(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-11 16:26

BEIJING - Universities and colleges in Beijing have received order to maintain current prices, varieties and qualities of canteen food amid food price hikes on the market.

A circular issued by the Beijing Municipal Education Commission also asked colleges and universities forbid outside people dining in their canteens, a move to ensure benefits for students are not exploited by outsiders.

An official with the commission noted that Beijing is drafting measures to raise the level of food subsidies and prolong the period students from impoverished families can enjoy the subsidy.

Food price jumped 18.2 percent year-on-year in August, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Tuesday.

Earlier reports said that China's Ministry of Education has asked colleges and universities nationwide to stabilize pork prices, ensure meat quality in dining halls and offer subsidies if necessary to alleviate the burden of students.