2.05 million destitute students in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region will go to school without paying tuition fees and other extras.

The new regulation will go into effect as of the new term in autumn this year.

Special funds allocated from both the central Ministry of Finance and local financial departments will guarantee the regulation will be carried out. Meanwhile, upper-grade students are appealed to hand over their used books to lower-grade students.

Previously, schools were permitted by the local educational department to receive sundry charges, lodging fee, and extras paid by those who studied at schools away from their registered permanent residences. But all the costs should not be more than 60 yuan (US$7.3) for a student in a term.

The students in junior high schools will study for free if they do not need to pay for books and sundry charges.

2.05 million students will benefit from the new regulation.

The special fund, to be transferred by terms and grades, will be managed by the local government to avert from being moved or misappropriated.

The local government has promised that every student is sure to get good quality books before class begins.

(China.org.cn by Unisumoon August 21, 2003)