Younger Migrant Workers Targeted in New Report

Report focuses on how to integrate 100 million young migrant workers into cities

The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council jointly issued a document on reinforcing rural-urban integration January 31.

Chen Xiwen, director of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, said February 1 about 60 percent of China's 150 million migrant workers were born in 1980s or 1990s and want to live in an urban setting. The joint document on rapid urbanization highlights major challenges for rural residents transitioning into urban environments.

Chen said that the joint document drew attention to the need to integrate 100 million young migrant workers into cities.

City governments are encouraged to include migrant workers to participate in urban housing programs, have stable jobs and live in cities for a certain period of time. Other social services, such as basic medical insurance and pension programs in cities, should also be made available for them, as long as they are transferred to local residents in cities, according to Chen's interpretation.

Another focus of China's latest urbanization plan lies in development of small and medium-sized cities and townships. The document listed new measures to improve their infrastructure and environment.

(Translated by GC)

Full Article in Chinese: http://policy.caing.com/2010-02-01/100112590.html