Circular lays out methods to aid vulnerable households

Flooding and other extreme weather events that have gripped many parts of China in recent months have prompted authorities to call for greater efforts to ensure financially vulnerable rural families do not suffer.

A circular released on Wednesday by the National Administration of Rural Vitalization said local authorities can bypass some paperwork so affected rural families can access assistance and avoid backsliding into poverty "due to unforeseen circumstances".

To achieve that, more monitoring is needed for "targeted groups" including those with low incomes, individuals experiencing a significant decline in income and those burdened by increased expenses, the document read, adding any factors hindering stable income growth for the impoverished will be identified and addressed.

The administration required employers in wealthier eastern regions to offer more local jobs for rural workers through their operations in the poorer western regions.

In central and western regions, targeted vocational skill training initiatives will also be launched to improve the employment prospects of those who have just been lifted out of poverty.

The document encourages the purchase of agricultural products from impoverished regions, and makes clear organizations funded by public money need to collaborate with e-commerce enterprises to support the expansion of farm produce sales.

"Efforts are needed to guide impoverished households in transforming their products into marketable goods and tangible cash, ultimately promoting stable employment and income growth," the circular read.

The circular also noted rural income growth would be factored into assessments of local government performance when the year ends.