Investment from the central government budget toward the work-for-relief programs has totaled 35.5 billion yuan (about 5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2025, with these programs expected to create more than 1.1 million jobs for the low-income population, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The NDRC, China’s top economic planner, said these programs that incline toward rural areas and integrated urban-rural development have been specifically implemented in small and medium-scale infrastructure projects, such as hardening village roads and alleys, dredging irrigation and drainage facilities, and building water storage ponds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to boosting local incomes and employment, the programs are enhancing infrastructure and stimulating investment growth in local regions, the NDRC added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The central government aims to implement over 7,000 work-for-relief programs this year. In implementing these programs, training will be provided to strengthen workers’ job skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Work-for-relief programs refer to a support policy in which the government invests in the construction of infrastructure projects, and those who work on such projects receive remuneration, thereby replacing direct relief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apart from central government funding support, the NDRC said it is also encouraging local authorities to promote the work-for-relief approach in other important projects. Together, these efforts are expected to create up to 4 million jobs for low-income people in 2025. <\/p>\n\n\n\n