China says it will give one-off cash handouts to people in extreme poverty

China’s government has announced a rare, one-time cash handout for citizens living in extreme poverty, following a broader package of measures aimed at reviving the country’s struggling economy.

The Ministry of Civil Affairs stated on Wednesday (Sept 25) that subsidies will be distributed to vulnerable groups, including orphans and those living in poverty.

Local governments have been instructed to ensure the funds reach recipients by October 1, emphasizing “the party and government’s love and care for those in need,” according to the ministry’s statement.

The amount each individual will receive, as well as the total cost to the government, was not disclosed.

Earlier this week, China unveiled a major economic stimulus plan, which will inject roughly 1 trillion yuan (US$142 billion) in long-term liquidity into its troubled financial markets. On Tuesday, China’s central bank governor, Pan Gongsheng, outlined additional support for the property sector, including reductions in mortgage interest rates.

The handout announcement also comes just ahead of China’s National Day, celebrated annually on October 1.

Public reaction on Chinese social media has been largely positive.

On Sina Weibo, a popular microblogging platform, Wang Shacheng, an Associate Professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing, described the one-time payments as an “important measure” for improving people’s welfare.

“This shows not only the Party and Government’s deep concern for those in need, but also serves as a key initiative to protect and enhance people’s livelihoods,” he wrote.

However, some Weibo users raised concerns about whether the aid would reach its intended recipients. “We should be careful that the assistance doesn’t end up in someone else’s pocket,” one user commented.

Others expressed fears that corrupt officials might misappropriate the funds for personal use.