Gov`t to spend over 5 tln won to improve rural living conditions

SEOUL, June 3 (Yonhap) -- The government said Wednesday it will spend over 5.1
trillion won (US$4.1 billion) this year to help improve living conditions in the
country's rural areas.
The plan approved by a joint committee to fuel regional development calls for the
central government to provide about 2.9 trillion won, with regional
administrations and the private sector to come up with the remainder.
Of the total, 2.8 trillion won will be used for various infrastructure
development projects, with welfare and education to receive 873 billion won and
707 billion won, respectively.
"Overall, the measures reflect the government's commitment to expanding welfare
and support for rural areas," a government official said.
Funds will be used to extend state subsidies for health insurance for people
living in rural communities, said the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry
and Fisheries and 10 other ministries and state agencies.
Other measures call for building and refurbishing 196 medical clinics, supporting
hundreds of schools, and creating rural industries that can boost profits for
farmers and fishermen.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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