The Tibet Autonomous Region began to give a 15 yuan (US$2) temporary monthly subsidy to urban low-income families as of this month to help them meet rising living costs, the local civil affairs authority said on Wednesday.

Those who already receive the minimum urban living allowance will get the subsidy in addition to the monthly allowance of 260 yuan.

A regional civil affairs department official said that 230,000 impoverished rural people, with annual incomes of less than 850 yuan, will get a 10 yuan monthly subsidy in addition to their allowances.

These 230,000 people already receive a yearly allowance of 470 yuan, 290 yuan or 194 yuan, depending on their economic situation.

(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2008)