Cabinet orders close watch on poverty funds

New policies aim to direct money to those in need and reduce corruption

The central government vowed on Tuesday to strictly monitor the use of poverty-relief funds to protect the interests of people in need.

These funds are "life-saving money" for the poor and the "propelling force" for development of poverty-stricken regions, which must be effectively supervised, according to a regular executive meeting of the State Council, China's Cabinet.