China allocates over $700 mn for rural teachers

Beijing, Jan 6 (IANS) China allocated 4.5 billion yuan ($715 million) in 2012 to teachers working in the compulsory education drive in rural areas, the government has said.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the money subsidises teachers who serve in poverty-stricken areas after graduating from college, with annual help of 27,000 yuan and 24,000 yuan for teachers working in western and central regions, respectively, China Daily reported.

China has adopted a nine-year compulsory education system, comprising of six years in primary school and three years in junior school.