New Delhi, Nov 13 (IANS): The CPI-M on Sunday urged the government to continue with the validity of the old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes till money supply eases in banks and ATMs.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist said in a statement that "till alternative arrangements are completed, the validity of the old currency notes should continue".

The CPI-M expressed serious concern over the hardships faced by ordinary people "because of the haphazard manner in which the central government handled its demonitisation decision.

"The day to day life of every section of the common people has been thrown out of gear because the government had not taken the requisite and appropriate steps in advance to meet the contingency," it said.

"Workers are not being paid wages, people are unable to purchase essential commodities, vegetables and medicines, unable to undertake travel due to non-availability of cash.

"According to the government's own admission, the present chaotic situation will continue for another three to four weeks, implying that the people will be subject to sufferings for some more time to come."

The CPI-M urged its units throughout the country to conduct protest actions to force the government to immediately put in place measures to ease the situation.