BEIJING — Investment from the central government budget toward the work-for-relief programs has totaled 35.5 billion yuan ($5 billion) so far in 2025, with the programs expected to create more than 1.1 million jobs for the low-income population, according to the National Development and Reform Commission.

The NDRC, China's top economic regulator, 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.

In addition to boosting local incomes and employment, the programs are enhancing infrastructure and stimulating investment growth in local regions, the NDRC added.

For example, in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, employees from China Railway 24th Bureau Group Corp completed the closure of a continuous beam for the north section of Changsheng Road on Dec 1, a critical milestone in upgrading the key east-west artery in the city.

The project is a critical addition to local infrastructure that forms part of the Changzhou Economic Development Zone's major road network. It aims to ease traffic congestion and boost connectivity between Changzhou and neighboring cities in the Yangtze River Delta region, said CR24G, a State-owned contractor, adding that local employees make up most of the construction team.

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.

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.

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.

Xinhua - China Daily