An official from the ministry told Xinhua that from the first quarter of this year, records of such workers will be kept and updated every quarter.

The records will include the name, address and ID number of the householder as well as the number of people living in the household, the amount of the relief payment and the date of payment.

A national network for the examination of candidates' household incomes, assets and state of employment will be established to ensure that every needy urban family receives assistance from the fund.

The ministry will also make regular nationwide surveys to guarantee the open and fair distribution of the relief fund, the official said.

He also warned that local governments should strictly observe the national standards and any local policies not in line with this standard will be banned.

In Shanghai in 1993 the level for a basic standard of living allowance was set and examined. This has been used nationwide since1999.

(Xinhua New Agency February 8, 2002)