A photograph showing a huge LED screen that reads, "Warm congratulations to Xinshao county for being included in poverty-stricken areas and becoming the main battlefield for the country's poverty alleviation work" has been widely forwarded online and sparked a heated debate. But this seemingly absurd phenomenon involving a county in Shaoyang of Hunan province has a reason and logic of its own, says an article on xinhuanet.com. Excerpts:

Though local departments later clarified that the "poster" was not approved and removed it, the "excitement" over the slogan was not groundless. Once included in the country's poverty-stricken areas, a county can get huge funds for its uplift. For example, eight counties in Shaoyang have been granted at least 560 million yuan ($88.87 million) each a year as poverty relief and development fund, which explains why some local governments are trying their best to be included in the league.

Being poverty-stricken is more of a boon for some counties. Statistics show that despite making great progress and even becoming economically strong, many poverty-stricken counties still prefer to be bracketed in that category, because they can continue enjoying preferential policies. To some extent, this is the reason why the number of such counties seems to be increasing instead of reducing.

Worse, some poverty-stricken counties have used the financial aid and favorable policies to build luxury office buildings instead of using them to improve people's livelihoods and strengthening the local economy. No wonder, people are questioning whether the management of poverty reduction funds is standardized and strict, and whether some adjustments in the assessment system are necessary.

(China Daily 02/03/2012 page9)