Make every effort to shake off poverty

Through the efforts of a strong anti-poverty work group stationed in Lintong District, Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, local residents have been able to free themselves from poverty and can welcome a more prosperous lifestyle. Thanks to the approach adopted by its twin Chan-Ba Ecological District (CBED).

Huang Junjiao, 60, lived in poverty in a cave house in Lintong. Last year, he earned nothing because of a lack of access to arable land and other resources. Thanks to his sister’s support and the few sheep he raised, he managed a hand-to-mouth existence. 

Huang’s cave-dwelling prevented him escaping from poverty, and this is what most concerned the anti-poverty cadres, said Yuan Jun, a cadre from the CBED.

Yuan provided a first-hand account of Huang’s problems to the local housing authority and promised to promote the authority’s plan to move people out of unfit housing.

All the houses that trap helpless and vulnerable people in unfit conditions are scheduled to be upgraded this year, said Yuan.

According to the agreement reached between the authority and Huang, he will be relocated to a new house with an area of 40 square meters in a few months, while his old house will be renovated for other purposes.

Yuan says that the welfare system for the needy created by the government is unique in its breadth. It includes measures such as the New Rural Cooperative Medical System to ease the financial burden and improve the health of rural areas, and Households Enjoying Five Guarantees that represents the State’s guarantees of food, clothing, medical care, a home, and funeral expenses.

In addition, Yuan has helped Huang to apply for the government subsidies that are designated for the elderly and the physically disabled, ranging from 60 to 80 yuan (U.S. $8.97 to U.S. $11.95) each month. These could help Huang shake off poverty and gradually increase his economic security later in life.