BEIJING - Governments at all levels in China have been asked to help needy people while maintaining market order and social security ahead of New Year's Day and the Spring Festival.

Governments should distribute allowances promptly to low-income families, orphans, and the elderly who lack family support, said a statement issued Tuesday from the general offices of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the State Council, or Cabinet.

Authorities should enhance supervision targeting employers who default on payments to migrant workers from rural areas, the statement said.

Ahead of the festivals, officials are encouraged to visit poverty-stricken areas and regions hit by disasters to help solve problems there.

Efforts should be made to stabilize consumer prices, especially those of necessities, by ensuring supply and fighting price manipulation, the statement said.

The government must ensure a stable supply of tap water, power, petroleum, natural gas and heating, it said.

The statement also asked local governments to step up the inspection of fire-safety measures and work place safety in the transportation and coal mining sectors, as well as fireworks factories.

Police will tighten checks and punishments on violations of traffic rules, especially drunk driving, fatigued driving, speeding and overloading, the statement said.

Police will also crack down on robberies, phone fraud and illegal fund-raising in order to maintain security ahead of the festivals, it said.

Next year's Spring Festival, China's most important traditional festival, falls on January 23.

Officials of all levels were also warned against spending public money on extravagant celebrations and private purposes.