The city of Dongguan in south China's Guangdong Province is seeking public views on a plan to offer generous compensation to people harmed when performing heroic deeds.

The city has put forward a new regulation offering 400,000 yuan (US$50,000) to dependants of those killed protecting others. Injured people can apply for support to pay for medical treatment.

Examples of the type of deed involve persons killed while protecting others from a threatening criminal.

The regulation was published on the municipal government website at the end of last month, and suggestions and comments are required to be submitted before July 11.

The local government will set up a fund, and members of the public are invited to make applications. The government would not disclose the size of the fund.

Dozens of people have responded to the proposed regulation so far, all holding positive views, according to an official surnamed Zhou from the legislative affairs office of the government.

He said most people believed the award would help ease people's worries about their families suffering financial difficulties after being injured or killed while saving others, and kindle a sense of honour among ordinary people.

The official added that the award is available to all people who perform acts of heroism in Dongguan, no matter where they are from.

Local residents welcomed the initiative. "Of course, when a person performs such a deed, he will never think of the amount he will get," said hotel manager Zhou Hai'ou.

"But a certain amount of money will help the brave person get through difficult times," she added.

Provincial governments such as Hebei and Shaanxi have set similar awards, though with less money on offer. For example, Chongqing in southwest China offers 200,000 yuan (US$25,000) for those killed performing heroic deeds.

(China Daily July 7, 2006)