The government of Shanghai's Pudong New Area has launched a new social security program tailored specifically to the needs of local families in acute financial difficulties.

The move is designed to echo the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China held in Beijing on Oct 18-24, during which Party leaders called on Chinese officials all over the country to do everything they can to reduce poverty and improve people's quality of life.

Zhang Jinxian, an elderly resident of Pudong who suffers from a disability, is one of the first people to benefit from the new targeted scheme.

Zhang used to be under financial pressure due to the costs of paying for her own care. But now she receives enough money from the government to cover the expense.

The new social security initiative is currently being trialed in Chuansha new town, Tangqiao street and Hangtou town, where officials are working to distribute welfare payments according to families' specific needs.

This is just the latest scheme Pudong has launched recently to help local residents in need. The government also held a charity walk to raise funds for local causes, and has also started providing free milk for low-income families and offering free courses to students who cannot afford a university education.

The civil administration also plans to build archives, classify their information and provide systematical support covering education, employment, medical treatment, social work and business insurance.

Existing services will also be improved in several aspects. The government will not only help impoverished residents reach basic living standards, but also create more opportunities for them to realize their personal development. Besides the financial support, more care and concern will be given to them.

Pudong is working to build its social security system into a holistic whole instead of a series of fragmentary services.