Tibet to offer subsidy for the poor

LHASA -- More than 435,000 low-income people in Southwest China's Tibet autonomous region will receive a subsidy to celebrate three major upcoming festivals.

The allowance will be provided in cash before Dec 31 to help the low-income group for New Year's Day, Chinese Lunar New Year and Tibetan New Year, according to the regional government of Tibet.

The Chinese Lunar New Year and the Tibetan New Year fall on Jan 31 and March 2, 2014, respectively.

This is the sixth consecutive year for low-income people in both rural and urban areas in Tibet to receive the subsidy. This year they will receive cash, while in previous years they received shopping cards.

Urban low-income residents will each receive 900 yuan (about $148.2) and rural residents will receive 300 yuan.