The per capita disposable income of Beijingers increased by 11.4 percent last year, reaching 138,83 yuan (about 1,673 US dollars), but 60 percent of them earn less than this.

An annual report from the municipal statistics bureau shows that the annual income of the rich families has risen by 11.6 percent from 2002, compared to a 7.6 percent increase for low-income families, Thursday's Beijing Youth Daily reported.

Though the poor report a growing income, the city's income gap has expanded by 2,600 yuan (some 313 US dollars) since 2002, to 22,835 yuan (some 2,751 US dollars). The income of the poor stood at 6,174 yuan (some 744 US dollars), with the poor/rich income ratio at 1:47.

The municipal government spent more on its social security system last year, which accounts for the income growth of the poorest. The social relief payment tripled in 2003, and the retirement pension increased by 9.2 percent.

Beijing's per capita disposable income was ranked third place in China, following those of Guangzhou and Shanghai, the statistics show.

(China Daily  February 7, 2004)