China steps up investment in education

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Source: CCTV.com | 10-10-2007 13:23

Government statistics show that a total of one point five trillion yuan from the central budget has been allocated to the sector since the 10th Five-Year Plan. That's over 1.2 times more than that allocated in the previous Five-Year Plan.

From 2005, the central government exempted students in rural areas of western and central China from tuition and miscellaneous fees related to nine-year compulsory education. The government has also provided a 100- yuan monthly living-allowance for rural boarding students. By 2007, the exemption has relieved the financial burden for 150 million rural families with school-age children.

In addition, the country has strived to make more national scholarships, as well as student loans and grants, available to help support poor students. And beginning this fall semester, the Ministry of Finance says a system of national scholarships and tuition assistance will go into operation for colleges and vocational schools.

Zhao Lu, Director-general of Finance MIn. Dept. of Educ., Sci. & Cul.,said, "The financial aid provided by all-levels of financial authorities for all of 2008 will be nearly 31 billion yuan."

He Tiantian is from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. She comes from a low-income family. Her food card now has an extra 14 yuan per month -- subsidized by the school.

He Tiantian, sophomore from Huazhong Univ.of Sci. & Tech., said, "We received a total of five hundred yuan for a living allowance last year. Our living standards improved. We could order both meat and vegetables."