The State Council on May 28 released a circular approving the management methods on funds used in poverty-relief projects.

The methods were drawn up by the Ministry of Finance, the State Council Leading Group on Poverty Alleviation and Development, and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), the circular stated.

The goal is to improve efficiency in allocating and using poverty-relief project funds with better supervision, the circular added.

Poverty-relief funds refer to financial funds for all kinds of poverty-relief projects, including industrial development, household relocation, employment, education and healthcare, approved by all levels of governments, according to the circular.

Any investment of the funds should be target-oriented, with more focus on helping achieve good results in poverty-relief tasks.

The Finance Ministry, the State Council Leading Group on Poverty Alleviation and Development, and NDRC are in charge of the overall management, while related departments are required to put the management methods in place, according to the circular. Finance departments at city or county level are responsible for managing the preparation, implementation and settlement of budgets related to poverty-relief project funds.

Any unit or personnel found engaging in illegal and irregular acts in fund management will be punished, the circular stated.