The National Plan for Improving Citizens' Scientific Knowledge has been outlined by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the country's largest non-governmental science and technology body.

By the year 2049, all the Chinese citizens should have a good understanding of major scientific concepts and knowledge, and be able to conduct certain research and use technology, according to the plan.

For example, they will be expected to know about the universe and the earth, the evolution of life, mathematics, and new technology.

People should also be able to hold rational attitudes on various issues instead of blinkered, superstitious views, the plan said.

The program has been endorsed by the State Council, China's cabinet, but it needs details for implementation which will emerge after discussions by experts in the scientific, technological, educational and other circles, said Xu Shanyan, CAST vice-president.

Policymakers in China, which is on a fast track to modernization, have now realized the importance and urgency of having well-educated citizens, especially with the world embracing the era of a knowledge-based economy.

"The relatively low level of laborers' scientific and cultural understanding has become a key factor in hindering China's economic development, social progress and improved international competitiveness," Xu said.

Raising scientific knowledge will mainly depend on primary and middle schools, plus a range of educational methods like vocational and adult education and on-job training.

Communist Party of China officials and governments at all levels, civil servants, youngsters, business employees, and urban and rural dwellers are all possible participants in the program, Xu said.

A national law to boost the introduction of scientific and technological knowledge among the public had just become effective and would accelerate the program's implementation, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency July 5, 2002)