China has helped some 460,000 homeless beggars in the past
twelve months.
The country has built more than 900 help centers nationwide
since the management regulation on vagrant beggars was issued last
August.
The basic living standard of beggars who receive assistance is
set slightly below the local minimum living guarantee.
Authorities also urge strengthening the control of professional
beggars and call for stricter penalties for people who manipulate
vagrant children to beg.
(CRI.com August 1, 2004)