The Ministry of Finance has allocated 158.2 billion yuan ($21.9 billion), a year-on-year increase of 2.3 billion yuan, to further ensure equal and high-quality compulsory education in rural areas.

The amount of living subsidies for economically disadvantaged students will be increased, and it is estimated that over 20 million students nationwide will receive the subsidies, according to the ministry.

Starting from the spring semester this year, the annual per capita subsidy for elementary school boarding students will rise from 1,000 yuan to 1,250 yuan, and the amount for junior middle school students will increase from 1,250 yuan to 1,500 yuan.

Efforts will be intensified to subsidize the renovation and reconstruction of rural school buildings, with the per square meter subsidy rising from 900 yuan to 1,200 yuan in western areas.

Moreover, support will be provided to increase living subsidies for rural teachers and improve teaching conditions in rural boarding schools, the ministry said.