Besides, the urban poor are not covered by this programme. These schemes have significantly contributed to reduce poverty in addition to improving education and health (Leibbrandt et al., These have been effective in reducing poverty, especially during crisis periods (OECD, 2010a). The impact of such projects on the local economy, poverty and inequality has been below expectations (Herd, 2010). Gao and Riskin (2009) have estimated that if Dibao were extended to such workers, the number of beneficiaries in urban areas would increase by around 65%.