The State Council, or the central government, met Wednesday to discuss ways to assist people with low income, those who have lost their jobs or impoverished by natural calamities.

According to the meeting, which is presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao, 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.

(Xinhua News Agency September 30, 2004)