The State Council, or the central Chinese government, met Wednesday to discuss ways to assist people who have encountered difficulties ranging from natural calamities to low income to unemployment.

According to the meeting, which Premier Wen Jiabao presided over, the central leadership has issued a series of major decisions to resolve these difficulties this year. Central government departments and local authorities have also made enormous efforts for the same purpose.

The meeting urged local authorities to ensure that all relief funds and goods can reach the hands of the needed individuals and businesses.

Local governments were asked to improve local welfare systems to support low-income families, elderly people in rural areas, retirees and the urban unemployed.

The meeting also discussed ways to improve medicare system in the countryside, support poverty-stricken areas and help support those laid-off from state factories.

In addition, the meeting passed, in principle, the draft of a law on administrative penalties for minor crimes.

Source: Xinhua