Two professionals in Ordos, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, were eligible to receive the special government allowances offered by the State Council, according to a list of subsidy winners announced by Zhongguo Zuzhirenshi Bao (literally, China Organization and Personnel Press), on Jan 15.

The two winners claiming the honor were Qi Yaping from Inner Mongolia Yitai Group, and Zhang Jun from Inner Mongolia Zhenjin Seed Industry Co. 

The special government allowance from the State Council is a reward system for high-level professionals and technicians. The Central Party Committee and the State Council decided in 1990 to grant special government allowances to experts, scholars and technicians who have made outstanding contributions to society.

Winners of the award will receive a cash subsidy of 20,000 yuan ($2,969), which is exempt from individual income tax.