these youth will be used.
"From running and managing the relief camps for the flood victims to the distribution of relief materials, everything will be managed by them in their local areas," he said.
