A program launched in Beijing on Monday sets aside 50 million
yuan (US$6.25 million) from the central budget to reward
institutions and individuals for their outstanding performance in
popularizing science in the countryside this year.
The program, jointly launched by the China Association for
Science and Technology and the Ministry of Finance, will offer
financial support to 100 technological associations, 100 popular
science bases, 100 popular science advocates and 10 science
popularizing work teams for ethnic minorities in rural areas.
Rural technology associations and bases will each receive
200,000 yuan (US$25,000). Individual winners will receive 50,000
yuan (US$6,250) and ethnic minority work teams 500,000 yuan
(US$62,500).
The rewards will be used to buy popular science material and
equipment, and organize training lectures and exhibitions for
farmers and young people in the countryside.
(Xinhua News Agency August 22, 2006)