China would give financial subsidy to college graduates who opted to work as village administrators, ministries announced on Tuesday.

The Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Finance Ministry said in a joint circular that the money, including life subsidy and settlement fees, was earmarked from the central budget to provide the graduates "necessary working and living conditions to facilitate their work in the villages."

The circular, however, failed to disclose how much money will be allocated to each of the graduates.

It urged provinces to submit the name lists of the graduates as soon as possible and once the money was allocated, distribute to them at an early date.

Aside from the one-off central subsidy, local governments should give them monthly subsidy until the contract concludes. Those working in remote and harsh areas would be given a monthly special subsidy as well.

The circular said no delay in payment or embezzlement of the money would be allowed and those found violating the rules would be severely punished.

In March this year, the government launched a five-year project to have 100,000 college students work in villages. They would be responsible for helping farmers with agricultural technology, raising health awareness and skills, promoting cultural activities and researching farmers' complaints.

The project is in smooth progress as many college graduates have volunteered for the jobs and most provinces have finished selecting the candidates, according to the circular.

(Xinhua News Agency October 29, 2008)