Reform to end bias in favor of urbanites

The deaths of two migrant workers in Golmud, Qinghai province of Northwest China, who were killed saving a workmate on May 7, have highlighted the urban-rural divide in the country, as the family of the city-born deceased was compensated more than 400,000 yuan ($64,275) while that of his rural partner got less than 200,000 yuan. Comments:

In response to the latest unequal compensation, the departments concerned are expected to not only correct it, but also make fairness a guiding principle. The decades-old household registration system will inevitably come under fire when the amount of compensation for industrial accidents is still based on birthplace. Given the lack of alternatives for the system, which is undergoing institutional reform, it is vital to reduce its unfairness.

Southern Metropolis Daily, May 25