Public not convinced that China will raise its poverty line
By ANIThursday, October 28, 2010
NEW DELHI - The Chinese are skeptical about their government taking steps to spread the wealth more equally and reduce living on or below the poverty line.
According to the China Daily, China has set the current poverty level of 1,196 Yuan (176 dollars) per capita annually, in 2009, or about six times the amount of 1985, when the idea was first introduced in China.
Nonetheless, some people are saying the current standard fails to reflect the country’s economic development and rising standard of living.
The 1,196-yuan level is just 23 percent of the annual per capita income for rural people in 2009.
An unidentified National Bureau of Statistics official was quoted by the 21st Century Business Herald as saying on Wednesday, “The new poverty line should be raised to between 1,300 yuan and 1,400 yuan, which would take into account both basic living costs and requirements for a healthy life, including education and healthcare.”
And, no timetable has been set for the new poverty line. (ANI)
