China plans to give Tibetan Monks Welfare support

China plans to give Tibetan monks welfare benefits in an apparent attempt to improve “stability”, according to Chinese news reports. Monks can expect pensions, medical insurance and living allowances. The announcement came at a gathering of the Tibetan branch of the Chinese Communist Party.

The announcement had followed a series of incidents in which monks and nuns have set fire to themselves, revealing continuing discontent in Tibetan areas.

Chen Quanguo, recently appointed Communist Party chief in Tibet, made the announcement making him the region‘s top official. “The government will take great pains to ensure that public services such as electricity, water, telecommunications, radio and TV stations are provided to the local monasteries,” he told reporters.

He added that there would also be personal help, including allowances, for monks and nuns living in the Tibetan Autonomous Region. Maintaining stability appears to be the motive behind the plan, which could help nearly 50,000 people, says the Global Times.

Previously monks and nuns had to rely on monasteries, public donations or themselves to fund daily living expenses.

(아주경제 앤드류 이 기자)

AJP