A new kind of innovative digital convenience store, "Love Heart Booth,” debuted in an event held by the Chongqing municipal government on China's National Helping-the-Disabled Day.

A local newspaper reported that the booths' launch is just one of many projects in a large campaign aimed at resolving the employment and reemployment of the disabled.

Local authorities said the booths will soon be put into use, and disabled citizens are encouraged to apply for jobs as sellers. The basic salary is 580 yuan (about US$73) per month, plus a bonus based on the sales.

With their multi-functions, the booths, covering 5 square meters each, will also bring convenience to local citizens.

Installed with digital facilities such as an LED electric screen, a POS machine, an ATM and mobile television, they will provide access and useful information for household products. People also can pay water, electricity, gas, insurance, and telephone fees here as well.

The authorities have said that closed-circuit television alarm devices will be installed in the booths in the near future in order to guarantee security.

Between 500 and 1,000 Love Heart booths will be in place this year and 3,000 altogether, by 2008.

Since 1991, the Chinese Government has legally implemented National Helping-the-Disabled Day on the third Sunday in May.

(Xinhua News Agency May 21, 2007)