Blizzards since last October have caused huge economic losses and great difficulties for the life of local people in Tacheng, Altay, Ili, Hami and other places in the region, leaving tens of thousands of pupils in danger of dropping out of school.

Following an instruction by the State Council, the ministries of education and finance have held emergency consultations, and decided to provide five million yuan to ensure that no poor pupils will be forced to quit school.

In addition, a special fund for the rebuilding of schools seriously damaged by the blizzards will be provided later, official sources said.

(Xinhua 02/26/2001)