China Invests 35.5 Billion Yuan in Work-for-Relief Programs to Create Over 1 Million Jobs
The NDRC reports China’s central government is funding work-for-relief programs worth 35.5 billion yuan in 2025, aiming to create 1.1 million jobs and improve rural infrastructure.
New Delhi/BEIJING, Dec. 5 – China’s central government has allocated 35.5 billion yuan (approximately 5 billion USD) to support work-for-relief initiatives in 2025, with expectations to create more than 1.1 million employment opportunities for low-income populations, according to the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
These initiatives primarily target rural areas and integrated urban-rural development and are being carried out through small- and medium-scale infrastructure projects, including paving village roads and alleys, dredging irrigation channels, improving drainage systems, and constructing water storage facilities.
The NDRC highlighted that beyond providing income support and jobs, these programs also strengthen local infrastructure and spur regional investment, creating a sustainable impact on local economies.
The government plans to implement over 7,000 work-for-relief programs nationwide in 2025, which will include training components to enhance workers’ skills. Work-for-relief programs involve government-funded infrastructure projects where participants receive payment for their labor, serving as an alternative to direct financial aid.
In addition to central funding, the NDRC is encouraging local authorities to apply the work-for-relief approach in other key projects. Collectively, these efforts are projected to create up to 4 million jobs for low-income individuals throughout the year.