The Chinese government has initiated a series of new measures to
offer its vast population of migrant workers more political rights
and economic benefits, according to a report in the overseas
edition of People's Daily.
The National People's Congress (NPC), or parliament, passed a
resolution on deputy elections for the 11th NPC during its
recently-concluded session. It says a quota should be set for the
election of migrant worker deputies in provinces and municipalities
where there are large numbers of migrant workers.
Xinhua News Agency reports there are around 150 million migrant
workers in China's cities, but they currently have no
representation in the NPC.
The resolution also proposed to increase the representation of
farmers and industrial workers on the NPC.
The Ministry of Construction also announced it will try to cover
all urban employees in its housing fund project, including migrant
workers with regular employment in cities.
Migrant workers with permanent urban residency are also expected
to be covered by the pilot medical insurance system. The Ministry
of Health has handed a draft medical care reform plan to the State
Council, China's cabinet, for approval.
(CRI March 21, 2007)