Nation mulling higher subsistence allowances

By Hao Zhou (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-06-26 10:48

Li Xueju, minister of Civil Affairs, said June 24 they are considering raising the subsistence allowances for those people with economic difficulties in an effort to offset some impact from the rising food prices.

Related readings:
 Allowance program set for rural poor China to legislate on minimum subsistence allowance
 More controls pledged on prices Price hike in pork affects people's diets

Since April this year, the prices of live pigs and pork as well as vegetables and eggs have been rising, which lifted the consumer price index to a new high of 3.4 percent.

According to the subsistence allowance division under the Ministry of Civil Affairs, all local governments will launch emergency assistance programs to combat consumer goods prices fluctuation, and implement a subsidization scheme that better reflects the changing situation.


(For more biz stories, please visit Industry Updates)