China raises subsidies for orphans

BEIJING - Chinese central government has increased the basic living allowance it gives to orphans by 50 percent beginning this year, a senior official announced Monday.

With the hikes, orphans in less developed western regions receive 600 yuan (about $87) per person each month, while those in central and eastern areas get 450 yuan and 300 yuan, respectively, from central coffers, said Guo Yuqiang, director of the child welfare department of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, at a press conference.

Apart from the living allowance, China is gradually extending the coverage of orphans' security to medical and educational aspects, Guo noted.

The government subsidizes the out-of-pocket portion of the medical insurance reimbursement for orphan medical rehabilitation costs with the help of a special program for the vulnerable group.

With regard to education, the ministry intends to introduce a project aimed to assist orphans in their studies by subsidizing the cost of living for orphans admitted to colleges, even after they reach the age of 18.