Beijing: Authorities in a China city have prohibited schools and kindergartens from carrying out palm-reading tests, conducted to ascertain children's intelligence and professional aptitude.

"We have issued a circular to criticise the three kindergartens that offered palm-reading tests for 1,200 yuan ($190) per person," said Ma Zhaoxing, education bureau chief in Taiyuan, capital of Shanxi province.

The education bureau, meanwhile, has set up an investigation team to find out if the kindergarten management had been ripped off by the company that provided the palm-reading service, Shanxi Daomeng Culture Communication Co., Ltd., said Ma.

He said all the three kindergartens were privately-run.

Earlier in January, some parents in Taiyuan had complained that they had been asked for the test to enable them find out their children's aptitudes in music, mathematics or languages, so as to cultivate these talents accordingly at an earlier age.

Though some parents eagerly took their children to the test, many others complained of the high costs and doubted if it was scientific or superstitious.

Mei Mingzhi, a company executive with Shanxi Daomeng, said the test could help determine a child's innate intelligence and potential and was applicable to all children aged over three months. IANS