Two representatives from Shanxi province received commendations from the government in Beijing on Oct 16 for their contributions to alleviating poverty.

Shen Jilan received the honor for her role as an official in Xigou village in Shanxi's Pingshun county. In her tenure, Shen helped transform what was largely a farming based economy to one with much more diversity. The local economy is now home to steel factories, tourism businesses, modern agriculture and a slew of chain restaurants.

Before 2000, the average annual income of villagers was around 2,000 yuan ($241.55). By 2015, it had increased fourfold to 8,000 yuan ($1,231).

The other honoree, Wang Jianhui, works as the head of Tianzhen county. He was lauded for helping more than 3,800 women find jobs in the housekeeping service industry in cities like Beijing and Taiyuan since 2012.

During his time in office, more than 12,000 residents were lifted out of poverty with the support of the local government policy shaped by Wang.

He also initiated several activities for charity, raising a total of 25 million yuan for more than 15,000 families in need.

"What I do now is far from enough and I will continue to assist more people out of poverty," said Wang.

The National Awards for Poverty Alleviation were set up in September 2016 to encourage people to fight poverty. There are four categories, namely the awards for striving, contribution, dedication and innovation. Each award may have no more than 10 recipients. Thirty-eight public figures across China were honored this year.

Currently, there are still 58 impoverished counties in Shanxi. The local government has been appealing to more people to join in poverty relief and economic development. The province aims to relieve 1.15 million residents out of difficulties by 2020.

Wang Jianhui (L), head of Tianzhen county in Shanxi, and Shen Jilan (R), a top official in Pingshun county, receive honors for their work in helping local people get rid of poverty at a ceremony in Beijing on Oct 16. [Photo/sxrb.com]