The government requires salaries of rural teachers to be no less than that received by civil servants in the same area.

But in many cases, that is far from enough to compensate the educators for the sacrifices they have to make to stay in impoverished regions or secluded mountain areas.

Another policy designed to tackle the problem is the "free normal school students scheme".

The authorities pay for rural students who have excellent results but cannot afford to go to university.

Beneficiaries are required to attend normal universities and, after graduation, return to their hometown to teach, for at least 10 years.

While the measures are said to offer hope, some say the options are still limited.

However, Zhou, who was a university teacher for 14 years before becoming a minister, said the profession demands lifelong devotion.

"Being a good teacher requires a lot of on-the-job training. Ten years is the minimum amount of time one needs for that," he said.

"But I understand that everybody has his or her own aspirations. It is my job as the education minister to work for the benefit of those who choose to be teachers, and to help them stay where they are most needed."

(China Daily March 15, 2008)