China is to reinforce the provision of caring services to the country's most vulnerable groups.

"From past experience, the underprivileged receive enough money and materials to maintain basic living standards, but we provide insufficient support to those who have lost the ability to look after themselves," said Gong Puguang, vice minister of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

"For instance, social relief centers prefer to accept three to four elderly who can take care of themselves, than accept one without self-caring ability. For many social relief centers, it has resulted from the lack of professionals or money to provide such a service," Gong added.

The State Council released a guideline last week about providing a safety net to the needy.

It is society's bottom line to provide support to vulnerable groups, Gong said.

The elderly without the ability to work, income or any dependents, the disabled and youths under 16 can receive social relief from the government, the guideline said.

By the end of last year, China had 5.91 million people living in extremely difficult situations with 5.17 million from rural areas and 739,000 from cities.

Some 1.79 million cannot take care of themselves, about one third of the total underprivileged population. However, only 570,000 live in social relief centers.

Each receives from 374 yuan ($57.2) to 1,000 yuan a month based on their location and age.

Children who live in welfare organizations receive the greatest support, 1,000 yuan a month.