It's improper to turn part of people's incomes into shopping coupons for it violates the consumers' right to decide where and when to spend money, says an article in Beijing Youth Daily. The following is an excerpt:

Hangzhou authorities have envisaged that 5 to 10 percent of the salaries and welfare allowances for people working at government bodies or government-funded enterprises should be paid in the form of shopping coupons to stimulate consumption.

During Spring Festival, Hangzhou gave out 100-million-yuan in shopping coupons to low-income families, residents living in difficulty, students and retirees with no strings attached. It has achieved some successes and won praise from the central government.